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No Doubt Pay Tribute to a Toronto Fan

Natalia Buia — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:27:03 +0000

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No Doubt sent out a message on their website and Twitter page a few nights ago when they heard their biggest fan, 30-year-old Amy Pepper passed away.

Pepper first met the band at a concert in 2000 and continued to support the band, even when they reunited in 2009. Oh No They Didn’t writes Amy passed away on January 3rd due to complications from Lymphoma.

The four-piece band from California made a collage, including a group photo with Amy, and posted it on their website.

The band has always been close with Amy, even during her toughest times. On new year’s day they sent her this heartwarming message:

But she sadly passed away two days later. The band will surely miss her and never forget what a loyal fan Amy was.

What the Celebs Wore on Halloween

Natalia Buia — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:36:53 +0000

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Happy Halloween everyone! It’s that one day of the year where girls can dress slutty and get away with it. Unless you’re Kim Kardashian, Snooki or Lindsay Lohan – every day is Halloween for these girls.

There are some celebs (male and female) that really took the time to make a creative costume. We looked around the world wide web today and gathered some of our favourite finds.

Supermodel Heidi Klum – who always goes ALL OUT on Halloween – can still make a dead body look sexy.

Emma Stone was seen dressed as a mime.

Jersey Shore’s Snooki as a cat of some sorts.

Lindsay Lohan was spotted at the Playboy Mansion Halloween party dressed as a sexy morgue janitor.

Kim Kardashian as Poison Ivy. This explains all the itching…

Rapper Ice-T dressed as Hannibal Lector. His wife went as a stripper.

Glee‘s Lea Michelle went as Natalie Portman in the Black Swan.

Lea’s costar Matthew Morrison dressed up as Roger Rabbit. How often do you see a grown man with his face painted?

Ian Somerhalder from the Vampire Diaries dressed as Captain Planet! The coolest cartoon show a kid could ever watch.

Gwen Stefani goes as Cinderella. Aww!

Gwen Stefani Says Solo Career Is Over, Focuses On ‘No Doubt’ Album

Christian Allaire — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:26:24 +0000

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Gwen Stefani says her solo career is over, reports Entertainment Weekly.

After two successful solo albums, 2004′s ‘L.A.M.B’ and 2006′s ‘The Sweet Escape,’ Stefani says she is done being a solo singer.

“That was a moment in time,” Stefani says. “It went on a little longer than we all thought it would, because it was inspired and you have to go with wherever you’re at in that time in your life … [But] everything works out how it should.”

Stefani now claims that she is focusing all her time on a new ‘No Doubt’ album, which fans are eagerly anticipating. It’s been nearly 10 years since the band released an album, and two years since they reunited for a summer tour.

The band is responsible for such hits as ‘It’s My Life,’ ‘Hella Good,’ and ‘Hey Baby.’

With nine kids onboard between the band and a totally changed music scene, I’m sure we can expect a totally different sound from the band. I’m very, very excited for this reunion, they’ve been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember.

No Doubt Album Expected To Be Released This Year

Christian Allaire — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:59:48 +0000

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Gwen Stefani, lead singer of No Doubt, revealed on ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest’ Friday that a new No Doubt album is expected to be released sometime this year.

The singer phoned in on Friday to chat about styling the girls on ‘American Idol,’ which she did awesomely if I may say so myself, as well as revealed what’s in store with the upcoming No Doubt record. She revealed the album will be “definitely out this year.”

Although Stefani didn’t mention an exact date, the L.A.M.B. rocker revealed, “we’ve been going for awhile trying to make this record and it’s been super challenging but really fun, we’re trying to enjoy the moment of writing and…it’s just a really fun process and I think it’s going to be out this year,” adding, “it’s generally a really happy album…the main thing we were trying to do is write really catchy good songs.”

Gwen further revealed, “we got about 10 songs done and we want to do a few more just in case, but it’s a really good record, I really love this record.”

