Gwen Stefani delved into the creative process behind her and husband Blake Shelton‘s new love song duet, “Purple Irises,” shedding light on the inspiration behind the lyrics. In a recent video post for her 17.7 million Instagram followers, the No Doubt frontwoman, 54, revealed that the track speaks to her own insecurities, providing a candid glimpse into her personal life.
“I was on my way to a session and it hit me,” the “Luxurious” singer said in the clip, adding: “It was like, ‘Purple Irises.’ That’s the song.” Stefani noted that the tender love ballad (released on February 9th), performed as a duet with her country singer spouse, 47, delves into her personal vulnerabilities and uncertainties.
Gwen Stefani Opens Up About Her Insecurities Inspiring Her 'Purple Irises' Duet With Blake Shelton
Regarding the song, the mom of three continued, telling viewers: "I actually wrote, put it in my phone, and drove into the driveway and went in and started writing this song about being insecure." Stefani also shared that her age and the prospect of another person interfering with her romantic bond were the root causes of her lack of confidence.
"I knew the day I wrote 'Purple Irises' I needed to be truthful to myself and write this song about, I'm getting older, I don't feel pretty," the GXVE Beauty mogul continued. "If I don't feel pretty, how could someone else think I'm pretty still?" Stefani went on. "What if somebody tries to take my love away from me?" The "Hollaback Girl" hitmaker added: "I really wanted to show how insecure I could feel."
After writing the tune, Stefani said she asked her husband of almost three years if he would collaborate with her on it. Although Stefani recognized that their musical styles were completely divergent, with her being a pop vocalist and Shelton a country crooner, she said their pairing ultimately "all made sense" in her brain.
Expressing her aspirations, Stefani revealed her desire to collaborate with her husband, and that the opportunity to sing with Shelton was part of her "dream fantasy world." An acoustic rendition of the couple's duet provided the musical accompaniment for the Instagram clip.
Stefani and Shelton, as fans know, tied the knot in 2021 after dating since 2015, having met as coaches and coworkers on The Voice.
Amid rumors of marital strife, the couple unveiled "Purple Irises." In recent months, clues discovered by their fans have sparked rumors of trouble in Stefani and Shelton's marriage. These clues include allegedly ignoring each other's posts, writing cryptic lyrics, and going out separately.
Both Stefani and Shelton have spent considerable time apart in recent weeks, with the "Ol' Red" crooner touring on his Back to the Honky Tonk tour and the "Just A Girl" singer preparing for her upcoming No Doubt Coachella performance.
In February, one source reportedly sat down with Life & Style and dished that their marriage had become "frustrating," and that they "used to be inseparable, but that’s changed."
An insider also revealed that "Gwen saw the signs," of an issue and her and Shelton "were spending too much time apart" at one point, so "she decided things had to change."
Despite these ongoing rumors, Stefani has accompanied her hubby on multiple stops of his nationwide tour, putting to rest any doubts about their relationship. Stefani also notably made a spontaneous cameo at Shelton's Glendale, Arizona concert last month.
Shelton invited his better half to the stage where they performed their harmonious duets, including "Happy Anywhere," "Nobody But You," and their latest, "Purple Irises."
The "Sweet Escape" singer also made appearances at more of the "God's Country" hitmaker's recent shows, including those held in Lafayette, Louisiana, Houston, Texas, and Edmonton, Alberta.
