Celebrity | Gwen Stefani Why Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Got Together He built up her self-esteem, sources say By Evann Gastaldo Posted Nov 6, 2015 12:31 PM CST Copied This May 5, 2014, photo released by NBC shows from left, Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, and Blake Shelton on the set of "The Voice." (AP Photo/NBC, Trae Patton) If Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton seem like a bit of an odd couple to you, TMZ is here to help you understand their new romance. As sources explain to the gossip site, Stefani's ex, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, tried to maintain the upper hand in their relationship by criticizing Gwen. When she started hanging out with Blake, sources say, she was "blown away" by how nice and fun he was. "It made her feel good again" and built up her self-esteem, the sources say. (Click to see a picture of them holding hands in Nashville after the CMAs.) Read These Next New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. Man accused of killing his daughters might be dead. Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Report an error