Before Fame, Blake Shelton Had an Embarrassing Job He Never Talked About — Until Now
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Before Blake Shelton became a country music superstar and a beloved TV personality on The Voice, he had a humble beginning that he’s only recently opened up about. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Shelton revealed a secret from his pre-fame days—a job so embarrassing that he vowed never to mention it publicly.
With his signature grin, Shelton teased the audience, “Let’s just say I learned more about cleaning than singing,” sending host Jimmy Fallon and viewers into laughter and sparking curiosity about the full story.
The “Dirty” Job That Taught Him Life Lessons
When pressed for details, Blake shared that as a teenager in his hometown of Ada, Oklahoma, he worked as a janitor at a local beauty salon. “I was about 17, maybe 18,” he recalled. “My mom’s friend owned the salon, and they needed someone to clean up hair, sweep floors, scrub sinks—you name it. And man, I did it.”
Shelton admitted the job was embarrassing—not because of the work itself, but due to the teasing from his friends. “My buddies would drive by, see me through the window sweeping hair, and honk or yell something stupid. I’d just duck behind the shampoo station,” he laughed.
From Mops to Music Charts
Despite the embarrassment, Shelton credits the job with teaching him valuable lessons. “It gave me a real sense of responsibility,” he said. “I learned how to show up on time, how to do a job right—even if nobody’s watching. That’s stuck with me ever since.”
Not long after, Shelton left Ada for Nashville to pursue his dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. His debut single “Austin” quickly topped the charts, marking the start of a successful country music career.
Fans Applaud His Honesty
After the episode aired, fans took to social media to praise Shelton’s down-to-earth honesty. One fan tweeted, “Only Blake Shelton could make being a salon janitor sound legendary.” Another wrote, “From sweeping hair to sweeping awards—that’s the kind of story we love.”
Never Forgetting His Roots
Blake closed the segment with a reflective note: “You never forget where you came from. I might’ve traded the broom for a guitar, but I still know how to clean up after myself.”
It’s that blend of humility and humor that has helped Blake Shelton remain one of country music’s most relatable and beloved stars.