Gwen Stefani Blake Shelton Has Done Wonders For My Self-Esteem 
 
 EXCLUSIVE 
 
 Gwen Stefani was attracted to Blake Shelton like a magnet, because he resurrected her self-esteem ... so say some of her closest friends and associates. 
 
 Gwen told people in her life, Gavin Rossdale was a "control freak" who said disparaging things to keep the upper hand in the relationship. Our sources say Gwen complained Gavin had an issue with her parenting skills and criticized her for not being a supportive wife. 
 
 Gwen, we're told, was "blown away" by the kindness Blake showed her after she split with Gavin. "It made her feel good again," said one source. Blake also won her over by just being fun ... something Gwen said she had been missing in her life for a long time. 
 
 For his part, we're told Blake called Christina Aguilera last week -- before he hooked up with Gwen -- and told Christina he had "a crush" on Stefani. Christina's response offered little hope ... "Ha, good luck with that." Turns out Christina underestimated him. 

 Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are reallygoing public with their romance. 
 
 
 
 Hours after reps for the pair confirmed that they are dating, Stefani and Shelton were spotted holding hands while walking out and about in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday. (And they certainly didn't shy away from the cameras!) 
 
 With a firm grip on each others' hands, the couple also carried beverages during their nighttime stroll. In Shelton's hand, an unmarked white cup, and in Stefani's, a wine glass. At the time, the couple was walking between the VIP and main areas of the Warner Music Group CMA after party. 
 
 NEWS: Blake Shelton Gushes About 'Awesome Night' With Gwen Stefani 
 
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 Relationship rumors have followed the couple for weeks, as they've been busy promoting the current season of The Voice. Both Shelton and Stefani split from their respective spouses over the summer. 
 
 
 
 READ: Miranda Lambert Rocked a 'Revenge Dress,' but 'Was Hurting' After Blake Shelton Confirmed Gwen Stefani Relationship 
 
 
 
 Wednesday night marked the first time that Shelton and his ex-wife, Miranda Lambert, attended a high-profile function together. The exes each hit the stage to perform their respective new singles, while Lambert walked away with the trophy for Female Artist of the Year. 
 
 "I needed a bright spot this year," she said in her acceptance speech. 
 
 For more on Shelton and Stefani's whirlwind romance, watch the video below. 
 
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– 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.)