I’m so excited by this news! They have always been a favourite of mine. I was so sad when I missed their reunion tour a year ago or so, so this will be a good kickstart to their comeback. I’m glad their taking their time to write this album too, instead of rushing out a bunch of crap like many other bands do. Although I loved Stefani’s solo stuff and her different experimentation, there is nothing that can replace the No Doubt music – it’s just so unique and fresh. Can’t wait!

A Wealth of Donations to Japan

Lauren Treihaft — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:03:54 +0000

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Just two weeks ago, a tremendous tragedy occurred in Japan as an earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the country. To help with the destruction the natural disasters caused, celebrities are donating large sums of money. The money will go to food and general aid as well as to help stabilize the country.

Sandra Bullock was the first to donate. She donated a whopping sum of 1 million dollars to the Red Cross Fund. Demi Lovato was next as she too donated 1 million dollars to a relief fund. Today, Perezhilton.com reports that Gwen Stefani has both donated 1 million dollars but also will be releasing a “limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt” on her website nodoubt.com, and all proceeds from those sales will go towards relief efforts in Japan.

These generous donations will most likely encourage others to help as well.

Jessie Malakouti and the Toy Boys Are Ready To Push It

@coltondaniel — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 22:47:06 +0000

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Jessie and the Toy Boys are eager to discover the world and for the world to discover them. With their first single “Push It” gaining attention, an album release set for summer and a tour on the horizon, Jessie Malakouti is on the edge of bursting onto the pop music scene.

What sets this 80’s inspired electro-pop singer apart from the majority of today’s pop stars is that Jessie pens her own music. With a voice that echoes Gwen Stefani and a punchy delivery, much like a mature Ke$ha, Jessie brings a fresh approach to a familiar sound.

With early influences ranging from 90s grunge artists such as Verruca Salt and Nirvana to Madonna, she was inspired to leave home at 16 and start a band. Living in Southern California’s Inland Empire, her perspective on pop music was tainted in a darker light. Jessie immersed herself in the culture by fronting her rock band ‘Shut Up Stella’ and built a West Coast fan base by performing throughout the LA club scene.

Then it changed. After a trip to the U.K., Jessie’s music stroked brighter colours and sexier hooks. In the midst of preparations for her album and tour, Jessie took a few minutes to check in…

First of all, congratulations on the new single “Push It”. Where did the idea come from?

The idea was already a pre-existing track and we had no idea where to go with the melody or the lyrics. When I heard it, I instantly started hearing the top line of the chorus. Started mumbling the words and they thought it sounded really good. We went through several phrases to get it just right. It was fun.

Where did the idea for the Toy Boys come from?

I’d grown up playing in bands and always loved the idea of being in a band. But, because I am a creative control freak and I wanted something of my own, I found the Toy Boys. It’s perfect. They don’t talk back.

Why did you move to the U.K. and did it inspire a change in your music taste?

Well, I wanted to live in a place where they were making the music that I wanted to make. I fell in love with electronic and dub-step, I felt that the U.S. was behind in all of that. They still are. I wanted to live in a place where I could immerse myself in the underground club scene, where a lot of my influences came from. I always had my own style lyrically, no influences there. Sonically though, South London helped shape that sound. It opened my ears up to things I’ve never heard before.

Do you remember the first album you bought and what influence it had on you and your music?

Well, I don’t remember the first one I bought myself, but I remember the first album I stole from my sister [laughs]. I would steal two cd’s from her room: Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill and TLC’s CrazySexyCool. I’d hide in my closet and listen to my Discman, not to be confused with the Walkman [laughs] and I would listen to “You Oughta Know”. I was so struck by her honesty, her lyrics. When she would sing, “And are you thinking of me when you fuck her?” I would think, ‘Oh my God… what does that mean?’ I’d rewind that part over and over and listen. A 10-year-old hearing those words, I was shaken up in a great way, such thought provoking lyrics. With TLC, I would create dance routines and my sister would always yell at me [laughs]. I also listened to a lot of Missing Persons, [Dale Bozzio] is just a really interesting vocalist and she really used her voice as an instrument.

