Before Gwen: The Truth About Miranda Lambert And Blake Shelton’s Relationship
In 2011, the country music world was in a frenzy after the marriage of singers Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. They seemed to have the perfect union, the perfect life together, and they were complete "couple goals" to many people.
Then, just four years later, the two divorced. When Miranda first found out that her ex-hubby and Gwen Stefani were getting serious, she understandably had more than a few feelings about the matter. Read on to learn all about Blake and Miranda's relationship and what's on the horizon for both of them.
Blake And Miranda Seemed To Have A Fairytale Relationship
Before the two country singers' very public split in 2015, fans thought the two were going to go the distance and not become another Hollywood breakup story. Honestly, it made sense, since Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert seemed perfect for one another.
But nothing is as it seems, and the "loving couple" facade they had for the press was obviously not the truth. Needless to say, at the end of the day, the two just weren't compatible.
Their Personalities Couldn't Have Been More Different
While Shelton and Lambert seemed to be in love when they first got together, it was obvious the two didn't really have the same personalities. The differences became blatant when Shelton was joking around with his new co-hosts on The Voice.
Lambert, on the other hand, was way more serious, career-driven, and didn't know how to have fun... the opposite of her husband. During an interview, she said, "Blake's the happiest person on the planet. He pulls me out of my darkness."
They Were Apart For Long Periods Of Time
When it comes to any celebrity couple, being apart for long periods of time comes with the territory. So, it really shouldn't have come to much of a surprise to Shelton and Lambert when they started drifting from one another due to their hectic touring schedules
Even so, Lambert thought that distance would make "the heart grow fonder." But Shelton kept accepting jobs, and they were never at home together, putting a huge strain on their relationship.
Was A Baby On The Way?
Two years into their marriage, rumors started to spread that a little country baby was on the way. Maybe it was what the two needed to fix their marriage and communication with one another.
During an interview, Shelton said, they didn't "have any plans on it. That's kinda how we live our life. If it happens one day, then it happens, and we're not trying to make it happen or avoid it." The cryptic answer made people think he didn't want kids with his wife.
Tabloids, Gossip, And More Rumors
As if the child rumors weren't enough on top of the already rocky relationship of Shelton and Lambert, then came the tabloid gossip. The two were appearing in headlines, which were accusing Shelton of being unfaithful.
Ironically, the couple was surprised. They never made headlines! In interviews, they joked that they were happy the tabloids thought they were interesting enough to spin a web of lies about. And while Shelton wasn't worried, Lambert's parents had a few things to say.
Divorce Is Not An Option
After the rumor mill started churning, Lambert's mother decided it was time to talk to her daughter about the status of her and Shelton's relationship. According to Lambert, "My mom said to my dad, 'Divorce is not an option.'"
As Lambert comes from a traditional Southern family, the statement makes sense. But there are just some things that are too broken to be fixed, something the two country stars figured out not too long after the tabloids ran.
Parting Ways Four Years After Saying "I Do"
Four years down the road and everything fell apart for Shelton and Lambert. The two couldn't find common ground and ultimately decided divorce was the way to go. And we know we're saying that pretty matter-of-factly, considering the breakup was very messy and public.
After the split, people couldn't help question if someone came between the two country stars—someone that happened to be in the music scene: Shelton's co-host, who was stunning and fun.
Gwen Stefani And Gavin Rossdale
Singer Gwen Stefani wasn't exactly available when Blake Shelton came into her life on the set of The Voice in 2014. She was actually married to English singer Gavin Rossdale and had been since 2002, and they had three children together. But as Shelton and Lambert's relationship was getting a bit finicky, so was hers.
In the end, it seemed as though Shelton and Stefani's relationship grew because they had something in common: divorce from someone they'd been with for a while.
The Divorces Happened Almost Back-To-Back
Stefani and Rossdale wound up getting divorced a year after Shelton and Lambert, in 2016. And while no one knows why the two couples opted to go their separate ways, people speculate and tabloids gossip.
What matters is that after the separations, Shelton and Stefani's relationship grew into something more. It was obvious they thought of each other as more than friends, especially if you watched their banter on The Voice. The two were goners.
