In a heart-melting moment that has fans swooning, country music superstar Blake Shelton was captured singing the classic nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” to Gwen Stefani’s then-baby son, Apollo, in a throwback video shared by Stefani on May 5, 2025. Posted on TikTok to celebrate Shelton’s 30th No. 1 country single, “Texas,” the montage of cherished moments included this tender clip, which showcases Shelton’s softer side as a devoted stepfather. The footage, originally filmed years ago when Apollo was a toddler, offers a glimpse into the early days of Shelton and Stefani’s relationship, highlighting the warmth and authenticity that have made them one of music’s most beloved couples. This sweet gesture, blending Shelton’s rugged charm with a nursery rhyme classic, is a testament to his role not just as a country icon but as a loving family man.

A TikTok Tribute That Tugged Heartstrings

The video, shared on Stefani’s TikTok account, was a heartfelt tribute to Shelton’s milestone achievement with “Texas,” the lead single from his 2025 album For Recreational Use Only. The montage featured a series of clips showcasing Shelton’s career highlights and personal moments, but it was the final segment that stole the show. In it, a younger Shelton is seen singing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” to a baby Apollo, complete with animated animal sounds and a gentle, playful demeanor. Stefani captioned the post, “So proud of my hubby @BlakeShelton on his 30th #1 song ‘Texas’!!!” adding a string of heart emojis. The clip, reported by NBC Insider on June 12, 2025, has since gone viral, racking up millions of views and sparking an outpouring of adoration from fans.

On X, fans gushed over the moment, with @countryfan22 writing, “Blake singing ‘Old MacDonald’ to Apollo is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Stepdad goals!” Another user, @musiclover88, posted, “This is why we love Blake and Gwen. So real, so sweet.” The video’s charm lies in its simplicity—Shelton, known for his larger-than-life stage presence, is unguarded and tender, fully immersed in entertaining Apollo. It’s a side of the country star that resonates deeply, especially for those who’ve followed his journey from The Voice coach to family man.

The Early Days of a Blended Family

Shelton and Stefani’s love story began in 2014 on the set of The Voice, where they bonded over their respective divorces—Shelton from Miranda Lambert and Stefani from Gavin Rossdale. By 2015, their relationship was blossoming, and Shelton quickly embraced his role as a stepfather to Stefani’s three sons: Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. The “Old MacDonald” clip, likely filmed around 2016 when Apollo was about two, captures a pivotal moment in their early family life. At the time, Apollo was still a toddler, and Shelton’s willingness to engage with him through song speaks volumes about his commitment to building a bond with Stefani’s children.

In a 2016 interview with E! Online, Stefani shared another early instance of Apollo’s musical inclinations, noting that he was caught on Snapchat singing “Old MacDonald” with a microphone during her soundcheck, even banging drumsticks with a pacifier in his mouth. This parallel moment suggests that music was already a shared language in their family, with Shelton’s nursery rhyme serenade reinforcing that connection. “Apollo’s got that spark,” Stefani said, hinting at the musical talent that runs through her sons, nurtured by both their biological father, Rossdale, and their stepfather, Shelton.

Shelton’s role as a stepfather has been a defining chapter in his life. In a 2023 interview with Access Hollywood, he reflected on how fatherhood changed his perspective: “I’m not the first person that I think about anymore. Even the small things, like ‘I think I’ll do this,’ the next thought is, ‘Well, how’s that going to work for the boys?’” This shift in priorities was a key reason for his departure from The Voice after 23 seasons in 2023, as he sought to dedicate more time to Stefani’s sons. The “Old MacDonald” video, though filmed years earlier, encapsulates this devotion, showing Shelton as a hands-on, loving presence in Apollo’s life.

A Country Star’s Soft Side

Blake Shelton, with his Oklahoma drawl and honky-tonk swagger, might seem an unlikely candidate for nursery rhymes, but the “Old MacDonald” clip reveals a softer, more vulnerable side. His rendition is playful, complete with exaggerated “E-I-E-I-O”s and animal noises that elicit giggles from baby Apollo. The moment is a stark contrast to his public persona as a chart-topping artist with hits like “God’s Country” and “Austin,” yet it aligns perfectly with his offstage authenticity. Shelton has always been open about his love for simple pleasures—fishing, farming, and family—and this clip is a natural extension of that.

