In the heart of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, a new voice is emerging in country music, and it belongs to 16-year-old Zuma Rossdale, the middle son of pop icon Gwen Stefani and her ex-husband, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. With the unwavering support of his superstar parents and stepfather, country music legend Blake Shelton, Zuma has taken center stage at Shelton’s Ole Red bar, transitioning from a budding performer to a regular headliner. His performances, marked by a deep affinity for ‘90s country and modern hits, have captivated audiences and sparked excitement about his potential career. This article explores Zuma’s rise as a main singer at Ole Red, the pivotal role of Stefani and Shelton’s encouragement, and the broader implications of his journey in a family steeped in musical legacy, drawing on recent reports and fan reactions.
@lmsparkys Great evening! What a sweet youngman Zuma (Gwen’s son)! Wait until the very end when Blake comes out and talks about Zuma! 😍#zumarossdale #blakeshelton #oleredtishomingo #countrymusic #gwenstefani
Zuma’s Country Music Awakening
Zuma Rossdale, born August 21, 2008, grew up surrounded by musical giants. His mother, Gwen Stefani, is a No Doubt legend and solo pop superstar, while his father, Gavin Rossdale, leads the rock band Bush. Yet, it is his stepfather, Blake Shelton, a country music titan with 30 No. 1 hits, who has most visibly shaped Zuma’s musical path. Since Stefani and Shelton married in July 2021, after meeting as coaches on The Voice in 2014, Zuma has gravitated toward country music, a genre distinct from his parents’ rock and pop roots. His performances at Ole Red Tishomingo, Shelton’s hometown bar and music venue, showcase a teenager fully embracing the twang and storytelling of country, with covers of Zach Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).”
Zuma’s debut at Ole Red in July 2024 marked a turning point. Clad in a black cowboy hat, jeans, and boots, he took the stage with an acoustic guitar, performing a two-song set that included Zach Bryan’s “Revival” to a roaring crowd. NBC Insider reported deafening applause, with fans dubbing him “Cowboy Zuma” for his understated charisma. By January 2025, Zuma had become a regular performer, headlining shows and earning praise for his maturing stage presence. Shelton introduced him at a January 4, 2025, performance, joking, “I’m not Zuma Rossdale, everybody,” before beaming with pride as Zuma launched into country classics, as seen in a TikTok video shared by Good Housekeeping. His setlist, which also includes Shelton’s 2001 hit “Ol’ Red,” reflects a deep connection to the genre’s traditional roots, surprising for a teenager raised in Los Angeles.
Blake Shelton’s Proud Stepdad Role
Blake Shelton’s support for Zuma has been both public and heartfelt. After leaving The Voice in 2023 to prioritize family, Shelton has embraced his role as a stepfather to Stefani’s three sons—Kingston (19), Zuma (16), and Apollo (11). His Ole Red bar, opened in Tishomingo in 2017 to showcase local talent, has become a proving ground for Zuma. Shelton’s introductions are filled with “proud dad” energy, as noted by Taste of Country, with actions like adjusting Zuma’s microphone and offering thumbs-ups from the sidelines during performances. On July 19, 2024, Shelton told the Ole Red crowd, “We hear him sit around the house playing, and we’re always the ones saying, ‘Zuma, you gotta get out there and sing in front of people, man; you’re really talented,’” a sentiment captured by NBC Insider.
Shelton insists Zuma’s country music passion is self-driven, not imposed. In a Taste of Country Nights interview, he said, “It’s not me showing him stuff, it’s him showing me stuff. ‘Have you heard this artist? Listen to this song.’ It’s almost every single day. I love it.” Zuma’s daily practice, spending about 20 minutes with his guitar, reflects a dedication that impresses Shelton, who sees their mentorship as mutual. This dynamic has fueled speculation about a future collaboration, with Good Housekeeping suggesting a Blake-Zuma duet could be on the horizon. Shelton’s own career resurgence, marked by his 2025 album For Recreational Use Only and the hit “Texas,” aligns with Zuma’s rise, creating a parallel narrative of inspiration within the family.
Gwen Stefani’s Emotional Support
Gwen Stefani, a pop culture icon, has been equally vocal in supporting Zuma’s musical journey, despite her own career in a vastly different genre. Her presence at Zuma’s performances, often alongside Apollo, underscores her pride. On July 29, 2024, she shared an Instagram Story of Shelton performing “Pour Me a Drink” at Ole Red, panning to Apollo in a cowboy hat, hinting at her attendance during Zuma’s set. Yahoo noted her subtle support, contrasting with Shelton’s overt stage introductions. On Zuma’s 16th birthday in August 2024, Stefani posted a heartfelt Instagram montage, featuring photos of Zuma with a guitar as a toddler and recent performance shots, captioned with love and pride for his country music path. Fans commented, “Gwen’s got a little country boy & I’m loving it!” and “You’d think that was Blake’s son, he sure is taking after him.”
