In the heart of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, country music legend Blake Shelton stood beaming with pride as his stepsons, Kingston and Zuma Rossdale, took the stage at his Ole Red bar, showcasing their musical talents and proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As the sons of Gwen Stefani, the iconic No Doubt frontwoman, and Gavin Rossdale, the charismatic Bush lead singer, 18-year-old Kingston and 16-year-old Zuma are carving their own paths in the music world, guided by the influence of their parents and stepfather. In an exclusive interview with People magazine in May 2025, Shelton opened up about watching his stepsons embrace their musical destinies, sharing heartfelt insights into their performances, their unique styles, and the joy of seeing them thrive in a world he knows so well. This article explores Kingston and Zuma’s burgeoning music careers, Shelton’s role as a supportive stepfather, and how the family’s musical legacy is shaping the next generation.

A Stage Built for Stardom

On January 4, 2025, the Ole Red bar in Tishomingo buzzed with excitement as Zuma Rossdale, just 16, stepped into the spotlight for a performance that left the crowd in awe. Dressed in jeans, a striped button-down, and a black cowboy hat, Zuma strummed his guitar and belted out covers of Zach Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Revival,” channeling the country spirit of his stepfather. Blake introduced him with characteristic humor, saying, “I’m not Zuma Rossdale, everybody. My name is Blake Shelton. Thank y’all for coming out here tonight!” The crowd erupted as Zuma took the stage, with Shelton watching proudly from the sidelines, adjusting the microphone and giving a thumbs-up. “He’s leaning into country music pretty much 150 percent,” Shelton told People, noting Zuma’s love for both classic and modern country artists.

This wasn’t Zuma’s first rodeo. He made his Ole Red debut in July 2024, at just 15, performing the same Zach Bryan tracks with a confidence that belied his age. Social media lit up with praise, with fans on X raving, “Zuma sounds great! And Blake grinning ear to ear!” and “He’s got the Stefani genes + Blake’s influence.” Another fan noted, “His voice is perfect for country music!” The performance was a testament to Zuma’s natural talent and the influence of growing up around musical giants like Shelton, Stefani, and Rossdale.

Kingston, now 18, paved the way for his younger brother with his own Ole Red debut in July 2023. Unlike Zuma’s country leanings, Kingston’s set leaned into rock, reflecting his father Gavin Rossdale’s alt-rock roots with influences like the Smashing Pumpkins and Deftones. A video shared on Facebook captured Shelton introducing Kingston, who performed with a guitar and a snake around his neck, adding a theatrical flair reminiscent of his mother’s No Doubt days. “Kingston’s the real deal,” Shelton told the Los Angeles Times, marveling at his stepson’s stage presence. Fans were equally impressed, with one commenting, “He’s got ‘it’! A natural!”

A Family of Musical Giants

Kingston and Zuma’s musical talents are hardly surprising, given their lineage. Gwen Stefani, 55, has been a trailblazer in music for decades, from her ska-punk days with No Doubt to her solo pop hits like “Hollaback Girl.” Gavin Rossdale, 59, fronted Bush during the grunge era, delivering anthems like “Glycerine” and “Machinehead.” Since marrying in 2021, Shelton, 49, has been a constant presence in their lives, not only as a country music icon with over 30 No. 1 hits but as a stepfather who embraces his role with sincerity. Together, the trio represents a musical dynasty, and Kingston and Zuma have grown up watching their parents perform in packed venues, absorbing the art of stagecraft.

“They have three professional musicians in their life and have grown up standing on the side of the stages watching this their entire life,” Shelton said in his People interview. “When they get up there, you would assume they’ve been doing this for 10 years. They’re very comfortable and not rattled at all.” He contrasted their poise with his own early days, admitting, “I sure wasn’t that calm when I would get onstage.” Shelton credits Gwen and Gavin for instilling confidence in the boys, noting that their exposure to high-stakes performances has shaped their fearlessness.

Zuma’s country music passion has been particularly thrilling for Shelton, who never pushed his genre on his stepsons. “I think just accidentally throughout his lifetime, when he rides in the truck with me somewhere, he can’t help but hear whatever station I have on,” Shelton explained, chuckling. Zuma’s performances at Ole Red, where he covers artists like Zach Bryan, reflect a deep connection to the genre, perhaps deepened by life on Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch. Meanwhile, Kingston’s rock influences align closely with Rossdale’s style, though he’s also exploring songwriting, with his father praising his “Justin Bieber-quality singles” for their melodic strength.

Blake Shelton: The Proud Stepdad

Shelton’s role as a stepfather to Kingston, Zuma, and their younger brother Apollo, 11, has been transformative. “I think being a stepdad has changed my perspective in that I’m not the first person that I think about anymore,” he told Access in January 2023. His commitment is evident in moments like gifting Zuma his late father’s truck for his 16th birthday in August 2024, a rusted heirloom Zuma had coveted for years. “He’s been begging for that truck for like, years,” Stefani shared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, describing how Shelton restored it for the milestone.