Stefani's Divorce Was One Of Betrayal
While Shelton and Lambert had their own issues, it seemed as though Stefani and Rossdale had a whole other bag of worms going on in their relationship. Apparently, Rossdale was having an affair with their nanny, someone Stefani trusted.
Feeling betrayed, heartbroken, and insecure in her own home, Stefani wanted nothing more than to cut ties with Rossdale and move on. And that all started with a divorce and getting rid of their Beverly Hills mansion.
Stefani Wanted To Sell Her And Rossdale's Mansion
Stefani wanted to cut all ties with Rossdale, including the home they shared. A year after their settlement, their 15,018-square-foot Beverly Hills Mansion was put on the market. Unfortunately, it took a few years to sell because of the steep asking price of $35 million.
The ten-bathroom and seven-bedroom monstrosity has sat on the market for years. Finally, in 2019, they were able to gain interest after listing the home at a major discount. They sold it for $21.65 million, and Stefani was able to move on.
Shelton And Stefani In The Beginning
When they first met on the set of The Voice, Shelton and Stefani were going through something very similar: their respective divorces. Because of the commonality, their relationship grew stronger and stronger.
During an interview with Billboard, Shelton explained how their bond grew. "That's kind of how our friendship and bond started, that day. It went from that to checking in on each other once a week through email...then every day to, 'Hey, here's my phone number if you ever want to text.'"
Feelings Began To Blossom
It didn't take long for the country singer to become infatuated with his beautiful co-host. He opened up to Billboard during an interview about his feelings, saying, "Next thing I know, I wake up and she's all I care about, and I'm wondering if she feels the same about me."
From there, it was obvious Stefani started to have mutual feelings. The two began posing on the red carpet together, and not just to promote their The Voice.
Their Support For One Another Was Unmatched
As for Shelton and Stefan's relationship, it grew and grew. And before fans knew it, the two were releasing love songs about one another and performing stunning duets that had people feeling their love for one another.
In 2016, the two released "Go Ahead and Break My Heart." Then, a few years later, in 2018, "You Make it Feel Like Christmas" dropped. And, most recently, in 2019, the two singers released their latest duet, called, "Nobody But You."
They Make An Unlikely But Adorable Duo
According to Shelton, the time he's spent with Stefani has been one amazing blur. As he told Rolling Stone in 2016, "If you had told me that that's who I’m gonna end up with, I would have thought you were crazy. But she became my closest ally."
We don't blame Shelton for thinking otherwise, of course. Here we have a stunning, edgy singer who fell for a country boy who enjoys wearing jeans and cowboy boots to black-tie events... an unlikely duo is right!
Shelton Says Stefani Saved His Life
Considering both of the singers' personal lives when they met, from outsiders, it looked like an odd time to be getting together. But, for Shelton, the timing was spot on. He even goes as far as saying Stefani saved his life.
During an interview with Billboard, Shelton said, "Gwen saved my life. Who else on earth could understand going through a high-profile divorce from another musician? You can't even imagine the similarities in our divorces."
Stefani Gushed About Shelton, Too
Shelton wasn't the only one singing his significant other's praises (pun intended). Stefani had nothing but nice things to say about Shelton while a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
During their interview, she said, "Let's just talk only about Blake because he's so awesome." She went on to gush about how she brought him to Disneyland for the first time and how she adores his camo and cowboy wardrobe choices.
Adam Levine Chimed In On Their Love
And it wasn't just Shelton and Stefani gushing over each other. Another one of The Voice judges, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, had a thing or two to say about his best "frenemy's" relationship.
He said, "I see it every day. I have a pretty unique perspective on it, and it's real, man. I’m so affectionate and gross with my wife- this is a whole other level of…vomit. They’re so in love it’s disgusting."
2019 Brought In Stefani's Kids
While married to Rossdale, Stefani had three sons, Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo, something that was totally public knowledge. But it begged the question: how was Shelton with her three children? Well, the question was answered at the premiere of the animated film UglyDolls in 2019.
If anyone was questioning the seriousness of their relationship, there were "No Doubt[s]" when both Shelton and Stefani were gathered around her three kids on the orange premier carpet.
Ellen DeGeneres Voiced What Everyone Was Thinking
By May of 2019, fans of the two singers, as well as fans of The Voice, were wondering if the two were ever going to get married. Thankfully, Ellen DeGeneres voiced what everyone was dying to know when Shelton went on her talk show.
