Career Timeline of Gwen Stefani: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Gwen Stefani, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Gwen Stefani is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer, prominently known as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt. The band achieved significant success with their 1995 album Tragic Kingdom, featuring hit singles like "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak". Stefani continued to contribute to No Doubt's discography with songs such as "Hey Baby" and "It's My Life" from subsequent albums. Her role in No Doubt established her as a notable figure in the music industry.
1986: Joins No Doubt
In 1986, Gwen Stefani was invited to provide vocals for No Doubt by her brother Eric.
1991: Signing with Interscope Records
In 1991, No Doubt signed with Interscope Records.
1992: Debut Album Release
In 1992, No Doubt released its self-titled debut album.
1994: Guest Vocals for Sublime
In 1994, Stefani provided guest vocals on "Saw Red" for Sublime's album Robbin' the Hood.
1995: No Doubt's Breakthrough Album
In 1995, No Doubt released their breakthrough studio album Tragic Kingdom, featuring singles like "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak".
1995: Tragic Kingdom Release
In 1995, No Doubt released their third album, Tragic Kingdom.
1997: "Don't Speak" Success
In 1997, "Don't Speak" led the Hot 100 Airplay year-end chart.
2000: Return of Saturn Release
In 2000, No Doubt released Return of Saturn, which focused on Gwen Stefani's relationship with Gavin Rossdale.
2001: Rock Steady Album
In 2001, No Doubt's album, Rock Steady, explored reggae and dancehall sounds and earned Grammy Awards.
2002: Grammy Award
In 2002, Eve and Stefani won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".
2003: Greatest Hits Album
In 2003, No Doubt released The Singles 1992–2003, a greatest hits collection.
2003: Clothing Line Debut
In 2003, Stefani debuted her clothing line L.A.M.B.
November 12, 2004: Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Release
On November 12, 2004, Stefani's debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., was released.
2004: Album Sales
By 2004, Tragic Kingdom had sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.
2004: Portrayal of Jean Harlow in The Aviator
Gwen Stefani played original blonde bombshell Jean Harlow in the 2004 biopic The Aviator.
2004: Launch of L.A.M.B. Fashion Line
In 2004, Gwen Stefani launched her fashion line named L.A.M.B., influenced by Guatemalan, Japanese, and Jamaican styles.
2004: Video Game Voice Acting
In 2004, Stefani lent her voice to the title character of the video game Malice.
2004: Film Debut in The Aviator
In 2004, Stefani made her film debut playing Jean Harlow in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator.
2004: Solo Pop Career Begins
In 2004, Stefani started her solo pop career with her debut studio album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
June 2005: Expansion with Harajuku Lovers Line
In June 2005, Gwen Stefani expanded her collection with the less expensive Harajuku Lovers line, including a variety of products.
2005: "Hollaback Girl" Success
In 2005, "Hollaback Girl"'s brass-driven composition remained popular.
2005: Harajuku Lovers Line
In 2005, Stefani expanded her collection with the Harajuku Lovers line.
January 2006: "Crash" Release
In January 2006, "Crash" was released as the sixth single from Love. Angel. Music. Baby..
December 1, 2006: The Sweet Escape Album Release
On December 1, 2006, Stefani's second studio album, The Sweet Escape, was released.
2006: Image Modification Inspired by Scarface
In 2006, Gwen Stefani modified her image, drawing inspiration from Michelle Pfeiffer's character in Scarface. This included a symbol of two back-to-back 'G's.
2006: The Sweet Escape Album Release
In 2006, Stefani released her second studio album, The Sweet Escape, featuring the title track and "Wind It Up".
2006: Release of "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls"
In late 2006, Gwen Stefani released a limited edition line of dolls called "Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Fashion dolls", inspired by the clothes Stefani and the Harajuku Girls wore while touring for the album.
June 2007: Earnings Reported by Forbes
In June 2007, Forbes magazine reported that Gwen Stefani earned $27 million between June 2007 and June 2008 from her tour, fashion line, and commercials.
2007: "The Sweet Escape" Success
In 2007, "The Sweet Escape" was number three on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart.
2007: Launch of "L" Perfume
In late 2007, Gwen Stefani launched a perfume, L, as part of her L.A.M.B. collection of clothing and accessories.
March 2008: Album Progression Posts
In March 2008, No Doubt began making posts about the progression of their album.
March 28, 2008: Songwriting Commences Slowly
On March 28, 2008, Stefani stated that songwriting for the new album had commenced but was slow because she was pregnant.
June 2008: Earnings Reported by Forbes
Forbes magazine reported that between June 2007 and June 2008, Stefani earned $27 million, as reported in June 2008, from her tour, fashion line, and commercials.