The video also highlights Shelton’s musical versatility. While he’s best known for country anthems, his ability to adapt his baritone to a children’s song underscores his range. It’s a reminder of his early days, when he sang on the pageant circuit in Oklahoma, honing the charisma that would later make him a star. In a 2025 interview with Today, Shelton spoke about his love for performing with family, particularly Stefani, noting, “I don’t feel like I want to make a record without a duet with Gwen anymore.” This family-oriented approach extends to his stepsons, with whom he shares musical moments like the one captured in the video.

The “Old MacDonald” clip isn’t the first time Shelton’s stepfatherly sweetness has made headlines. In October 2024, he gifted Zuma, then 16, his late father’s rusted truck for his birthday, a gesture Stefani described as deeply meaningful on The Jennifer Hudson Show. In January 2025, Shelton introduced Zuma at his Ole Red bar in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where the teen performed country songs, earning praise for his talent. These moments, like the nursery rhyme video, paint a picture of Shelton as a supportive figure who encourages his stepsons’ passions.

A Love Story Rooted in Music and Family

The “Old MacDonald” video is more than a cute anecdote—it’s a window into the foundation of Shelton and Stefani’s relationship. Music has been their love language since they co-wrote “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” in 2016, a duet featured on Shelton’s album If I’m Honest. Their collaborations, including chart-toppers “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere,” have blended country and pop, much like their personal lives blend Oklahoma ranch life with Hollywood glamour. Their 2024 duet “Purple Irises” and 2025’s “Hangin’ On” from For Recreational Use Only further showcase their synergy, with fans on X calling their harmonies “heavenly.”

Stefani’s decision to include the “Old MacDonald” clip in her tribute to Shelton’s 30th No. 1 single underscores the intertwining of their professional and personal milestones. “Blake’s not just a superstar—he’s the best stepdad,” she wrote in the TikTok caption, a sentiment echoed in her 2024 Today interview, where she called their collaboration on “Purple Irises” an “unexpected gift.” Their family life, centered on their Oklahoma ranch, is filled with music, from impromptu duets on their couch to Zuma and Kingston performing at Ole Red. The “Old MacDonald” moment, though years old, feels like a precursor to these shared musical experiences.

Their blended family has also embraced ranch life, with activities like fishing trips and Easter flower-picking with Apollo, as documented in Stefani’s April 2025 Instagram posts. A family vacation to the Ozarks in Missouri, shared via Instagram, showed Shelton and the boys exploring caves and enjoying nature, set to “Purple Irises.” These glimpses into their life reveal a family united by love and creativity, with Shelton’s nursery rhyme serenade as an early building block.

Cultural Impact and Fan Adoration

The viral response to the “Old MacDonald” video reflects Shelton’s universal appeal. Fans on X have flooded timelines with heart-eyes emojis, with @fanofblake tweeting, “Blake singing to Apollo is why he’s America’s favorite cowboy.” The clip has also sparked nostalgia, with users like @90skid4life noting, “This takes me back to my childhood, but with Blake Shelton’s voice!” Its timing, tied to Shelton’s “Texas” milestone, amplifies its impact, celebrating both his professional success and personal warmth.

Critics have praised Shelton’s authenticity, with Billboard calling him “a country titan whose heart is as big as his voice.” The video’s resonance lies in its relatability—every parent or caregiver has sung a nursery rhyme to a child, but seeing a superstar do it with such sincerity feels special. It’s a reminder of music’s power to connect, whether through a stadium anthem or a bedtime song.

A Legacy of Love and Music

Blake Shelton’s rendition of “Old MacDonald” for Apollo is a small but powerful moment in his storied career. It captures the essence of who he is: a man who, despite 30 No. 1 hits and global fame, finds joy in the simple act of making a child smile. For Gwen Stefani, it’s a reminder of why she fell in love with him, as she noted in her TikTok tribute. For fans, it’s a heartwarming glimpse into a family built on love, music, and mutual support.

As Shelton continues to tour, collaborate with Stefani, and nurture his stepsons’ talents, moments like this define his legacy. The “Old MacDonald” video, with its grainy charm and genuine emotion, is a keepsake that fans will cherish, proving that sometimes the sweetest songs are the ones sung for the smallest audiences. In a world of glitz and glamour, Shelton’s nursery rhyme serenade is a beacon of authenticity, reminding us all to find joy in life’s simplest melodies.

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