There, she gifted the country star with a clock adorning his and Stefani's faces. After accepting the gift, Shelton joking said, "So you're saying there's a chance she's going to ask me to marry her? You see how I flipped it around and put it on her?"
2020 Became The Year Of Rumors
Moving down the timeline of Shelton and Stefani's relationship, 2020 was the year of numerous marriage rumors. We're the two engaged? Or were they already secretly married? No one knew. But Shelton had more than one thing to say about the rumors.
During an interview with Country Living, he said, "I love the rumors. Those rumors are great. Anybody that thinks that I'm married to Gwen already, I love it. My God. Who wouldn’t want to be married to Gwen Stefani?"
Reports That Gwen Is Pregnant
As rumors swirled about whether the couple would be getting married, there was also plenty of speculation that Blake and Gwen were trying to start a family together. According to sources, although Gwen has three children and is close to 50, she hopes to get pregnant.
In March of 2021, US Weekly reported that the duo might be looking into hiring a surrogate to bless them with a baby. Only time will tell whether there's any merit to this story.
Blake Designed An Engagement Ring For His Proposal
In October of 2020, Gwen posted a photo of herself and Blake kissing. Her left hand was held out, showing a blingy engagement ring. "@blakeshelton yes please!" she captioned the post. Blake replied, "Hey @gwenstefani thanks for saving my 2020... And the rest of my life.. I love you. I heard a YES!"
The 6-carat solitaire diamond ring, set in a white gold or platinum band, was custom-designed by Blake for his bride-to-be. They're planning to tie the knot sometime during the summer of 2021.
Blake And Gwen Were Married Over The Fourth Of July Weekend
Right after the Fourth of July weekend in 2021, Gwen posted a series of wedding photos along with the caption, "July 3rd 2021 dreams do come true !!!".
They were married at Shelton's ranch in Oklahoma. In this photo, Shelton is driving Stefani off in a golf cart while she shows off her bouquet of white roses. They also had a five-tier cake topped with a statue of a similar bride and groom sharing a dance.
Lambert Worked Things Out Through Her Music
While it seemed like Shelton had moved on seemingly easily, Lambert still seethed over their very public divorce. But, instead of crying her eyes out, Lambert threw herself into her work.
Even years after their divorce, Lambert wrote song after song about her side of the story and her feelings about her ex's new relationship. And some of the songs didn't even try to hide who they're about, such as "Got My Name Changed Back."
Lambert Was Stronger After The Divorce
The thing about her divorce is that it seemed to have made Lambert a bit stronger in who she was. She wasn't going to take things sitting down anymore. And she was dead set on keeping her newest relationship private.
Honestly, you'd think she would have learned from the divorce and her next two boyfriends! Anderson East was the first boyfriend after Shelton, and after him came Evan Felkner. The workings of those relationships were a bit rocky, to say the least.
Lambert Finally Found Someone!
Lambert seemed to be going from one rebound to the other. She didn't seem to know what she wanted out of life after her split from Shelton. Was she destined to go from one partner to the next?
Nope! As it turns out, Lambert found someone out of the realm of entertainment. And, learning from her previous public and failed relationships, she was planning on keeping him all to herself. But more on that coming up!
The Rebound That Wasn't A Rebound
But Lambert wasn't the only one thinking about rebounds. During an interview with Sunday Today with Willie Geist, Shelton said about his relationship: "I think if Gwen and I were being honest right now talking about this, I think in the back of our minds, we both kind of thought this is a rebound deal because we're both coming out of a pretty low spot in our lives and we’re kind of clinging to each other to get through this."
Well, it doesn't look like the two are rebounding with one another at this point!
Lambert's Secret 2020 Wedding
While Shelton was happy and settling down, Lambert finally learned from her mistakes. After calling it quits with Felkner, Lambert started seeing someone who wasn't even close to in the public eye, an NYPD officer by the name of Brendan McLoughlin.
Fans were thrilled when Lambert revealed that the two married in a quiet wedding in 2019. After going through a few public breakups, Lambert wanted nothing more than a quiet wedding without the press. And she got it! The happy couple is still together more than two years later.
Will Shelton And Stefani Stay Out Of The Spotlight More Now That They've Tied The Knot?
