Blake Shelton’s drinking it all in, like an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. 

“This place is absolutely a work of art, it truly is, man,” the country singer said of his new Vegas venue Ole Red on Tuesday night. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve never seen anything built quite like this.” 

Shelton’s four-story, 27,000-square-foot honky tonk, the largest among five other Ole Red locations, celebrated its grand opening on April 16 with several concert-caliber performances, including one from the Southern superstar himself. 

“Welcome to the grand opening of Ole Red Las Vegas, y'all. I’ve been waiting years to say that,” Shelton said. “Now that I’m officially on this stage doing my own concert for the first time, I’m not gonna stand up here talking about your bullsh*t all night. I’m gonna sing some country music.” 

Swarms of country fans packed the pews for Shelton, who anointed Ole Red with twangy, boot-scootin’ classics like “God’s Country,” “Sangria,” and “Ol Red.” The venue’s state-of-the-art sound systems could rival that of the Grand Ole Opry. Shelton’s warm baritone was distinct and easily discernible, even over a five-piece band and a chorus of crooning cowboys on the balconies. 

In a surprise twist, Shelton welcomed wife and No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani to the stage, where they performed a swoon-worthy duet of “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.” Fresh off the heels of Coachella, Stefani traveled from a wedding in Nashville to be there for Shelton’s big night, which proved to be a serious milestone for the star. 

“I finally have a real true connection to Nashville, Tennessee right here in Las Vegas,” he said.