This week, Gwen Stefani left fans and viewers a little taken aback when she mentioned a “third” party in her marriage to country star Blake Shelton.
The No Doubt singer is gearing up to celebrate her four-year wedding anniversary with Blake in just a few months, but it was her recent comments on the concept of love and relationships that got people talking.
During a conversation with Drew Barrymore on a November episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, Gwen shared some unexpected advice about maintaining a healthy relationship.
When Drew asked her for the best advice she’s ever received about love, Gwen’s answer was as surprising as it was candid.
The Role of Faith in Gwen’s Relationship
“Best advice would probably be, make sure you have a third party,” Gwen said, before gesturing upward, clearly pointing to God.
The statement made waves, as it hinted at the strong role Gwen believes faith plays in her marriage.
For those who know Gwen as a devout Catholic, it wasn’t completely out of character.
But the timing and the way she framed it raised some eyebrows, especially considering the ongoing conversation about faith in public life.
Gwen’s open discussions about religion have been a part of her journey, particularly as she shared more of her personal relationship with God during the interview.
This conversation came just after Gwen’s announcement of a collaboration with the prayer app Hallow, which stirred up its own share of reactions.
Fans React to Gwen’s Religious Embrace
In a promotional video for Hallow, Gwen spoke about how the Christmas season is her favorite time of the year, a moment to celebrate the birth of Christ.
She encouraged people to join her and millions of Christians in honoring their faith.
While many fans supported her message and appreciated her genuine connection to her religious beliefs, others were less impressed.
Critics took to social media to express their confusion or frustration.
One fan jokingly wrote, “Trad wife transformation complete,” while another bluntly asked, “What the hell is this?” Some were so taken aback that they wrote, “I’m just going to tell myself this is AI and continue with my life,” while others questioned the change in Gwen’s public persona, saying, “Who is this and what have you done with the real Gwen?!”
Defending Gwen’s Faith
Despite the backlash, a number of fans defended Gwen, reminding others that she’s always been open about her Catholic faith. “Gwen has ALWAYS been a religious person. This is nothing new,” one fan pointed out.
Another chimed in, highlighting her Italian roots: “Y’all do know Catholics are Christians, right? Stefani is Italian.
What Italians do y’all know who aren’t Catholic??”
Others took it even further, suggesting that Gwen’s faith was, in part, what brought her and Blake closer together.
“She was raised Catholic, and if anything, her faith is part of why her and Blake fell for each other,” said one supporter, adding more insight into her personal journey.
Social Media Backlash and Support
More recently, Gwen posted another Hallow promotional video and even retweeted an interview with actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen.
Both of these actions ignited further online debates, with some accusing her of leaning into more conservative values.
The backlash was swift, with some calling her support for the app and the interview “right-wing,” and even mocking her with the phrase “Make Gwen Stefani Great Again.”
However, it’s clear that Gwen’s faith and her beliefs have always been part of who she is.
Despite the criticisms and changing public perceptions, she continues to remain true to her values, and many fans appreciate her openness and authenticity.