Gwen Stefani thanked The Voice coach Blake Shelton for welcoming her into country music at an outdoor event before Blake's headlining show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on September 9. Gwen and Blake, who met as judges on the set in 2014, have had much success as partners, both personally and professionally. The newlyweds, who got married on July 3 in Oklahoma, have collaborated on several country music hits.
Gwen began her music career in 1992 as the lead singer of the ska-inspired rock band, No Doubt. With the 1995 release of the album, Tragic Kingdom, Gwen became an icon of fashion and rock music. In 2004, Gwen began her solo career, releasing Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Gwen's journey into country music began with her relationship with Blake. In the summer of 2015, the two were reeling from their divorces from Gavin Rossdale and Miranda Lambert. During The Voice season 9, the duo, who had met on set two seasons prior, engaged in flirty banter, and fans took note. Many wondered if they were a couple. In November, they went public with their relationship, and in May of 2016, they collaborated on their first duet, "Go Ahead and Break My Heart." This led to their popular 2017 single, "You Make It Feel Like Christmas." Most recently, Gwen and Blake released back-to-back duets, "Nobody But You" and "Happy Anywhere." While Blake is no stranger to a no. 1 country hit, as these songs are his 27th and 28th, Gwen is proud to say that they are her first and second country chart-toppers.
PEOPLE reports that Gwen feels that she owes her success in country music to her husband. At the pre-show event in Nashville, Gwen said, "Blake Shelton, thank you for letting me ride your coat tails all this time. I truly am a fish out of water. I'm from Orange County, but I'm wearing cowboy boots for this. I am such a fan of songwriting and writers. When Blake asked me to be on 'Happy Anywhere,' I cried because I was so excited about it. The song is so 'our song' and we're so in love and it really is the perfect way to describe us. When I heard 'Nobody But You' I was so blown away by the song I was jealous that I wasn't on it."
The addition of Gwen to that song' was just the magic it needed. Blake's response indicates that he knows that Gwen is not just along for the ride. He recalled that they were nervous to release duets back-to-back because they were not sure if country radio would support it. However, the songs were so strong that he knew it was the best idea. He said, "[We] were laughing earlier that we now know we have to put Gwen on every song I release from now on if we want it to work." His love for his wife was apparent during the show as he told the crowd, "I forgot the words to 'Nobody But You' because I was staring at her going, 'Oh my God, I'm married to Gwen Stefani.'" Gwen and Blake's collaborations are successful because of their respect and admiration for each other.
Gwen, who is known for reinventing herself through fashion, should keep those cowboy boots handy. The star of The Voice has proven that she is an icon of all types of music. There are sure to be many more no. 1 country hits to follow, perhaps even without Blake. She has proven that she is not "just a girl," but she is now a country girl.
The Voice season 21 premieres on September 20 on NBC.
Source: PEOPLE