Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional New Breakup Song
She doesn't say "Used to Love You" is about Gavin Rossdale, but…


Gwen Stefani has been the queen of the breakup anthem ever since "Don't Speak." And now, years later, she has a new tear-jerking song about lost love.
Just a few months after she and husband Gavin Rossdale announced they were divorcing, Stefani premiered her new single, "Used to Love You," at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom over the weekend. According to Paper, she gave a speech before the song, saying that it was personal and that she felt she needed to share it with the crowd. She sang the ballad in front of a video of herself on the verge of tears.
The lyrics are raw and emotional, and it's not hard to make the connection to Rossdale. "I don't know why I cry / But I think it's 'cause I remember for the first time since I hated you / That I used to love you" is a doozy, and so is "You know I was the best thing that ever happened to you / Now look at what you lost." Rolling Stone notes that the lyric "Nobody taught you how to love" is similar to a 2012 No Doubt Song, in which she sings, "Who taught you how to love?" Oof.
The single will reportedly be released later this week, but until then, grab some Ben & Jerry's and watch Stefani's performance below.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
The Wild Ride of Carrie Coon
Laurie's deep-set insecurities come to a head in episode 7 of 'The White Lotus,' allowing the actress to turn a "dark night of the soul" into an illuminating time.
By Jessica Goodman Published
-
Joshua Jackson Won't Let His Daughter Watch 'Dawson's Creek'
"She's going to get all sorts of ideas."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Kate and William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances
A royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year for the First Time Ever at the 2025 Grammys
The superstar—who has the most wins in the award show's history—took home the biggest prize of the night for 'Cowboy Carter.'
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—And Called Upon Record Labels to Enact Artist Healthcare Reform
The Midwest Princess made a powerful speech while accepting the award for Best New Artist.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album at the Grammys and Dedicates the Award to Black Women: "You're Exactly Who You Need to Be"
"The Swamp Princess" is the third female rapper to take home the gramophone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
RAYE Shares What Music Shaped Her—And What's on Her Playlist Now
The Best New Artist-nominated singer discusses Britney Spears, Charli xcx, and Nina Simone.
By Quinci LeGardye Published