AceShowbiz - Blake Shelton took center stage at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 17, leading the audience in a heartfelt singalong of the classic country hit "The Gambler."

Introduced by host Shania Twain as "one of our very very best, and such a beautiful man," Shelton delivered a moving tribute to the song’s late songwriter, Don Schlitz, who passed away in April at age 73. The performance celebrated Schlitz’s enduring legacy with the crowd enthusiastically joining in on the iconic lyrics about knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.

The atmosphere was electric as fellow country stars including Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, and Twain were seen singing along, underscoring the deep respect the country music community holds for the songwriter. The moment highlighted "The Gambler" as what Twain called "one of the greatest songs of all time."

Don Schlitz's impact on country music extends far beyond "The Gambler." He penned 16 songs that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including other classics like "When You Say Nothing at All" for Keith Whitley and "Forever and Ever, Amen" for Randy Travis. "The Gambler," originally recorded by crossover star Kenny Rogers, topped the country chart in 1978 and also reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rogers’ signature song until his death in 2020.

Shelton himself is a celebrated figure at the Academy of Country Music Awards, having won six times. His most recent ACM win was in 2019 for single of the year with "God's Country," which also charted in the top 20 on the Hot 100. Other notable wins include male vocalist of the year in 2011 and song of the year in 2012 for "Over You," a song he co-wrote and performed with his then-wife Miranda Lambert.

The tribute at the 2026 ACM Awards not only paid homage to Don Schlitz’s songwriting genius but also reinforced the strong bonds within the country music community, as artists and fans alike gathered to honor a beloved figure whose songs have become timeless anthems.

As the evening unfolded, the singalong of "The Gambler" stood out as a poignant reminder of the power of great songwriting and the lasting influence of Don Schlitz’s contributions to the genre.