Gwen Stefani’s dynamic performance style and recognizable voice have made her a singing sensation. Today, we learn more about the talented star with our Celebrity Spotlight. (Image Credit: Cineserie)
Breakout Album
Gwen Stefani’s brother recruited the California native for a ska-style band he was forming. No Doubt put out two albums before finding what would become their signature style. But it was their third, Tragic Kingdom (1995), that hit it out of the park! The album performed well, reaching the top of the charts multiple times. Moreover, the album flew off the shelves, earning it eventual certified diamond status. Quite an impressive feat! Indeed, less than 150 albums have ever reached the 10,000,000-sold metric required for diamond status. Not surprisingly, Tragic Kingdom secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Aside from the commercial success, the album catapulted Gwen Stefani to fame. Her unique combination of power and appeal resonated with fans. As a result, beyond her work with No Doubt, the singer began collaborating with some of the most popular names in the music industry including Prince, Moby, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Eve. In fact, she was already laying the groundwork for the success she would go on to achieve in her solo career.
A Strong Solo Career
After nearly a decade of topping the music charts, No Doubt took a hiatus in 2004. Gwen Stefani wasted no time and gave us Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in the fall of the same year. The debut album featured an eclectic range of styles allowing the artist show even more of her musical range. Fans and critics loved the album. And two of the songs, singles Hollaback Girl and Rich Girl, both topped the charts.
Indeed, Gwen Stefani earned six Grammy nominations for her debut. Moreover, she won an American Music Award for Best Pop/Rock Female Artist and the Billboard Music Award for New Artist of the Year.
The talented celebrity’s sophomore solo album, The Sweet Escape (2006), continued her success. Its titular song soared up the charts and solidified Gwen Stefani’s demand as a solo performer.
Gwen Stefani’s group and solo discography also includes: No Doubt (1992), The Beacon Street Collection (1995), Return of Saturn (2000), Rock Steady (2001), Push and Shove (2012), This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016) and You Make It Feel Like Christmas (2017).
Aside from her powerhouse vocals, Gwen Stefani developed a reputation for her signature style. In fact, most of the outfits she wore on stage were her own handmade creations! As such, fans were not surprised when the celebrity started her own clothing line in 2003. L.A.M.B. (Love. Angel. Music. Baby.), which shares its name with the singer’s first solo album, was an immediate success. In fact, other Hollywood celebrities, such as Nicole Kidman and Paris Hilton, were often seen wearing L.A.M.B. clothing.
But it was one career choice in particular that added an extra bit of joy to the celebrity’s life. In 2014, Gwen Stefani joined the cast of The Voice, the highly successful music reality competition on NBC. Replacing Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani joined the all-star judging panel of Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams. Firstly, the singer’s addition to the panel was a welcome change to the show. So much so that she came back for seasons 9, 12 and 17.
A Giving Celebrity
A loving mother to three young men, it’s not surprising that Gwen Stefani cares about the welfare of children. In fact, in coordination with her 2018-2020 Las Vegas residency, the star donated consistently to Cure4Kids. Associated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the web-based charity works to provide expertise to healthcare professionals around the globe in hopes of helping the children they serve. As the mission of Cure4Kids is so important, the singer donated a portion of the proceeds from every ticket purchased for her residency concerts.
But Gwen Stefani’s charitable endeavors are not limited to Cure4Kids. Most notably, in 2001, following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the star generously donated $1 million to Save the Children’s emergency fund. She also auctioned off many of her own fashions to benefit their mission.
With her Las Vegas residency complete, Gwen Stefani is free to focus her energy on other endeavors. Might we expect another album? Maybe a tour? Additions to the fashion line? Even a wedding? We wish the talented celebrity luck in all of her upcoming pursuits!