A New Star on the Rise
Gwen Stefani’s second son, Zuma, has been showing a growing interest in music, particularly drawing inspiration from his stepfather, Blake Shelton. This connection has become more evident as Zuma steps into the spotlight, showcasing his talents on stage and hinting at a potential future in the country music industry.
On Saturday night, July 19, Zuma took the stage at the Oklahoma location of Shelton’s Ole Red bar. This wasn’t just another performance for him; it was a significant moment that highlighted his passion for music. Shelton was present to welcome Zuma back to the stage, emphasizing how he and Stefani have been encouraging the young musician to perform more frequently.
Zuma has performed at Ole Red before, but this time felt different. As Shelton introduced him to the audience, he shared how they’ve always been supportive, often urging Zuma to take the stage and share his talent with others.
A Country Music Debut
When Zuma walked onto the Ole Red stage, he looked every bit like a budding country star. Dressed in Western wear, including a black cowboy hat, he carried an acoustic guitar decorated with the American flag. His appearance was a clear nod to the genre he’s trying to break into.
During his performance, Zuma treated the crowd to some classic ’90s country hits. He delivered a flawless rendition of John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” demonstrating his vocal abilities and musical skill.
In addition to this, he paid tribute to his stepfather by performing Shelton’s 2001 hit “Ol’ Red.” This song not only inspired the name of Shelton’s bar but also served as a meaningful gesture from Zuma, showing his respect and admiration for Shelton.
A Serious Approach to Music
Despite being a young performer, Zuma seems committed to pursuing a career in country music. Before the night ended, Shelton revealed that Zuma had some merchandise for sale, indicating that he is taking his performances seriously.
It’s not entirely clear when Zuma first became interested in music, but he made his stage debut at Ole Red Tishimingo in July 2024. His older brother, Kingston, has also dabbled in performing. In 2023, Kingston played a set at Shelton’s Ole Red venue. However, his musical style leans more towards grunge rock rather than country.
A Musical Family Legacy
The Rossdale family has a strong musical background. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are both well-known stars in their respective fields, and their children have grown up surrounded by music. Their father, Gavin Rossdale, is the lead singer of the rock band Bush. This environment has undoubtedly influenced the boys’ interests and aspirations.
Blake Shelton’s Perspective on Fatherhood
Since marrying Stefani in 2021, Shelton has embraced his role as a stepfather. He even stepped down as a coach on The Voice to focus more on family life. Shelton has spoken openly about how becoming a father changed his perspective on life.
“Having kids, it truly does make you go, ‘Oh, whoa, wait a minute. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again,’” he explained in 2022. Shelton emphasized the importance of putting family first, stating that failing to do so can lead to missing out on meaningful experiences.