As for Shelton and Stefani, the newlyweds are happy living together in their 13.2 million dollar mansion in Encino, California, in the San Fernando Valley, which they purchased in August 2020.
A source revealed that Gwen and Blake are committed to spending more time as a family. "They've made a pact that they're never going to let their work get in the way of quality personal time, no matter how big the paychecks. They don't want to be one of those Hollywood couples who work nonstop and never see each other," the source told OK! Magazine.
Her First Marriage Lasted 20 Years
Nearly a decade after forming, Gwen Stefani's band, No Doubt, gained widespread popularity in the mid-'90s. It was at that time that the band toured with Bush, headed by Gavin Rossdale.
The two lead singers fell in love and seven years later, got married. After nearly two decades together, the couple split. Though rumors spread that the reason was that Gavin had an affair with the nanny, neither has confirmed it's true. The couple has announced that they are still strong partners in parenting.
Many Of Her Songs Are About Her Exes
When asked about her divorce, Gwen typically keeps the details to herself and trusted loved ones. What she did tell Cosmopolitan is, "All you have to do is listen to every single song I've ever written, and it's all there."
The gifted songwriter is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve when it comes to her music. Gavin aside, it's become widely known that hits like "Don't Speak" and "Cool" were written about her ex-boyfriend and bandmate, Tony Kanal.
"Hollaback Girl" Was For Courtney Love
Exes aren't the only source of inspiration for Gwen. Reportedly, Gwen wrote the 2004 hit "Hollaback Girl" in retaliation to Courtney Love's rude remark about the singer. In an interview with Seventeen, the Hole frontwoman said Gwen wasn't a rockstar, but rather a "cheerleader."
Gwen shot back with a fiery song that includes lyrics like, "I ain't no hollaback girl" and "people hear you talking like that, getting everybody fired up." Best of all, the song became Gwen's first solo hit to reach number one.
She Replaced Christina Aguilera On The Voice
Though many fans recognize Gwen Stefani as one of the judges on The Voice, not everyone has made the connection that it was Christina Aguilera who she replaced. The producers brought Gwen on in the seventh season, and she had some large shoes to fill.
Though comparing the two singers is like equating apples to oranges, there's "no doubt" that both stars have impeccable talent. It's a good thing that they picked Gwen because it was on the show that she met her current husband, Blake Shelton.
She Was Featured On A Prince Song
After becoming a star with the band No Doubt, Gwen Stefani had the opportunity to work with one of the greats: Prince. The pair sang his song "So Far, So Pleased" together on his 1999 album, Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic.
Their voices complement each other's so well that it wasn't the last time they collaborated. Two years later, Prince provided backing vocals for the No Doubt song "Waiting Room." Though his vocals aren't at the forefront, his distinguishable voice is impossible to miss.
She Launched A Fashion Line In 2004
In Gwen Stefani's earlier days, she made many of the eclectic clothes that she wore on stage with No Doubt. As she evolved as an artist, she collaborated with stylist Andrea Lieberman and discovered a taste for haute couture.
In 2004, Gwen came out with her fashion line, L.A.M.B., which incorporates Guatemalan, Jamaican, and Japanese styles, among others. Gwen has developed various accessories, such as perfumes, undergarments, phone charms, dolls, and eyewear. She has also released an affordable line of clothing and eyewear.
A Famous Comedian Bought The Couple's Former Mansion
The $4 million divorce settlement consisted of separating the life that Gwen and Gavin had built together for almost 20 years. Neither of them stayed in the mansion they had purchased together, but rather sold the Beverly Hills home for $21.65 million!
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco bought the 11,845-square-foot home, which features a tennis court, pool, and a playground. The contemporary house also has a theater room, gym, guesthouse, and a whopping seven bedrooms with ten bathrooms.
She Created A Children's Animated Series
One of the lesser-known projects that Gwen has embarked on over the years is creating a children's animated series. The show, called Kuu Kuu Harajuku, is based on Gwen and the four Harajuku Girls from her 2004 album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
A decade after its initial conception, Gwen announced that the series was officially in production. Since, multiple seasons have aired in Malaysia, Canada, Australia, and the US. The show follows a band, headed by a teenage version of Gwen, as they fight evil while pursuing their music career.
