Blake Shelton Comes ‘Home’ at ‘Healing in the Heartland’ With Help From Usher
There was no Team Blake or Team Usher on NBC tonight. Instead, the two 'The Voice' coaches -- currently locked in the heat of battle on their reality singing show -- closed the Blake Shelton-organized 'Healing in the Heartland' benefit for the victims of the tornado that swept through Oklahoma nine days ago with an emotionally resonant performance of Shelton's 'Home.'
Shelton began the song seated and playing guitar, with R&B superstar Usher making his way to the stage at the top of the second verse. It was a pairing that might raise eyebrows on paper, but the execution was flawless, since Usher is a terrific crooner and his voice was the perfect foil for Shelton's more gruff and gravelly tones.
"Is there anybody in the world cooler than Usher?" Shelton asked the crowd mid-song, causing his collaborator to smile from ear to ear and cheers to rise from the audience.
Shelton added, "I want to thank all my friends who helped out tonight." He also took care to thank the viewers for taking time out of their lives to watch and support this event, which miraculously came together in less than 10 days and caused the donation phone lines to light up, even jamming at times.
Shelton and Usher wrapped 'Healing in the Heartland' with a hug, and the show closed with the deafening screams of fans and Oklahoma in our hearts.