Blake Shelton defends booted 'Voice' contestant in Twitter tirade against music critic

"“Holly Tucker is gone. It took much too long. But finally. Back to Baylor University in Waco for you, madam," Houston Chronicle critic Joey Guerra wrote in a short recap of Tuesday night's episode of "The Voice." Guerra also tweeted a link to his blog post with the comment, "#TheVoice sends one singer back to Texas. Don't worry, it's not the one we care about."

Displeased with Guerra's criticism about one of his chosen contestants, "Voice" judge Blake Shelton fired off a series of angry tweets attacking the blogger for picking on "kids just trying their best." [WARNING: Strong language ahead]

It's people like you @joeyguerra that make me sick... Holly is not only a talented singer but a great person that's simply chasing a dream..

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 5, 2013

How about you @joeyguerra grow some balls and come tell me to my face how terrible some of these kids are face to face..? You won't. Ever.

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 5, 2013

You @joeyguerra are a chicken shit. I can't stand a person that makes a point to write hurtful things about kids just trying their best..

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 5, 2013

I swear to god I cant understand the mentality of a grown man ripping on young kids over and over again for just trying their hardest. Kids!

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 5, 2013

How much do y'all wanna bet he'd NEVER criticize my team OR me like that face to face.... Chicken shit..

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 5, 2013

"If he took that as a knock to Holly, I can't really change that. I'm honestly shocked at the nastiness of his responses and the responses of people on Twitter, which have included death threats," Guerra told the Chronicle.

My job is to be a music critic, good and bad, and I will continue to do that, knowing that not everyone will agree with me, especially when it comes to TV singing competitions. Not everyone can win. And not everyone is equally fantastic. I'm proud of the work that I do, and I believe I've been fair. Nothing I said was out of malice or spite.

Shelton issued a semi-apology for his outburst: "I'm sorry for going off y'all... But I am passionate about encouraging young people to follow their dreams.. We GOOD people don't need hate."

"To the few folks (mostly writers) upset about my rant. What he said was mean. There's NOTHING you can say to defend or justify it. Move on," he said.