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Why Blake Shelton Says He Didn’t Hit It Off With Gwen Stefani When They First Met
The couple couldn't be more in love now—but Shelton probably didn't foresee that when he met Stefani.
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are the ultimate power couple—and totally in love. They're each other's best friends, simply put. But it took them a while to get there. In fact, when they first met on The Voice Season 7, Shelton says he and Stefani barely talked.
"The season that I met Gwen, I really didn't even get to talk to her that much," the country icon said in an interview with CMT. "She'd just had a baby, and as soon as we'd cut [shooting] or whatever, she would be gone out with her baby. None of us really got a chance to talk to her that much. Just some hellos here or there. We didn't really hit it off until the next time that she came on to the show."
That was Season 9 of The Voice—and since then, it's been nothing but heart emojis for these two music powerhouses.
"The relationship that we have is so natural and so normal. This feels like the easiest thing I've ever been a part of," Shelton told People in 2022 about his marriage to Stefani. "To me, she's my best friend and everything that I need and lean on."
Sadly, Shelton won't be leaning on Stefani for Season 23 of The Voice (premiering March 6)—at least not on camera. She isn't returning to a red chair this season, which, if you haven't heard, will be Shelton's last as a Coach.
“I’ve been wrestling with this for a while, and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from The Voice after Season 23,” Shelton said in a statement announcing his departure. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better, and it will always feel like home to me. It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns, and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people; you are the best."
He continued, "It takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week. I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one my fellow Coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani! I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers–the ‘Voices,’ who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent, and a special thanks to those who chose me to be their Coach. Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these Artists, us Coaches, and everyone at The Voice who are chasing their dreams. It would not happen without you!"
