Gwen

GWEN Stefani and Blake Shelton are going through challenges and strain in their marriage, a source has exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

Blake, 49, and Gwen, 56, have weathered rumors of a split in recent months, ever since the country singer released a cryptic breakup song last spring.

Fans were more convinced than ever that the couple was on the verge of a breakup when they didn’t show up to the CMA Awards despite Blake being nominated for his song with Post Malone, Pour Me A Drink.

A source close to the couple said: “They’ve gone through real challenges, nothing manufactured.”  

“There were times when the tension was high enough that people close to them quietly wondered if the relationship could take the strain.

“It wasn’t drama, it was the reality of blending two totally different worlds,” the source said, explaining that their opposite backgrounds created tension.

BLAKE FLAKES

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani skip CMA Awards and drop puzzling statement

“Blake is as country as it gets, and Gwen grew up in Los Angeles.

“Those lifestyles don’t automatically sync. They had to learn from each other.”

The insider also noted the couple sought outside help for their relationship when things got rocky. 

“They asked for help, and they nearly reached a point where things could have gone either way.

“But they showed up for each other instead of checking out.”

KISS AND MAKE UP

Meanwhile, fans noticed Gwen posted a photo of Blake kissing her on the cheek to her stories over Thanksgiving weekend. 

The insider said the former Voice judge’s photo was not an accident.

“That was her way of saying, without words, ‘Calm down, we’re solid.’”

Meanwhile, another source close to Gwen added, “She always felt Blake came into her life at the exact moment she needed stability, like she was being given another chance at building a family.

“They’re from different universes, but somehow, they’ve built one home.”

Rob Shuter first reported on his Naughty But Nice Substack that the couple had weathered tough storms recently, but were making it work.

SIGNS OF STRESS

The couple has not walked a carpet together since March of this year, when they attended The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration. 

Meanwhile, the last time she posted about Blake was back in June for his birthday.

The country crooner first sparked rumors of a rift when he released his first breakup song in March called Hangin’ On.

The tear-jerking country duet is described by Blake online as being about “breaking up but still trying to stay together.”

Shortly after Gwen released a sad song of her own called Still Gonna Love You.

LONG HISTORY

This past July, marked the four-year anniversary of the couple’s wedding ceremony, which took place at their Oklahoma ranch.

Their relationship started when they met on the set of The Voice in April 2014, where both were serving as coaches on the musical competition show.

Gwen was previously married to Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale, with whom she shares three sons: Kingston, 19; Zuma, 17; and Apollo, 11.

That marriage ended in 2016 after 14 years.

Blake was married to fellow country musician Miranda Lambert for four years before their separation in 2015.

He also married his high school girlfriend, Kaynette Williams, in 2003, but they divorced in 2006.

BLAKE Shelton and Gwen Stefani were mysteriously absent from the CMA Awards last night, despite the country singer’s nomination.

Blake, 49, and Gwen, 56, sat out Nashville’s big night, with a source telling E! the couple “will be watching the CMA on their TV this year.”

The source did not provide an explanation as to why the couple was passing on the popular annual event.

Despite going missing, Blake won the CMA Musical Event of the Year award for his song Pour Me a Drink with Post Malone.

Blake has won 11 awards at the annual event in the past.

HEADED FOR DIVORCE?

The pair is currently facing rumors their marriage is on the rocks.

SPLIT SIGNS?

All the ‘clues’ Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are ‘on the brink of divorce’

In March, Blake released a breakup song called Hangin’ On, which fans could suspicious.

He insisted she song was “really no reflection of where Gwen and I are in our relationship – I hope.”

Blake and Gwen have also toned down their constant PDA, and instead have lived much more privately in recent months.

When Blake marked Gwen’s 56th birthday on his Instagram this year, for instance, his caption was much more subdued.

Truth be told, they’re both so different and it’s starting to become more apparent now,” a source told Star magazine.

“There’s a real fear that the way things are headed, Blake and Gwen could wind up becoming another Hollywood divorce casualty, even though it’s the last thing either of them would want.”

The couple will soon be spending more time apart.

Gwen will begin her No Doubt residency in Las Vegas, while Blake is reportedly focusing on making new music and his Ole Red restaurant chain.