Shelton’s support extends to nurturing the boys’ musical ambitions. For Kingston, he provided a Logic studio to hone his songwriting skills, recognizing his potential as a producer and collaborator. “Kingston’s begun to work with other people, and he’s written some way legit songs,” Rossdale told Us Weekly, noting his son’s knack for melody. For Zuma, Shelton’s Ole Red stage has become a proving ground, with the country star rallying his nearly seven million Instagram followers to attend his stepson’s shows. “Hey y’all, our boy Zuma is gonna do a 6pm performance at @olered Tishomingo this Friday! Come check him out!” he posted in April 2025.

Shelton’s pride was palpable during Zuma’s January 2025 performance, where a TikTok video captured his “proud stepdad energy.” Fans commented, “Zuma has looked up to Blake from the word go. Love this for them!” and “The most supportive pops. ❤️” The sentiment reflects Shelton’s hands-on approach, from teaching the boys about ranch life to sharing the stage. “I get to teach them the country, you know, and I love that,” he told Entertainment Tonight in April 2024.

A Cordial Co-Parenting Dynamic

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, who were married from 2002 to 2016, maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship, ensuring Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo thrive in a supportive environment. Rossdale remains close with his sons, sharing his musical expertise. “I got [Kingston] a Logic studio for Christmas,” he told Us Weekly. “He’s got my whole [guitar] pedal rig, a bunch of vintage guitars, all this stuff.” While Kingston’s rock influences mirror his father’s, Rossdale humorously noted Zuma’s country bug: “I have no idea where he gets that from, but he’s got it.”

Shelton respects this dynamic, balancing his role as a stepfather with the boys’ bond with Rossdale. “I try to be careful about when to step in and be smart about when to step back,” he told TODAY in 2023, emphasizing his commitment to being there when needed. This balance has fostered a harmonious family, with Stefani praising Shelton’s influence. “He’s been such a good dad,” she said on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2021, recalling how Shelton impressed her family by clearing a fallen tree in Oklahoma.

A Musical Legacy in the Making

Kingston and Zuma’s performances at Ole Red are just the beginning. Kingston, with his rock-driven style and songwriting prowess, is exploring a career that blends his father’s grunge roots with modern influences. Zuma, meanwhile, seems destined for country stardom, with fans already calling for a duet with Shelton. “Others requested Shelton and Zuma team up for a duet next,” noted the Daily Mail, reflecting the excitement around their potential collaboration.

Shelton and Stefani’s own musical synergy, seen in duets like “Nobody But You” and “Purple Irises,” serves as a model for the boys. “I don’t feel like I want to make a record without a duet with Gwen on it anymore,” Shelton told HELLO! in 2025, hinting at the family’s collaborative spirit. While Apollo, at 11, is still too young to perform, his presence at family events like Shelton’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2023 suggests he, too, may inherit the musical bug.

Why Fans Are Thrilled

Fans are captivated by Kingston and Zuma’s performances not just for their talent but for the family story behind them. The sight of Shelton cheering on his stepsons resonates with those who admire his down-to-earth persona. “Blake and Gwen were so proud!!!” wrote a fan on X after Zuma’s July 2024 debut. Another commented, “He’s amazing! He has the Stefani genes + Blake’s influence.” The boys’ ability to navigate their parents’ fame while forging their own paths mirrors Shelton’s own journey from Ada, Oklahoma, to global stardom.

The Ole Red performances also highlight the family’s Oklahoma roots, where they spend summers at Shelton’s 1,382-acre ranch. “We pretty much have our summers wide open,” Shelton told People, relishing the chance to bond with the boys through music and ranch life. These moments, from Zuma driving his new truck to Kingston jamming on vintage guitars, paint a picture of a family united by creativity and love.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Kingston and Zuma step into the spotlight, they carry the legacy of their parents’ musical prowess and Shelton’s unwavering support. Kingston’s rock anthems and Zuma’s country covers are early signs of their potential, backed by a family that knows the highs and lows of the industry. Shelton’s pride, evident in every introduction at Ole Red, underscores his belief in their talent. “They’re very comfortable and not rattled at all,” he marveled, a sentiment echoed by fans who see stardom in their future.

With Gwen Stefani’s pop-punk flair, Gavin Rossdale’s rock intensity, and Blake Shelton’s country soul, Kingston and Zuma have a wealth of inspiration to draw from. As they continue to perform, write, and grow, the music world watches eagerly, knowing that these young talents are just getting started. For now, Shelton remains their biggest cheerleader, proving that family—and music—can create something truly special.

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