Sounds like there is some cross breed of TLC and Alanis in Jessie and the Toy Boys.

Definitely. I can definitely see that in terms of writing and the lyrical honesty coming from Alanis. The melodic side is definitely TLC. You can hear a lot of that in what I do, I always rap [laughs] I love it. I never thought of it that way before, those days listening to the Discman were the beginning phases of what influenced me as a songwriter.

That’s one thing that sets you apart from other female pop singers, you write your own material. What’s the typical process you go through when approaching a new song?

It usually starts with a melody. My cellphone is so blitzed with melodies; I’d hang up the phone mid-conversation to record a melody that comes to mind. But sometimes I do it differently. For example, with “Push It” I laid down the melody to the track. The lyrics are last and are usually ideas from my diary and journals.

Is there anyone that you’d like to write or collaborate with?

I would love, love, love to collaborate with Crystal Castles. I think they’re really rad and I’m absolutely obsessed with “I’m Not In Love” that they did with Robert Smith from the Cure. I listen to it so much that my friends are telling me to stop [laughs].

Why the online-contest to remix ‘Push It’?

For one, I think there are so many talented people out there who probably, just like me, have a dream. And they need to be heard. I thought it would be a good way for up and coming musicians, DJs and producers to get their music out there. I’m supporting the dream. It’s also a good way to connect with my fans, to see what they do with ‘Push It’. Some of the remixes are going in places I would have never fathomed, in the most awesome way.

What should we expect from Jessie and the Toy Boys and what’s next?

We just played our first few shows; there are three under our belt. There are plans to tour all summer, from a music conference in Miami to playing at South by Southwest. Then we want to tour the world and I don’t think that’s unrealistic at all. I want to see the world, travel to different countries and experience different cultures. Play music and continue what we’re doing. I’m really living the dream and feeling very blessed right now. I want to do it all, if we’re going to do it at all. First with the album release this summer. I’m really very excited for what’s happening next.

For more information on the band, check out their website: www.jessieandthetoyboys.com

Jessie and the Toy Boys upcoming shows are:
March 10: at Score in Miami Beach, Florida
March 17: at Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas
March 24: at The Crib in San Francisco, California
April 3: at Girlbar Dinah Shore Week Hyatt Pool Deck in Palm Springs, California
April 9: at Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs, California

Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden Get Hitched!

Megan MacKay — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:51:06 +0000

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Pop Eater is reporting that Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden has finally wed his long-time girlfriend (and mother of his two children) Nicole Ritchie in what is being called a “glamorous, old Hollywood affair.”

The guest list (which despite earlier reports of being “close family only” ended up sitting at around 130) included some of today’s biggest entertainers including Gwen Stefani, Ashlee Simpson, and Kris Jenner. We can only presume that daughter Harlow, 2, and son Sparrow, 1, also joined the couple as they took their vows.

Though largely shrouded in secrecy, it has been confirmed that the wedding was an outdoor affair and somehow involved a (very well trained) elephant.

Elephants are so in this season after all!

Sounds like a seriously swanky affair! We guess our invite got lost in the mail…

No Doubt Sue Activision for Band Hero Manipulation

Emma Renda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

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In yet another case of The Music vs. Acitivision, No Doubt are filing a lawsuit against the makers of Band Hero.

The suit contends the game “transformed No Doubt band members into a virtual karaoke circus act,” and the use of the band members’ avatars far exceeded anything agreed upon in the contract, according to the Los Angeles Times. One aspect of the game allows players to manipulate their characters into singing songs by other artists, for example having lead singer Gwen Stefani sing “Honky Tonk Woman” by the Rolling Stones.

