Luke Bryan started out poking fun at his friend Blake Shelton for being named People‘s Sexiest Man Alive, but he ended up defending him against the haters.

Last week when it was announced that Blake would be given the title by the magazine this year, Luke had some fun with his friend, fellow country music star and former co-host of the ACM Awards.

Country Rebel reports that Luke’s first reaction to the honor being given to Blake was, “He’s taken so many things from me and now this? Who in the hell is choosing this? Am I being punked?”

Once the news of Blake receiving the title was made public, there was a big backlash about it on social media. Luke was with fellow American Idol reboot judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie at an event for the show when he was asked about the honor for his friend. Luke felt it was the right thing to defend his friend’s reputation against the haters in the Extra TV clip below…

Access Hollywood also asked Luke about the backlash and not only did Luke express his regret in “roasting” his friend over the title, he again defended him. This time even Lionel joined in on defending Blake by calling him a “dude’s dude.”

The bottom line is the old saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I would also like remind everybody of another old saying that was taught to me growing up, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” You don’t have to agree with People about naming Blake Shelton the Sexiest Man Alive. However, that doesn’t give you the right to be mean for no reason.

Well done Luke in defending your friend! Congrats to Blake on being named People‘s Sexiest Man Alive!

Hey, he’s good looking enough that I kissed him! LOL

By: Buck Stevens