When Gwen Stefani’s son Zuma took the stage with Blake Shelton last night, fans were amazed. With his relaxed charm, confident smile, and even a touch of Blake’s famous swagger, Zuma didn’t just look like a younger version of Blake — he performed like one too. From the way he held the microphone to how he connected with the crowd, it was clear that the next generation of country music charisma is already shining bright, growing fast under the guidance of some true legends.
Though Blake Shelton isn’t Zuma’s biological father, the middle child is starting to show a striking resemblance to his stepdad, both in looks and style. Gwen Stefani shared a heartfelt photo montage to celebrate Zuma’s 16th birthday on August 22, showing his journey from a sweet, blue-eyed baby to a young man with a clear country influence. Early pictures show Zuma looking a lot like his mom, but as the years passed — especially after Gwen and Blake began dating — Zuma’s style took on a new flair. Cowboy hats, guitars, and a rugged country look became part of his image, and in recent photos, he could easily be mistaken for Blake’s mini-me.
Gwen’s birthday message was full of love: “Happy sweet 16, Zuma!! We love u SO much.”
Even though Blake has clearly influenced Zuma’s musical style, Zuma’s love for music started early. A photo shows him strumming a guitar when he was just about four or five years old, hinting that his musical roots could come from both sides of his family — his pop superstar mom and his rockstar dad, Gavin Rossdale.
Zuma made a memorable live debut at Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma Ole Red venue last month, where he proudly showed off his country side, performing Zach Bryan’s “Oklahoma Smokeshow” while dressed in jeans and a cowboy hat.
Zuma is one of three children Gwen shares with her ex-husband, Bush guitarist Gavin Rossdale.
Carena Liptak, Associate Editor and staff writer at Taste of Country, is known for breaking country music news, interviews, and lists. She especially loves touching stories and has put together a popular roundup of the 50 Saddest Country Songs of All Time.