“While No Doubt are avid fans of the Rolling Stones and even have performed in concerts with the Rolling Stones, the Character Manipulation Feature results in an unauthorized performance by the Gwen Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes,” the complaint reads.

The complaint also claims Activision withheld information on the Character Manipulation Feature, and allegedly told the band after they had requested to the have the function disabled that it would be too expensive to do so.

Initially, No Doubt signed on to having their likenesses used for only three of their own songs in the game, but wound up appearing in more than 60 songs either as a band or solo. The lawsuit asks for actual and punitive damages that are as yet unspecified, a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction stopping the distribution of Band Hero, as well as a recall of any existing copies.

The complaint argues the songs No Doubt appear on “include lyrics, contained in iconic songs, which are not appropriate for No Doubt and have not been chosen by No Doubt for recordings or public performances.”

“The band [members] are bitterly disappointed that their name and likeness was taken and used without their permission,” band manager Jim Guerinot told the Los Angeles Times. “They agreed to play three No Doubt songs as a band. . . . Activision then went and put them in 62 other songs and broke the band up [and] never even asked.”

As for Activision, they must be getting used to this sort of thing after coming under fire from both Dave Grohl and Courtney Love on behalf of Kurt Cobain when his likeness was used with the same Character Manipulation Feature.

Activision is claiming No Doubt’s suit is “without merit” and the company is now exploring its own legal options with respect to No Doubt’s obligations under the agreement.”

Gwen and Gavin Expecting?

andPOP Staff — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:09:45 +0000

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Hollywood has gone baby crazy in 2008, and now you can add another star to the list of expecting mothers.

Gwen Stefani has “confirmed” that she is 13 weeks pregnant, claims The UK Sun.

According to their source, “They found out at California’s Cedars-Sinai hospital and couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone.”

Stefani and hubby, rocker Gavin Rossdale, already have a one-year-old son, Kingston.

Stefani, 38, said in October that she planned to have another child soon, due to her age. “Obviously I’m in a race to have another one but I don’t want to do it while I’m out on tour,” she said.

Luckily for her, Rossdale is an attentive expecting father. “He makes whatever food I crave,” she added.

Celebs Show Up For Boxing Showdown

andPOP Staff — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:11:10 +0000

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England’s Ricky Hatton got knocked out in the 10th round by the hands of American pretty boy Floyd Mayweather last night to an audience packed with tinsletown’s finest.

The highly anticipated showdown of unbeaten fighters in Las Vegas saw the who’s who of the entertainment industry come out to see Mayweather defend his World Boxing Council welterweight crown.

David Beckham made his way to his ringside seat to the cheers of many British fans. Other ringside celebs included Tiger Woods, missing his signature Nike cap, Will Ferrell, Bruce Willis and Rocky Balboa himself, Sylvester Stallone.

Gwen Stefani, a rumoured huge boxing fan, was also in attendance with her husband Gavin Rosdale. The couple left alongside fellow Hollywood power duo, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The energy was electric in the MGM Grand Arena but all the star power in the world couldn’t outdue the brutal battle brewing in the ring between the cocky Mayweather and humble Hatton as all eyes were locked on the fight.

Stefani Worked Out While Pregnant

andPOP Staff — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:02:48 +0000

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Pop star GWEN STEFANI was so desperate to lose weight after giving birth, she started working out with a personal trainer while still pregnant.

The singer admits she has an obsession with her weight and only stopped exercising two weeks before son KINGSTON was born last May.

And she reveals her work outs were so rigorous she would often break down in tears.

Stefani, 37, tells Elle magazine, “I worked out with my trainer throughout the whole pregnancy until about two weeks before.

“I cried during my last session. I was like, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t do this any more. What am I doing?’ It was crazy. All of my life I’ve had to work hard to stay in shape. I’ve always struggled with it. I was a little chubby when I was younger and I didn’t want to be that person forever.

“There aren’t any tricks, it’s simple math – you put this much food in, you burn that much working out.