Stefani’s own history of balancing motherhood and stardom informs her encouragement. In a Nylon interview, she discussed the challenges of performing with No Doubt while raising her sons, a struggle that makes her support for Zuma’s passion all the more poignant. Her move to Oklahoma, where the family owns a 1,382-acre ranch, has immersed Zuma in a culture that fuels his love for country music, a shift she embraces despite her pop roots.
Gavin Rossdale’s Endorsement
Zuma’s biological father, Gavin Rossdale, has also championed his son’s talent, despite their differing musical tastes. In a July 2025 US Weekly interview, Rossdale gushed, “Zuma’s begun recording. He’s out of control. I’m not even the best singer in my house anymore.” While Rossdale’s rock band Bush contrasts with Zuma’s country leanings, he acknowledges the influence of Shelton, joking to HELLO!, “Zuma, he’s got the country bug. I have no idea where he gets that from, but he’s got it.” This supportive co-parenting dynamic, with Rossdale, Stefani, and Shelton united in encouraging Zuma, highlights a modern family blend that resonates with fans.
Zuma’s Performances: A Rising Star at Ole Red
Zuma’s performances at Ole Red have evolved from tentative debuts to confident headlining sets. His July 2024 appearance, covering Zach Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Revival,” earned raves for his guitar skills and vocal delivery. By January 2025, he was a main attraction, with Shelton promoting a 6 p.m. show on Instagram Stories: “Y’all come out and see our boy Zuma Rossdale at @olered Tishomingo!” Fans, like one quoted by Parade, called him “Blake’s mini me,” noting his cowboy hat and American flag-decorated guitar. His setlist, including ‘90s hits like “Neon Moon” and Shelton’s “Ol’ Red,” showcases a deep appreciation for country’s heritage, as Country Thang Daily praised his “country IQ.”
Local fan Jamie McGaugh, a Shelton devotee, told The Oklahoman that Zuma’s July 2024 performance was flawless: “He may have been nervous, but you could not tell. Blake sat over on the side of the stage and watched it with a gigantic grin.” The crowd of about 400 at Ole Red, a venue Shelton built to nurture local talent, has embraced Zuma, with comments like “He’s made for country music” flooding social media.
Reception and Future Prospects
Fans and media have lauded Zuma’s talent and the family’s support. Newsweek called him a potential “superstar at only 15,” while HELLO! highlighted Shelton’s role as a “champion” for his stepsons. Social media reactions, like those on X, include fans saying, “Blake and Gwen were so proud!!!” and “Zuma has the makings of a country star.” However, some critics note the pressure of living up to three musical powerhouses, with Taste of Country suggesting Zuma’s independent style is key to his authenticity.
Zuma’s trajectory suggests a bright future. His regular performances at Ole Red, coupled with Rossdale’s mention of recording, hint at original music on the horizon. While Kingston leans toward grunge rock, Zuma’s country path aligns him with Shelton’s legacy, raising questions about a potential Voice appearance or a duet. NBC Insider speculated, “The sky’s the limit for Zuma, as he’s inherited some truly magical musical DNA.”
Broader Implications: Family, Legacy, and Country Music’s Future
Zuma’s rise reflects the evolving nature of country music, where young artists like Zach Bryan inspire a new generation. Shelton’s mentorship, Stefani’s emotional support, and Rossdale’s encouragement create a unique support system, blending rock, pop, and country influences. Shelton’s decision to leave The Voice for family time, as he told People in 2022—“Having kids, it truly does make you go, ‘This isn’t about me anymore’”—underscores his commitment to Zuma’s growth.
This story also highlights the power of chosen family. Shelton’s bond with Zuma, forged through shared Oklahoma roots and music, transcends traditional stepparent roles. As Country Thang Daily noted, “No one’s forcing this kid into a cowboy hat and boots. This is all Zuma.” His journey at Ole Red, backed by a family of superstars, positions him as a potential torchbearer for country music’s next chapter.
Conclusion
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s support for Zuma Rossdale’s music has transformed him into a main singer at Ole Red Tishomingo, where his country performances have won hearts. From his July 2024 debut to headlining in 2025, Zuma’s talent, fueled by his own passion and his family’s encouragement, signals a promising career. Shelton’s proud introductions, Stefani’s emotional presence, and Rossdale’s enthusiastic praise create a nurturing environment for a teenager navigating a high-profile musical legacy. As Zuma covers ‘90s classics and explores recording, his story is one of authenticity, family support, and the enduring appeal of country music. Whether he’s destined for a Voice stage or a future hit, Zuma’s performances at Ole Red prove he’s already carving his own path, with his superstar family cheering every step.
