Since tying the knot with Gwen Stefani in 2021, Blake Shelton has fully embraced his role as stepfather to her three sons — Kingston (17), Zuma (15), and Apollo (9) — who she shares with ex-husband Gavin Rossdale. And while Shelton is no stranger to the spotlight, he admits that nothing quite compares to the responsibility of helping raise three boys.
During a recent appearance on CMT Hot 20 Countdown, the 47-year-old country superstar opened up to host Cody Alan about what it means to him to be a stepdad. When asked what his favorite part of the role is, Shelton didn’t hesitate to acknowledge how complex and rewarding the experience has been.
“It’s tough to pick just one thing,” he shared. “I take enjoyment in all of it. I also stress out a lot about it. It’s important to me, and I don’t want to be the guy that advised them to do the wrong thing somehow.”
For Shelton, step-parenting isn’t just something he’s learned to navigate — it’s something he takes very seriously.
“It’s about the only thing I do take pretty serious in my life,” he said. “Anybody out there watching who’s got a kid knows what I’m talking about. There’s not that one thing that I can put my finger on — there are things every day.”
Watching Kingston Step Into the Spotlight
Shelton also shared what it was like watching Kingston make his live musical debut at the Ole Red bar in Tishomingo, Oklahoma last August — calling it one of the most nerve-wracking musical moments of his life.
“Probably the most nerve-wracking music experience I’ve had in 20 years,” he admitted, “and I would say for Gwen also.”
While Kingston had already been writing impressive songs behind the scenes, the performance marked his first time playing for an audience. Shelton and Stefani thought their small-town venue would keep things low-key — but social media had other plans.
“It just takes that one person there with their phone,” Shelton said. “It just got a lot more attention than we thought it would. But, thank God, he did a great job.”
“I’m More Than Just a Country Singer”
Becoming a stepparent has had a profound impact on Shelton’s life — even changing how he sees himself. In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Shelton reflected on how Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo have helped him discover a new side of himself.
“They’ve taught me something about myself that I never knew: I’m more than just a country singer or a goofy guy,” he shared. “I’m someone they actually lean on, and that’s not a responsibility I ever had before — or ever even considered being into.”
“It’s a different kind of self-worth,” he added. “Maybe it’s the opposite of self-worth because you put yourself way down on the rung, and they move up ahead of you.”
Family First, Always
Though Shelton’s music career has brought him accolades and recognition, he’s made it clear that his priority now is family. As he looks ahead, he wants to make sure he’s present for the moments that matter most.
“You don’t know what your regrets are going to be until you look back one day,” he mused. “I feel like my regrets would be, if I stayed on this path, that I am missing out on some more important things in life — and for now, that’s our kids.”
The Secret to His and Gwen’s Strong Bond? The Kids
Shelton and Stefani first began dating in 2015, and Shelton believes that the presence of her kids strengthened their relationship from the beginning.
“It got to a point quickly with Gwen and I’s relationship that there was never a time where I thought, ‘Well, I wonder if this doesn’t work out,’” he said. “That never crossed my mind, and I don’t think it did with her either.”
But when children are involved, everything changes — and Shelton embraced that change fully.
“Having kids, it truly does make you go, ‘Oh whoa. Wait a minute. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again.’ If you don’t say that to yourself, I think you’re only hurting yourself because you’re going to miss out.”
And for Blake Shelton, it’s clear — he has no intention of missing a thing.
