Blake Shelton’s Influence Shines Through in Gwen Stefani’s Birthday Tribute to Zuma Rossdale
Blake Shelton may not share blood with Gwen Stefani’s middle son, Zuma, but it’s clear he’s passed down plenty of country swagger.
When Stefani shared photos for Zuma’s 17th birthday, fans immediately pointed out the resemblance to his stepdad. Dressed in denim, cowboy hat tipped low, guitar in hand, and even rocking the beginnings of Shelton’s signature mullet, Zuma looked less like a California kid and more like a young country star in the making.
“Happy birthday to our sweet and talented Zuma!! We love u soooo much!!” Stefani captioned her post, which included snapshots and clips that traced Zuma’s musical journey—from strumming toy guitars as a toddler to tuning up the real thing today.
One clip captured Shelton himself introducing Zuma onstage during a recent show, proudly calling him, “My man, Zuma Rossdale.” The crowd’s roar made it clear the teen’s presence wasn’t just a novelty—it felt like a passing of the torch. Fans flooded Stefani’s comments with praise: “I see that Blake influence,” one wrote. Another added, “He’s got the old-school Blake mullet started.”
Zuma has already dipped his boots into the country world, debuting at Shelton’s Ole Red in 2024 and returning multiple times since, earning cheers for his natural stage presence. Shelton has embraced the role of stepdad to Stefani’s three sons—Kingston, 19, Zuma, 17, and Apollo, 11—once sharing, “When people say it’s not about you anymore when you have a kid… if you’re doing it right, it’s not about you anymore.”
Even Zuma’s biological dad, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, has leaned into his son’s country leanings. “One son loves the Pumpkins and… Zuma, he’s got the country bug,” Rossdale admitted. “I have no idea where he gets that from, but he’s got it.”
To fans, the answer is obvious. With Gwen cheering him on, Blake guiding him onstage, and Gavin strumming along to Zach Bryan songs, Zuma Rossdale is surrounded by music from every angle.
Seventeen looks good on him—and judging by those birthday photos, Shelton’s country influence is only just beginning to shine through.