History of Gwen Stefani in Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Song Origin

In 1966, the Left Banke originally released the song "Walk Away Renée", which influenced Gwen Stefani's middle name.

1967: Middle Name Origin

In 1967, Gwen Stefani's middle name, Renée, comes from the Four Tops' version of the song "Walk Away Renée".

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1968: Named After Airport Character

In 1968, Gwen Stefani was named after a stewardess in the novel Airport.

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October 3, 1969: Gwen Stefani Born

On October 3, 1969, Gwen Renée Stefani Shelton was born. She is an American singer-songwriter and fashion designer.

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1983: Inspiration from Scarface

In 2006, Stefani would change her image inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's character in the 1983 film Scarface.

1986: Joins No Doubt

In 1986, Gwen Stefani was invited to provide vocals for No Doubt by her brother Eric.

December 1987: John Spence's Death

In December 1987, John Spence, a singer for No Doubt, died, leading Gwen Stefani to become the sole lead singer.

1987: High School Graduation

In 1987, Gwen Stefani graduated from Loara High School.

1991: Signing with Interscope Records

In 1991, No Doubt signed with Interscope Records.

1992: The Singles 1992-2003

In 1992 No Doubt made their debut.

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.

1994: Stefani dyes hair blonde

Since late 1994, Gwen Stefani has usually had platinum blonde hair.

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.

1995: Met Gavin Rossdale

In 1995, Stefani met Gavin Rossdale when No Doubt and Bush performed at a holiday concert for radio station KROQ.

1995: Popularization of Bindi

Since the 1995 music video for "Just a Girl", Gwen Stefani has been known for her midriff and frequently wears tops that expose it.

1997: "Don't Speak" Success

In 1997, "Don't Speak" led the Hot 100 Airplay year-end chart.

1998: Dyeing hair blue

Gwen Stefani dyed her hair blue in 1998.

1999: Dyeing hair pink

Gwen Stefani dyed her hair pink in 1999 and appeared on the cover of Return of Saturn with pink hair.

2000: Billboard Ranking

Between 2000 and 2009, Billboard ranked Stefani as a successful artist.

2000: Return of Saturn Release

In 2000, No Doubt released Return of Saturn, which focused on Gwen Stefani's relationship with Gavin Rossdale.

2000: Queen of Confessional Pop

In late 2000, Rolling Stone magazine named Gwen Stefani "the Queen of Confessional Pop".

2001: Rock Steady Album

In 2001, No Doubt's album, Rock Steady, explored reggae and dancehall sounds and earned Grammy Awards.

September 14, 2002: Marriage to Gavin Rossdale

On September 14, 2002, Gwen Stefani married Gavin Rossdale at St Paul's, Covent Garden in London.

2002: Grammy Award

In 2002, Eve and Stefani won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Let Me Blow Ya Mind".

2003: The Singles 1992-2003

In 2003 No Doubt made their debut.

2003: Marilyn Monroe Photo Shoot

In 2003, Gwen Stefani did a Marilyn Monroe-inspired photo shoot for Teen Vogue.

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: Song "Cool" Released About Friendship with Tony Kanal

Gwen Stefani co-wrote her song "Cool" about her relationship as friends with Tony Kanal for her 2004 solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

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: "What You Waiting For?" Ranked Among Best Singles

In 2004, Pitchfork considered "What You Waiting For?" to be one of Gwen Stefani's best singles, later placing it at number sixteen on their "Top 50 Singles of 2004" list.

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: Reflections on Relationship with Tony Kanal

In 2005, Gwen Stefani reflected on her past relationship with bandmate Tony Kanal, stating she was heavily invested and hoped to have a baby with him.

2005: Featured on Rolling Stone Cover

In 2005, Rolling Stone called Gwen Stefani "the only true female rock star left on radio or MTV" and featured her on the magazine's cover.

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..

May 26, 2006: Birth of First Son

On May 26, 2006, Gwen Stefani gave birth to her first son with Gavin Rossdale.

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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.

January 2007: Concerns About Weight Loss

In January 2007, Gwen Stefani raised concerns about her rapid weight loss following her pregnancy, later stating she had been dieting since the sixth grade.

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.

August 21, 2008: Birth of Second Son

On August 21, 2008, Gwen Stefani gave birth to her second son with Gavin Rossdale.

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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.

2009: Billboard Ranking

Between 2000 and 2009, Billboard ranked Stefani as a successful artist.

September 22, 2010: Wax Figure Unveiled

On September 22, 2010, a wax figure of Gwen Stefani was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian.

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.

November 3, 2012: "Looking Hot" Video Pulled

On November 3, 2012, No Doubt pulled its music video "Looking Hot" from the Internet after complaints of insensitivity towards Native Americans.

2012: VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music

In 2012, VH1 listed Gwen Stefani at number thirteen on their list of "100 Greatest Women in Music".

2012: VH1 Ranking

In 2012, VH1 ranked Stefani 13th on their "100 Greatest Women in Music" list.

January 2013: Cameo Appearance in Portlandia

In January 2013, No Doubt made a cameo appearance in Portlandia.

February 28, 2014: Birth of Third Son

On February 28, 2014, Gwen Stefani gave birth to her third son with Gavin Rossdale.

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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.

2014: Style Icon Award

In 2014, Gwen Stefani received the Style Icon Award at the first People Magazine Awards.

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.

August 3, 2015: Filed for Divorce from Gavin Rossdale

On August 3, 2015, Gwen Stefani filed for divorce from Gavin Rossdale, citing "irreconcilable differences".

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.

November 2015: Relationship with Blake Shelton Announced

In November 2015, Gwen Stefani announced her relationship with Blake Shelton, country music artist and The Voice co-star.

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.

April 8, 2016: Divorce from Gavin Rossdale Finalized

On April 8, 2016, Gwen Stefani's divorce from Gavin Rossdale was finalized.

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."

December 12, 2017: Gwen Stefani's Christmas TV Special

On December 12, 2017, Gwen Stefani hosted "Gwen Stefani's You Make It Feel Like Christmas," an NBC Christmas television special.

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.

2019: Supports the LGBT Community

In a 2019 Pride Source interview, Gwen Stefani expressed her support for the LGBT community, stating that she would be blessed with a gay son and emphasized her desire for her children to be healthy and happy.

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.

October 27, 2020: Engagement to Blake Shelton Announced

On October 27, 2020, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton announced their engagement.

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: Diagnosed with Dyslexia

In 2020, Gwen Stefani was diagnosed with dyslexia.

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.

July 3, 2021: Marriage to Blake Shelton

On July 3, 2021, Gwen Stefani married Blake Shelton at a chapel on Shelton's Oklahoma ranch.

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.

2023: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star and Orange County Hall of Fame Induction

In 2023, Gwen Stefani received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the inaugural Orange County Hall of Fame.

2023: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 2023, Stefani received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2023: Cultural Appropriation Criticism

In a 2023 interview with Allure magazine, Gwen Stefani's comments about Japanese culture and identifying with Japanese and Hispanic communities led to criticism of cultural appropriation.

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.