Her First Wedding Dress Was Pink At The Bottom
Considering Gwen's unique style and bold personality, it should come as no surprise that she put her own spin on her wedding dresses. When she married Gavin in 2002, she wore a gown that was white at the top and gradually faded into a vibrant pink toward the bottom.
The custom dress was hand-painted by designer John Galliano. Fashion designer Christian Siriano later created a similar dress that Gwen wore while promoting her fourth studio album
She Almost Starred In Mr. And Mrs. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a smash not just because it's a great flick, but because it marks the beginning of the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie-Jennifer Aniston drama that tabloids couldn't stop talking about for years to come.
In an alternate universe, all of that drama never happened because the lead role went to Gwen Stefani! ET Canada confirmed that the part of Mrs. Smith was between Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani, and, as we all know, the producers went with the former.
She Used To Wear A Bindi In Honor Of Her Ex's Culture
In the seven years that Gwen spent dating her bandmate Tony Kanal, she got to know his family and their culture well. After attending several family gatherings, she started wearing a bindi in honor of his Indian heritage.
The forehead accessory appears in some of their music videos and she often sported one while attending events throughout the '90s. Some accused Gwen of cultural appropriation, especially after it became a part of her signature look.
Her Band Started Back In The '80s
Though No Doubt didn't rise to fame until the '90s, the band formed in 1986. It was actually Gwen's brother, Eric Stefani, who had the idea while the siblings were working at Dairy Queen alongside former bandmate John Spence.
Initially, John was the lead singer, and Gwen was only on backing vocals. Sadly, he took his own life in 1987. Gwen stepped up at the lead vocalist, and several other members joined in the years to come. Eric left the band before they made it big to pursue a career in animation.
No Doubt Nearly Split After Tony And Gwen's Breakup
Being that Gwen was the only female in the band, the members agreed that no one would date her. That rule was quickly broken when she fell hard for bassist Tony Kanal. The couple spent seven years together, and their split nearly broke up the band.
Fortunately, they made it through and toured together for decades to come. Their shaky journey adds significance to the song "Cool," which was about their friendship after the tough breakup. The music video even features Tony's now-wife, Erin Lokitz.
She's Named After A Novel And A Song
Gwen Stefani is a true artist through and through, so it makes sense that she was named after a work of literature and music. Her first name comes from a character in the best-selling novel Airport by Arthur Hailey.
Her middle name, Renée, comes from the song "Walk Away Renée." Though The Left Banke performed the original song in 1966, it was the 1968 version by The Four Tops that inspired her parents to choose the name.
She's Considered A "Pop Princess"
Over the years, Gwen has taken on various genres of music, from ska to R&B. However, her work as a solo artist is generally placed into the category of pop, earning her the title of "Pop Princess" by some critics.
Her impressive vocal range underscores her powerful voice, earning her several accolades including one Grammy for her solo work and two as a member of the band No Doubt. In 2012, VH1 gave Gwen 13th place on their list of "100 Greatest Women in Music."
She Has A Learning Disorder
It may be surprising to hear that Gwen has dyslexia. The learning disorder played a role in her passion for music, as it was a way to express herself. The successful role model encourages others with dyslexia to still follow their dreams.
Gwen has a special place in her heart for children, and donated $1 million to Save the Children's Japan Earthquake–Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund. She also auctioned off some of her clothing so that proceeds could go to the relief effort.
She's A Natural Brunette
Part of Gwen's trademark look is her platinum blonde hair, but the singer, who has Italian heritage, is naturally a brunette. She had her stylist die her hair a shade similar to its natural color for the "Cool" music video to help distinguish between her present and her younger self.
Reportedly, Gwen has dyed her hair since the ninth grade. With so much treatment, it's amazing her hair is so healthy-looking. She told Vogue, "I really do take care of my hair, even more than my face. Because you have to if you're a blonde."
She Gives Her Skin A Break From Makeup At Night
From the start of her fame, Gwen hasn't shied away from being herself. Though she typically wears a face full of makeup, she isn't afraid to show her bare face to the world on social media every now and again.
Her makeup-less face only proves how little she's aged over the decades. She told Elle that an important part of her skincare routine is removing all of her makeup at night to let her skin breathe.
