In a moment that left fans teary-eyed and buzzing with excitement, Gwen Stefani’s teenage son, Zuma Rossdale, took the stage alongside his stepfather, country music icon Blake Shelton, for an unforgettable duet at Shelton’s Ole Red bar in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The performance, which coincided with Zuma’s 17th birthday celebration on August 21, 2025, was a highlight of a night filled with music, family, and raw emotion. Shared via social media by a beaming Gwen Stefani, the duet showcased Zuma’s striking resemblance to Shelton—both in style and talent—and sent the country music world into a frenzy. The heartfelt moment, coupled with Stefani’s touching birthday tribute to her son, has fans calling Zuma a “mini Blake Shelton” and predicting a bright future for the young artist.
A Star-Studded Family Affair
Gwen Stefani, the No Doubt frontwoman and pop culture icon, has long been a force in the music industry, with a career spanning decades and genres. Her husband, Blake Shelton, is a country music titan with 28 chart-topping singles, 13 million albums sold, and a trophy case brimming with awards, including ten Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and six Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. Together, the couple—married since July 2021 after meeting as coaches on NBC’s The Voice—has become a power duo, blending their musical worlds and raising Stefani’s three sons: Kingston, 19, Zuma, 17, and Apollo, 11, from her previous marriage to Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale.
Zuma, the middle child, has been quietly carving his own path in music, heavily influenced by his stepfather’s country roots. On August 21, 2025, as Stefani celebrated Zuma’s 17th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a carousel of photos and videos that captured his transformation into a budding country star. Dressed in a cowboy hat, denim jacket, and a button-down shirt reminiscent of Shelton’s early-2000s style, Zuma could’ve been mistaken for a young Blake. The post included a clip of Zuma strumming a guitar and singing a country tune, as well as a nostalgic photo of the teen sporting a mullet-style haircut, echoing Shelton’s iconic look from his early career.
“Happy birthday to our sweet and talented Zuma!! We love u soooo much!! ❤️,” Stefani wrote, her pride evident in every word. Fans flooded the comments, noting the uncanny resemblance between Zuma and Shelton, with one writing, “He’s got the old-school Blake mullet started 🔥,” and another declaring, “A mini Blake Shelton in the making!” The tribute set the stage for the emotional highlight of the night: a surprise duet that brought the house down at Ole Red.
The Duet That Stole Hearts
The setting was Ole Red Tishomingo, the flagship location of Shelton’s chain of bars and music venues, located in his adopted hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Known for its down-home vibe and live music, Ole Red has become a second home for Shelton, who often pops in for impromptu performances. On July 29, 2025, just weeks before Zuma’s birthday, he made his musical debut at the venue, covering Zach Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Revival” to a cheering crowd. That performance, introduced by a proud Shelton, hinted at Zuma’s potential as a country artist. But the birthday duet on August 21 took things to a new level.
As part of the birthday celebration, Shelton announced a special pop-up show at Ole Red via social media, promising “a few songs and maybe a surprise or two.” Fans packed the venue, eager to see the country star in action. After performing hits like “Pour Me a Drink” (his recent duet with Post Malone) and “Ol’ Red,” Shelton paused to introduce “a very special guest.” With a grin, he welcomed Zuma to the stage, saying, “This is my man, Zuma Rossdale, and tonight we’re gonna do something we’ve been practicing around the house.”
The crowd erupted as Zuma, clad in a black cowboy hat and a plaid shirt, stepped up with his acoustic guitar. The duo launched into a soulful rendition of “Nobody But You,” one of Shelton and Stefani’s chart-topping duets from 2020. The song, a heartfelt ode to their love, took on new meaning as Zuma’s young voice harmonized with Shelton’s seasoned baritone. Zuma’s confidence and stage presence mirrored his stepfather’s, from the way he tipped his hat to the crowd to his easy drawl between verses. Stefani, watching from a table near the stage, was visibly moved, capturing the moment on her phone as tears welled in her eyes.
