In the world of country music, where heartfelt ballads and larger-than-life personalities reign supreme, Blake Shelton has carved out a reputation as both a chart-topping star and a relatable everyman. Known for his quick wit, infectious laugh, and role as a coach on The Voice, Shelton has endeared himself to fans with his down-to-earth charm. But even a seasoned celebrity like Shelton isn’t immune to the occasional embarrassing moment—especially when it involves his stepson, a smartphone, and an unexpected call to a country music legend. During a recent interview with CMT, shared widely on TikTok, Shelton recounted a hilarious and “humiliating” incident when his stepson Zuma, now 16, accidentally FaceTimed Vince Gill from his phone. The story, which left Shelton red-faced and Gill chuckling across the Atlantic, has become a viral anecdote that highlights the unpredictable joys of parenting and the perils of modern technology.

A Stepdad’s Life: Blake Shelton and His Family

Since marrying pop icon Gwen Stefani in 2021, Blake Shelton has embraced his role as a stepfather to her three sons—Kingston, 18, Zuma, 16, and Apollo, 10—from her previous marriage to Gavin Rossdale. The Oklahoma-born singer, who has no biological children of his own, has often spoken about how fatherhood has transformed his life. In a 2022 interview with People, Shelton shared, “This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again. The kids see me as a very important person in their life.” His bond with Stefani’s boys is evident in their public appearances, from attending Gwen’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023 to Zuma’s surprise country music performance at Shelton’s Ole Red bar in Oklahoma in July 2024.

Shelton’s journey as a stepdad hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s also been filled with moments of humor and heart. The FaceTime fiasco with Vince Gill, a country music icon known for hits like “When I Call Your Name” and his work with The Eagles, is one such story—a perfect blend of parenting mishap and celebrity charm that has fans laughing and relating to Shelton’s relatable predicament.

The Accidental Call That Started It All

The incident, as Shelton recounted in his CMT interview, began innocently enough. Zuma, then younger and less familiar with the star-studded contacts in his stepfather’s phone, was trying to reach the family’s nanny, who happens to share the name Vince. In a moment of confusion, Zuma tapped the wrong contact, inadvertently launching a FaceTime call to none other than Vince Gill, who was in Amsterdam touring with The Eagles at the time.

“I was walking through the house and I heard Vince Gill’s voice kind of laughing,” Shelton recalled, his signature grin breaking through as he told the story. “I looked and I saw Zuma throw the phone down. He was like, ‘I don’t know. There was some man that answered Vince’s phone.’” The mix-up was equal parts hilarious and mortifying. Zuma, startled by the sight of a “random dude” on the screen, had no idea he’d just video-called one of country music’s most prolific stars. Meanwhile, Gill, ever the good sport, found the situation amusing, later joking to Shelton, “Man, I was laughing. I thought you must have been drunk or something.”

Shelton quickly texted Gill to explain the blunder, and the two shared a laugh over the phone. For Gill, a 67-year-old veteran of the industry who’s been a mentor and friend to Shelton, the accidental call was a lighthearted moment in an otherwise busy schedule. But for Shelton, it was a parenting moment he’d rather not relive. “No, never again, actually,” he told Zuma when the teen, now a massive Vince Gill fan, asked to FaceTime the singer again. “That was humiliating for me!”

From Embarrassment to Endearment: Zuma’s New Hero

What makes the story even more charming is how it turned Zuma into “the biggest Vince Gill fan in the world,” according to Shelton. Initially spooked by the unexpected encounter, Zuma’s curiosity led him to discover Gill’s music, from classics like “I Still Believe in You” to his soulful performances with The Eagles. The teenager’s enthusiasm for Gill has only grown over the years, to the point where he’s begged Shelton to reconnect with the country legend—much to his stepfather’s playful chagrin.

This transformation from accidental caller to superfan adds a heartwarming layer to the story. Zuma, who recently made his own country music debut at Shelton’s Ole Red bar, seems to be following in his stepdad’s footsteps, embracing the genre that has defined Shelton’s career. The July 2024 performance, where Zuma took the stage to sing for a surprised crowd, was a proud moment for Shelton, who has watched his stepson grow into a confident young man with a passion for music. The FaceTime incident, while embarrassing at the time, has become a cherished family anecdote—one that highlights the unexpected ways kids can connect with their parents’ world.