September 2008: Release of Harajuku Lovers Fragrance Line
In September 2008, Gwen Stefani released a fragrance line as part of her Harajuku Lovers product line, featuring five different fragrances based on the Harajuku Girls and herself.
December 9, 2008: Singles Available on Rock Band 2
On December 9, 2008, The Singles 1992–2003 became available on the video game Rock Band 2.
May 2009: Bamboozle Festival Headliner
In May 2009, No Doubt headlined the Bamboozle festival.
January 2011: Spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris
As of January 2011, Gwen Stefani became the spokesperson for L'Oréal Paris.
June 6, 2011: No Plans for Solo Work
On June 6, 2011, Stefani stated that she had no plans to continue work as a solo artist.
June 7, 2011: Harajuku-Themed Tea Party for Charity
On June 7, 2011, Gwen Stefani hosted a private Harajuku-themed tea party in Los Angeles to raise proceeds for Save the Children's relief effort for the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
2011: Auction at amfAR gala
In 2011, at the amfAR gala, Stefani auctioned off a dress she wore at the event for charity, raising over $125,000.
August 2012: Fundraiser with Michelle Obama
In August 2012, Gwen Stefani hosted a fundraiser with First Lady Michelle Obama at her Beverly Hills home.
January 2013: Cameo Appearance in Portlandia
In January 2013, No Doubt made a cameo appearance in Portlandia.
April 12, 2014: Surprise Coachella Appearance
On April 12, 2014, Stefani made a surprise appearance at the Coachella festival, joining Pharrell Williams onstage to perform "Hollaback Girl".
September 8, 2014: Working on Solo and No Doubt Albums
On September 8, 2014, Gwen Stefani announced she was working on both a No Doubt album and a solo album during New York Fashion Week.
October 20, 2014: Release of "Baby Don't Lie"
On October 20, 2014, Gwen Stefani released her comeback single "Baby Don't Lie," co-written with Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, and Noel Zancanella.
2014: Production of Animated Series Kuu Kuu Harajuku
In 2014, Gwen Stefani announced the production of an animated series about her and the Harajuku Girls, called Kuu Kuu Harajuku.
January 13, 2015: Recording "Shine" for Paddington Soundtrack
On January 13, 2015, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams recorded the song "Shine" for the Paddington soundtrack.
July 10, 2015: Feature on Eminem's "Kings Never Die"
On July 10, 2015, Gwen Stefani was featured on Eminem's single "Kings Never Die," from the Southpaw film soundtrack.
October 17, 2015: Performance of "Used to Love You"
On October 17, 2015, Gwen Stefani performed a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City as part of her MasterCard Priceless Surprises tour, debuting a new song titled "Used to Love You" about her breakup with Gavin Rossdale.
October 20, 2015: Release of "Used to Love You" as a Download
On October 20, 2015, Gwen Stefani released "Used to Love You" as a download, with the video released the same day.
October 27, 2015: "Used to Love You" Released to Contemporary Hit Radio
On October 27, 2015, Gwen Stefani's single "Used to Love You" was released to contemporary hit radio in the United States.
2015: Grammy Awards Performance
In 2015, Stefani performed "My Heart Is Open" with Adam Levine and an orchestra at the Grammy Awards.
February 12, 2016: Release of "Make Me Like You"
On February 12, 2016, Gwen Stefani released "Make Me Like You", the second single from her third solo album.
March 18, 2016: Release and Chart Success of "This Is What the Truth Feels Like"
On March 18, 2016, Gwen Stefani's album 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like' was released and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
November 4, 2016: Voice acting debut in "Trolls"
On November 4, 2016, Gwen Stefani voiced DJ Suki in the animated film 'Trolls', and contributed to five songs on the film's soundtrack.
2016: Collaboration with Urban Decay and Eyewear Designs
In 2016, Gwen Stefani collaborated with Urban Decay on a limited edition cosmetic collection and began designing eyewear under her L.A.M.B. and GX labels.
2016: Hero Award at Radio Disney Music Awards
In 2016, Gwen Stefani was honored at the Radio Disney Music Awards with a Hero Award for her charitable contributions.
2016: Collaboration on "If I'm Honest" Album
In 2016, Stefani and Shelton collaborated on the song "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" featured on Shelton's album, "If I'm Honest".
2016: Number One Solo Album
In 2016, Stefani's third solo album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, became her first solo album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
July 2017: Interview and New Music Plans
In July 2017, Gwen Stefani was interviewed for 'The Defiant Ones' documentary series and announced plans to release new music by the end of the year.
