Internet reacts to controversial Sexiest Man Alive: Blake Shelton is the 'epitome of a basic looking dude'

Maggie Parker


On Tuesday night, People magazine announced Blake Shelton as their Sexiest Man Alive for 2017, and some are not convinced. Including Shelton himself. “I’ve been ugly my whole life,” the singer and coach on The Voice said in a statement. “If I can be sexy for a year, I’m taking it!”

His fans were totally on board with the magazine’s decision:

But the rest of the world? Not so much. And their responses have been hilarious.

Some people just don’t see it. “#BlakeShelton, huh? As a lifelong, practicing homosexual I respectfully disagree. The guy’s not even remotely attractive,” one Twitter user offered. “Sexiest man alive: last man on earth edition. #BlakeShelton,” another mused. “No offense to #BlakeShelton, but he is not the sexiest man alive. He is not even the sexiest man on #TheVoice. ( He comes in 3rd ),” wrote a critic.

Others are putting a light political spin on it.

Many think there are men more deserving of the title, and are sharing their suggestions. The most requested replacements are Jason Momoa, Zac Efron, and Idris Elba.

Some men are rejoicing in what this means for them:

Then there are those who think there’s something bigger going, or that it’s a mistake:

Even some public figures are responding. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee lamented, “Nursing a DEEP hurt today. Was passed over by @people magazine again for sexiest man alive honor that went to @blakeshelton. I sent in photos and everything. Oh well there’s next year.” Olivia Caridi wrote, “Not my Sexiest Man Alive #BlakeShelton #Resist.”

A few reactions have gone viral, including one from a basketball player who seems to be calling Shelton his friend:

The responses to Akilah Hughes’ tweet are almost as good as the original.

This isn’t the first time People‘s selection of the Sexiest Man Alive has sparked debate. In fact, when Shelton’s on-screen nemesis Adam Levine won the title in 2013, many people were not buying it. “So sorry. Nothing sexy about a man-o-rexic, serial model-dater,” someone posted on Facebook, according to a Daily News article from the time. “Oh, did I mention his nasal, whiny voice? He is the #Antisexy,” said someone else. “Got it wrong, wrong, wrong,” another responded. Jezebel wrote an entire article arguing against the decision.

The year before, Ryan Gosling fans were upset that Bradley Cooper was chosen. Cooper addressed his election being “picketed” in a video for Good Morning America, admitting “it was brutal.”

What do you think? Is Blake Shelton truly 2017’s Sexiest Man Alive?

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