Newsweek (Jan. 27th 2003)

Gwen Stefani Q&A

The No Doubt frontwoman says she's doing "freakin' great." With her band's gig at this year's Super Bowl, three Grammy nominations and her marriage to Gavin Rossdale of Bush... well, no doubt. Last week she tackled questions from news-week's Vanessa Juarez.

Last year you opened for U2 at the Super Bowl; this year you're the headliner. What's it like?

It's spectacular to look over the field and see the energy of all the people coming together. And to think U2 was doing it is pretty crazy.

Your Grammy noms--had you ever been nominated for best dance recording?

No [laughs]. The thing is, we've been so many different incarnations of ourselves. We've been the garage band, the van-touring band, the bubblegum-pop band--after "Tragic Kingdom" that's what people called us. So to be, like, this dance thing, it is surprising, but it's also like, well, everything else has happened.

Do you even like going to these award shows?

I love going to them. The first year I was getting out the elevator and there's Elvis Costello, just someone you totally worship. And then Sting walks by and kisses my hand.

What was it like to roll with the Stones last fall?

It was pretty intense. I mean I was on that stage, I know how far it is from one side to the next, and Mick is running and singing and he's... he's not young [laughs]. I was just amazed by his stamina. I mean I was totally out of breath.

So what's next for you?

I definitely want to try and do a film this year. That's my big goal, just do something different.

You have all these artistic ambitions. Tell me about designing your own clothes.

Ever since I can remember I've always been about trying to not have what everyone else has. When I got into the band, I didn't have a lot of money. If I bought s--t at, whatever, Clothestime, I would tear it apart and make it my own.

I have to ask. How is marriage to a rock star?

[Laughs] Well, you know, I've been with him for seven years, so... pretty great. I recommend it highly.