September 22, 2017: "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" Single Release
On September 22, 2017, Gwen Stefani released the title track "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," featuring Blake Shelton, as the lead single from her holiday album.
October 6, 2017: Release of "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" Album
On October 6, 2017, Gwen Stefani released her holiday album "You Make It Feel Like Christmas."
2017: Collaboration on "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
In 2017, Stefani and Shelton collaborated on the song "You Make It Feel Like Christmas", featured on Stefani's holiday album of the same name.
2017: Christmas Album Release
In 2017, Stefani released her fourth solo album and first full-length Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas.
June 27, 2018: Premiere of "Just a Girl: Las Vegas" Residency
On June 27, 2018, Gwen Stefani's first concert residency, "Just a Girl: Las Vegas", began at the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas.
October 2018: Release of Deluxe Edition of "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
In October 2018, Gwen Stefani released a deluxe edition of "You Make It Feel Like Christmas", promoted through the single "Secret Santa".
2018: Trademark Filing for P8NT
In 2018, Gwen Stefani reportedly filed to trademark P8NT for a potential line of makeup, skincare, fragrance and hair dyes.
June 22, 2019: Performance at Machaca Fest
On June 22, 2019, Gwen Stefani performed at the Machaca Fest in Fundidora Park.
December 13, 2019: Feature on Blake Shelton's "Nobody but You"
On December 13, 2019, Gwen Stefani was featured on Blake Shelton's single "Nobody but You" from his compilation album Fully Loaded: God's Country.
May 16, 2020: Postponement of "Just a Girl: Las Vegas" Residency Conclusion
Originally scheduled for May 16, 2020, the final eight shows of Gwen Stefani's "Just a Girl: Las Vegas" residency were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 24, 2020: Release of "Happy Anywhere" with Blake Shelton
On July 24, 2020, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton released another single titled "Happy Anywhere," inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2020: Nick Jonas replaces Gwen on "The Voice"
In November 2020, it was announced that Nick Jonas would once again replace Gwen Stefani as a judge for season 20 of The Voice
December 7, 2020: Release of "Let Me Reintroduce Myself"
On December 7, 2020, Gwen Stefani released her comeback solo single "Let Me Reintroduce Myself".
2020: Single with Blake Shelton
In 2020, Stefani released "Nobody but You" with Blake Shelton, reaching number 18 in the US.
March 11, 2021: Release of "Slow Clap"
On March 11, 2021, Gwen Stefani released a second single "Slow Clap" , which received a remix featuring Saweetie the following month.
November 6, 2021: Conclusion of "Just a Girl: Las Vegas" Residency
On November 6, 2021, Gwen Stefani concluded her "Just a Girl: Las Vegas" residency.
March 2022: Launch of GXVE Beauty
In March 2022, Gwen Stefani launched a makeup brand called GXVE Beauty.
May 2022: Return to The Voice as Coach
In May 2022, Gwen Stefani returned as a coach for the 22nd season of The Voice, replacing Ariana Grande.
October 2022: Departure from The Voice
In October 2022, Gwen Stefani departed the panel of The Voice for the 23rd season.
2022: Featured on Sean Paul's "Light My Fire"
In 2022, Gwen Stefani was featured on Sean Paul's single "Light My Fire", alongside Shenseea, and appeared in its music video.
May 2023: Return to The Voice for 24th Season
In May 2023, Gwen Stefani returned to The Voice for the 24th season, replacing Kelly Clarkson.
June 2023: Release of "True Babe"
In June 2023, Gwen Stefani announced her first new solo single in over two years, "True Babe", which was released on June 23.
February 9, 2024: Release of "Purple Irises" Duet with Blake Shelton
On February 9, 2024, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton released their duet, "Purple Irises", which appears on her fifth studio album Bouquet.
May 2024: Return to The Voice for 26th Season
In May 2024, it was announced that Gwen Stefani would return to the panel for the 26th season of The Voice, replacing Dan + Shay and becoming the show's senior coach following John Legend's 2024 departure.
September 20, 2024: Release of "Somebody Else's"
On September 20, 2024, Gwen Stefani released "Somebody Else's" as Bouquet's lead single.
2024: Bouquet Album Release
In 2024, Stefani released her fifth studio album, Bouquet.
January 2025: Reunion with No Doubt for FireAid Benefit Concert
At the end of January 2025, Gwen Stefani reunited with her No Doubt band members for only the second time in a decade to perform a set for FireAid Benefit concert to support the Southern California communities devastated by wildfires.
2025: Departure from The Voice's 27th Season
In 2025, Gwen Stefani will depart the panel of The Voice once more for the 27th season, being replaced by Kelsea Ballerini.