“I gave myself three months – but if I didn’t have an album coming out, there’s no way I would have got back into shape in that time. I worked out with my trainer five days a week, with weekends off. I would really recommend doing weights.”

Gwen Stefani To Release A Fragrance

andPOP Staff — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:50:39 +0000

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Singer Gwen Stefani is jumping on the celeb eau de parfum train by announcing plans to create a fragrance.

Coty, the largest fragrance producer in the world, signed Gwen to produce the scent, which should be out in fall 2007.

“Creating a fragrance is one of the most prestigious things a designer can do. For me it’s like another thing you can wear and another thing I can creatively be a part of,” E! Online quoted the L.A.M.B. designer, as saying.

“I’m creating it for myself. It’s like me shrunken into a box.”

And, really, who doesn’t want a little Gwen in a box?

Gwen Stefani Insists Madonna Invited Her For Dinner

andPOP Staff — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 10:51:43 +0000

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Gwen Stefani has revealed Madonna invited her for dinner the last time she was in London.

The ‘Wind It Up’ singer, who divides her time between her homes in Los Angeles and London, has rubbished rumours she and the ‘Hung Up’ singer have been feuding and insists they are actually becoming friends.

Gwen told Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper: “She’s been nothing but nice to me. She’s invited me to her house for dinner and clearly she’s a huge inspiration to me musically.”

It had been reported that Madonna, 48, had accused the 37-year-old star of copying her career and even refused to accept a gift of some baby clothes from Gwen’s own fashion range for her newly adopted baby David.

Gwen gave birth to her first child, son Kingston, with her rocker boyfriend Gavin Rossdale, in May of this year.

The ‘Hollaback Girl’ singer admits she is keen to expand her L.A.M.B fashion line.

She said: “We will soon see L.A.M.B competing with Donna Karan’s DKNY. The idea is to do the fashion for the rest of my life, although I hate saying it because if it folds everyone will know how much it hurts. There’s not a lot of emotional drainage that comes with it. It’s fun and rewarding but it doesn’t really drain you.”

Gwen Stefani to Quit Music?

andPOP Staff — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:30:41 +0000

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Gwen Stefani has hinted she is ready to quit her pop career to be a full-time mum.

The singer, who is preparing to release her second solo album, was constantly broody before having baby son Kingston with her musician boyfriend Gavin Rossdale.

Gwen loves being a mother so much she often thinks about walking away from music so she can spend all her time with her child.

She said: “It’s all I ever thought about. I would love to just sit at home with Kingston and eat pizza.”

Gwen, 37, has also revealed she never intended to release another solo record because her only ambition after the success of 2004′s “Love Angel Music Baby” was to have a baby.

The singer – who gave birth to Kingston on May 26, 2006 – explained to Australia’s Daily Telegraph newspaper: “I never intended to do another solo record. It’s, like, kind of embarrassing talking about it. But I had a
couple of amazing leftover tracks from the last one. but I really wanted to have a baby. Now I have both. I’m just going with the flow.”

Give Gwen Her Lollipop Back

andPOP Staff — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:46:01 +0000

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A promo photo from Gwen Stefani’s new CD The Sweet Escape has been circulating online.

It features the bleached-out songstress naked with a tear running down her cheek.

It seems the folks at Faded Youth have figured out where they’ve seen that photo before.

Photographer Jill Greenberg has previously taken photos of toddlers crying and has been accused of tormenting the children to get them to cry hysterically.

Gereenberg says she just took the kids’ lollipops away.

Gwen Stefani Announces Release Date

andPOP Staff — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:51:41 +0000

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Gwen Stefani has set the release date for her second solo album.

Billlboard reports that the album will be entitled “The Sweet Escape” and will be released Dec. 5.

The first single will be “Wind It Up,” and Stefani plans to launch a tour in April of 2007 for the record.

