Gwen Stefani marks Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale’s 17th birthday with Blake Shelton-inspired family moment and new musical momentum
Gwen Stefani celebrated her son Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale’s 17th birthday by sharing a series of Instagram snaps that show him leaning into a Blake Shelton-inspired look and sound. In the clips, Zuma sports western wear and a mullet, mirroring his stepfather’s signature style from the early 2000s. The teen is also shown performing a cover of Zach Bryan’s 2024 song Dawn’s on acoustic guitar at home, signaling a clear path toward a country-leaning musical future.
Stefani’s post includes a tribute captioning Zuma as “our sweet and talented Zuma! We love you sooo much,” accompanied by a clip of Shelton introducing his stepson onstage at the Doghouse, the venue inside Shelton’s Ole Red bar in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Zuma previously made his musical debut at Ole Red in July 2024, performing another Zach Bryan tune, Oklahoma Smokeshow—a nod to country storytelling that seems to be fueling his growth as a young artist.
Blake Shelton has repeatedly expressed pride in guiding his stepson’s country ambitions. In a conversation withEntertainment Tonight last year, he spoke about teaching music and the joy of watching Zuma grow into the genre he loves. “I get to teach them the country, you know, and I love that. When people say it’s not about you anymore when you have a kid… I think if you’re doing it right, it’s not about you anymore. That’s true,” he said. Shelton also joked about a long road ahead, noting that there’s still plenty of time to shape Zuma’s journey—“we have Apollo, so we have another almost 10 years before we can kick him out, so it should be a lot of fun.”
The tribute underscores the blended family dynamic that has become central to Stefani’s public persona. Gavin Rossdale, Zuma’s father, is known for his role as the lead singer of Bush, and the family has navigated the usual highs and lows of fame. Stefani and Rossdale’s marriage produced Kingston (now 19) and Apollo (11), and their 13-year union ended in 2015 amid tabloid chatter about nanny-related allegations. Stefani subsequently began dating Shelton after meeting on The Voice, joining his life while she also pursues her fashion and design endeavors.
Beyond family milestones, Shelton has been active on the professional front as well. He announced an eight-date Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, kicking off January 15, and has plans to perform at events such as Jacks Bash 3 in Brookings, South Dakota on August 28. On the music awards front, Shelton and Post Malone are nominated for best collaboration at the MTV Video Music Awards, which air on September 7.
Stefani herself remains creatively busy, balancing her popular clothing line L.A.M.B. (Love Angel Music Baby) with a period of musical hiatus while continuing to inspire fans with her fashion and artistry. The intertwined paths of Stefani and Shelton—two music icons supporting a new generation—continue to resonate with audiences who celebrate family, mentorship, and the ongoing industry presence of both artists.
What this signals for Zuma is a supportive, high-profile platform as he tests the waters of a country-leaning career. With his parents’ guidance and a network of industry connections, Zuma’s growing presence—both in performance and on social media—could pave the way for a distinctive sound rooted in country storytelling and pop-accessible melodies. Fans are already weighing in with praise for his growth and the unmistakable influence of Shelton’s musical style on his performances.
Notes for readers: Zuma’s trajectory mirrors a broader trend of children of famous musicians exploring genres that blend tradition with contemporary appeal. If this momentum continues, we may see more family collaborations and appearances as Zuma hones his craft alongside one of country music’s most recognizable modern voices.