The performance was a masterclass in chemistry, with Shelton and Zuma trading verses and sharing knowing smiles. As they hit the final chorus, the crowd joined in, singing along to lyrics that felt like a love letter to family: “I don’t wanna live without you, I don’t wanna even breathe / I don’t wanna dream about you, wanna wake up with you next to me.” When the song ended, the room exploded in applause, with fans on their feet and many wiping away tears. Shelton pulled Zuma into a tight hug, whispering something that made the teen laugh before they both waved to the crowd.
A Bond Forged in Music
The duet was more than just a performance—it was a testament to the deep bond between Shelton and his stepson. Since marrying Stefani in 2021, Shelton has embraced his role as a stepfather with enthusiasm, often speaking about the joy of raising Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. “I get to teach them the country, you know, and I love that,” he told Entertainment Tonight in a recent interview. “When people say it’s not about you anymore when you have kids… if you’re doing it right, it’s not about you anymore. That’s true.”
Zuma’s love for country music, in particular, has been nurtured by Shelton. The teen’s performances at Ole Red, including his debut in July 2024 and subsequent shows, have showcased his growing affinity for the genre. Fans have noted how Zuma has adopted Shelton’s mannerisms, from his laid-back stage presence to his penchant for Western wear. Social media clips from the birthday duet sparked comments like, “Aww, he picked up Blake’s mannerisms when he sings, so cute,” and “I think a country star is being born with the sweet wisdom and loving guidance of Papa Blake.”
Even Zuma’s biological father, Gavin Rossdale, has acknowledged his son’s country music bug. In an interview with US Weekly, Rossdale shared that he’s been learning Zach Bryan songs to play alongside Zuma, who’s taken up the acoustic guitar. “He’s got the country bug,” Rossdale said. “I promised to learn a couple of songs so we can play them together.” The support from both parents and his stepfather has given Zuma a unique platform to explore his musical talents.
A Family of Musicians
The Rossdale-Stefani-Shelton household is a musical powerhouse. Stefani, with her punk-rock roots and pop anthems, and Shelton, with his country swagger, have created an environment where creativity thrives. Kingston, Zuma’s older brother, made his own debut at Ole Red in August 2023, performing original rock songs that leaned closer to his father’s grunge influences. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Apollo has yet to take the stage, but his presence at family performances suggests he’s soaking up the same inspiration.
The birthday duet wasn’t the first time Stefani and Shelton have shared the stage with their kids. In 2023, Stefani joined Shelton at Ole Red for a rendition of No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak,” followed by Kingston’s debut. The family’s ability to blend their talents—rock, pop, and country—has fans dreaming of a potential family band. “That would be Gwen’s dream come true, a family band or something like that,” Shelton joked on the Today show.
The Future Looks Bright
Zuma’s performance with Shelton has sparked speculation about his future in country music. At 17, he’s already drawing comparisons to young stars like Zach Bryan, whose songs he’s covered with confidence. His ability to hold his own alongside a seasoned performer like Shelton suggests a natural talent that’s only beginning to shine. Fans on social media dubbed him “Cowboy Zuma,” a nickname that captures his understated charisma and country flair.
For Shelton, the moment was a proud one. After the duet, he took to Instagram, posting, “Couldn’t be prouder of Zuma. This kid’s got heart, talent, and a whole lotta country in him. Happy birthday, man!” The post included a clip of the duet, which quickly racked up thousands of likes and shares. Stefani, too, shared the video, writing, “My heart is so full watching Zuma shine. Thank you, Blake, for being his biggest fan.”
A Night to Remember
The duet at Ole Red was more than a birthday celebration—it was a milestone in Zuma’s journey as an artist and a testament to the family’s unbreakable bond. For fans, it was a rare glimpse into the personal side of two music superstars and the young talent they’re nurturing. As Zuma continues to grow as a musician, the influence of his stepfather and mother will undoubtedly shape his path, but his unique voice and stage presence suggest he’s ready to carve out his own legacy.
The country music world is watching, and if this duet is any indication, Zuma Rossdale is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come. For now, the memory of that emotional night in Tishomingo, where a teenager and his stepdad brought a crowd to its feet, will linger as a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.