“This album is surprisingly different than the last one. I started recording it last year before [her son] Kingston was born and it’s definitely evolved over the last year. The dance sound is very ‘now.’ It’s modern … not so retro,” Stefani said in a statement.

The full track listing has not been confirmed yet. Also on Dec. 5, Stefani will be releasing a concert DVD entitled “Harajuku Lovers Live.”

Dolls Modeled after Gwen Stefani to Be Sold

andPOP Staff — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 13:26:58 +0000

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Looks like a music career, a fashion line and being a wife and mother isn’t enough for Gwen Stefani.

According to E! Online, the singer is teaming up with Huckleyberry Toys to create limited edition dolls in her image.

“I though the dolls would be a good opportunity to capture some of the key looks from the album and the tour. The Harajuku girls and I wore such wicked costumes we had to share them with the world again,” Stefani said in a statement.

All of the dolls’ outfits will be modeled from costumes worn by Stefani or her Harajuku girls on her recent tour or in her videos, which promoted her solo CD.

Three dolls are ready for sale: “Tick Tock Gwen” – the doll in the outfit Stefani wore in her video for “What You Waiting For,” “Banana Gwen” – the doll being dressed similarly to Stefani in her video for “Hollaback Girl,” and “Cool Gwen” – the doll in a white dress, with her hair similar to Marilyn Monroe, which is reminiscent of the singer’s look in the video for “Cool.”

The dolls will also be available with
accessories “inspired” by Stefani. The dolls are due in stores this fall.

Gwen Stefani Not Attending MTV VMAs

andPOP Staff — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:09:47 +0000

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Singer Gwen Stefani will not be attending this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

It appears that the singer is still upset with last year’s results. Stefani, 36, had quite a few nominations and was expecting to win an award by the end of the night. However, American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson took most of the main awards home.

“Gwen had a ton of nominations and was under the impression that she would be taking home at least one main award. But every award, except for that lame best-dressed award, went to Kelly Clarkson,” said a source, reports the New York Post.

Not only did she lose to Clarkson, but also every time Clarkson was named the winner the cameras would be on Stefani watching her reaction.

“Every time Kelly won, the camera went straight to Gwen. She felt set up,” said a source.

Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale, 40, recently welcomed their first child together, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale. Stefani is currently working on her upcoming album.

It’s a Boy for Gwen Stefani

andPOP Staff — Mon, 29 May 2006 00:30:12 +0000

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In this weekend’s second-biggest celebrity birth, Gwen Stefani has had her first child. The singer delivered a baby boy in Los Angeles on Friday, reports MTV.

According to a short statement from Stefani’s label representative, “Both mother and child are doing well.”

Stefani and husband Gavin Rossdale named the child Kingston James McGregor Rossdale. The newest member of the family weighed in at 7.5 pounds.

Earlier last week, a rumour circulated that the 36-year-old had given birth in London. However, paparazzi shots released on Wednesday showed her still-pregnant in Los Angeles.

Stefani’s pregnancy was confirmed in mid-December during the final stop on her solo tour.

“I want you to sing so loud that the baby hears it,” she told the Ft. Lauderdale, FL crowd.

Gwen Stefani: I’m Pregnant

andPOP Staff — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 14:16:15 +0000

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Pop star Gwen Stefani is expecting her first child with rocker Gavin Rossdale, she announced during a concert in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday.

“I want you to say it loud enough so the baby hears it,” she yelled to the crowd. “This is the end of a huge chapter for me.”

“We are delighted!” Rossdale’s father, Douglas, told Us Weekly in an interview from London.

Stefani’s mom, Patti, told Us she was excited, “but I don’t do interviews.”

Stefani, 36, and Rossdale, 38, have been married for three years and Stefani is due to give birth in June 2006.

Rossdale has a 16-year-old daughter, Daisy Lowe, from a previous relationship with fashion designer Pearl Lowe. He found out he was the father in 2004 after taking a DNA test, teenpeople.com reports.