Before HARDY became one of country music’s biggest hitmakers, he had one dream: To write a song for Blake Shelton.
Years later, not only did that dream come true, but Shelton has now recorded multiple HARDY songs—and the singer-songwriter says he’ll never forget the faith Blake placed in him early in his career.
In a recent interview, HARDY opened up about his longtime admiration for Shelton while discussing Blake’s latest single, “Let Him In Anyway.”
“Blake has really taken a chance on me,” HARDY said. “I moved to town to write. I wanted to write a song for Blake Shelton.” He added that hearing Shelton consistently praise his songwriting in interviews has meant more to him than fans may realize.
The admiration goes both ways.
Shelton revealed that when he told HARDY he planned to record “Let Him In Anyway,” the songwriter initially thought someone was playing a prank on him.
“I thought they were messing with me,” HARDY admitted.
Shelton, however, couldn’t understand the surprise.
“I’ve cut a bunch of his songs over the years. He’s an incredible talent,” the country star said.
The collaboration carried even deeper meaning than either artist expected.
HARDY explained that when he wrote “Let Him In Anyway,” he had no idea the song would resonate so personally with Shelton because he didn’t know the full story of Blake’s late brother, Richie Shelton, who died in a car accident when Blake was just 14 years old.
The emotional ballad explores grief, faith, and the hope that God might show mercy to someone who wasn’t perfect.
Its opening lyrics ask difficult questions about death and the afterlife, making it one of the most spiritually reflective songs Shelton has ever recorded. HARDY said the message isn’t just about loss but also about telling the people you love what truly matters before it’s too late.
“Let Him In Anyway” is far from the first time the pair has worked together.
Over the years, Shelton has recorded several HARDY co-writes, including “God’s Country,” “Hell Right,” and “Come Back as a Country Boy.” Those songs helped establish HARDY as one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters before he emerged as a major recording artist in his own right.
For Shelton, choosing the song was easy.
He said he was immediately drawn to its unique perspective, explaining that after decades of recording music, it’s rare to find a song that explores a subject he hasn’t already covered. That’s exactly what made “Let Him In Anyway” stand out.
Today, both artists are enjoying successful careers, but their latest collaboration serves as a reminder of where it all began.
For HARDY, Blake Shelton wasn’t just another superstar who recorded one of his songs.
He was the artist who believed in his writing long before the rest of the industry fully caught on.
Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to take a chance.
