The Tennessean (Nov. 4th 2009)

Shelton speaks his mind

For Blake Shelton, it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy. Or, at least it’s no more Mr. Goody Two-Shoes.

The country singer hasn’t seemed particularly wary of offending people, but Shelton says some recent life changes have translated into a more defiant attitude.

“The truth is I finally got all my (expletive) paid off,” Shelton says. “Once you get everything paid off, it’s like, ‘(Who cares) if you all don’t like it.’ I’ve got something to say. I think what’s cool about it is, and has been in the last few months with Twitter, is really not being afraid anymore.”

Shelton is an avid user of micro-blogging service (follow him at twitter.com/blakeshelton), lightheartedly sparring with both his followers and the official Twitterer of animals right organization PETA (he’s a big hunter). 

Shelton says his sharper attitude is also on display in the video for his latest single, ‘Hillbilly Bone,’ which is on his upcoming CD and features his good buddy Trace Adkins. Shelton says the song and video are indicative of what fans can expect to hear on the record: country lifestyle themes turned up a couple of notches.

“It’s puzzled me why country artists have to be so politically correct,” Shelton says. “If I’m going to sing about drinking and raising hell then you have to know deep down that’s what I do. I’m just more open about it lately, and it’s amazing the reaction to that. People either love me or hate me. But it’s the first time they are noticing, which is awesome for me.”