The Perils of Technology and Parenting

Shelton’s story resonates because it’s a universal tale of parenting in the digital age. Smartphones, with their endless apps and contact lists, are a minefield for parents, especially those with high-profile connections. For a celebrity like Shelton, whose phone likely contains the numbers of everyone from fellow Voice coaches to country music legends, handing it over to a child is a gamble. Zuma’s mix-up is a reminder that even the most mundane moments—like calling the nanny—can spiral into something unforgettable when technology and a kid’s curiosity collide.

The incident also underscores Shelton’s relatability. Despite his fame, his life is filled with the same parenting mishaps that everyday families experience. Whether it’s a child accidentally calling the wrong person or throwing a phone in a panic, these moments are universal. Shelton’s ability to laugh at himself, coupled with his genuine affection for his stepsons, makes him a figure fans can connect with. As he told Entertainment Tonight before Kingston’s 18th birthday, “If I could have a repeat of these past 10 years, that would be perfect.” The FaceTime fiasco, while humiliating, is just one of many stories that make up his journey as a stepdad.

The Country Music Connection: Shelton and Gill

The story also shines a light on the camaraderie within the country music community. Vince Gill, a 21-time Grammy winner and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is a towering figure in the genre. His good-natured response to Zuma’s accidental call—laughing it off and joking about Shelton’s sobriety—reflects the warmth and humor that define many of his relationships in the industry. Gill, who has collaborated with artists like Amy Grant and joined The Eagles after Glenn Frey’s passing, is known for his generosity and approachability, qualities that made the FaceTime mix-up a moment of levity rather than awkwardness.

For Shelton, the incident was a chance to share a laugh with a friend and mentor. The two have crossed paths many times, from industry events to shared connections in Nashville’s tight-knit music scene. Shelton’s admiration for Gill is evident in the way he tells the story, with a mix of embarrassment and pride. It’s a testament to the bonds that form in country music, where even a mistaken FaceTime call can become a story worth telling.

A Viral Moment in a Digital Age

The FaceTime story gained traction thanks to CMT’s TikTok post, which spread across platforms like wildfire. Fans on X and other social media outlets shared the clip, with comments ranging from “Blake’s parenting stories are the best!” to “Zuma calling Vince Gill is my new favorite celebrity moment.” The video’s viral nature reflects the public’s love for authentic, unfiltered celebrity stories—especially ones that involve kids and a touch of embarrassment. Hashtags like #BlakeShelton and #VinceGill trended briefly, with fans praising Shelton’s storytelling and Gill’s good humor.

The story also resonated because it humanizes a superstar. Shelton, who has sold millions of records and coached countless artists on The Voice, is still a stepdad navigating the chaos of family life. His willingness to share the “humiliating” moment, complete with self-deprecating humor, endears him to fans who see him as more than just a celebrity. It’s a reminder that even in the glitz and glamour of the music industry, life’s most memorable moments often come from the unexpected—like a teenager accidentally FaceTiming a country legend.

The Broader Context: Shelton’s Life in 2025

The FaceTime incident comes at a time when Shelton is balancing multiple roles: musician, stepfather, and television personality. In 2024, he wrapped up a year of high-profile performances, including a New Year’s Eve appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square, where he brought his signature country flair to a global audience. His bar, Ole Red, continues to expand, with locations in Nashville, Oklahoma, and beyond, serving as a hub for up-and-coming artists like Zuma. Meanwhile, his marriage to Stefani remains a source of joy, with the couple often sharing glimpses of their blended family life, from Oklahoma ranch days to red-carpet events.

Shelton’s role as a stepdad has also taken center stage in recent years. He’s spoken openly about how fatherhood has changed his priorities, from teaching Apollo to embrace country style with cowboy boots to supporting Zuma’s musical ambitions. The FaceTime story, while lighthearted, is a snapshot of this journey—a moment that captures the chaos, love, and laughter of raising three boys in a high-profile world.

A Story That Keeps on Giving

As the FaceTime story continues to circulate, it’s clear that it’s more than just a funny anecdote. It’s a window into Blake Shelton’s life as a stepdad, a testament to Vince Gill’s good humor, and a reminder of the unpredictable magic of family. For Zuma, the accidental call turned him into a Vince Gill superfan, a fact that Shelton finds both amusing and endearing. For fans, it’s a story that humanizes a superstar, proving that even country music icons can’t escape the occasional parenting blunder.

In the end, Shelton’s declaration of “Never again!” is delivered with a laugh, but it’s easy to imagine him relenting someday—perhaps letting Zuma FaceTime Gill for a proper introduction. Until then, the story remains a viral gem, a moment of levity in a world that often feels heavy. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most humiliating moments—like an accidental call to a country legend—can become the ones we cherish most.