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 (opens in new tab), Stefani premiered her new single, "Used to Love You," at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom over the weekend. According to Paper (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
24 Hours With John LegendThe singer, record producer, husband, and entrepreneur reveals how he maintains youthful, glowing skin.
-
What Is Co-Washing, and How Do You Do It? Experts Weigh In
Skip the shampoo.
-
Digital Lavender Is About to Be the Biggest Color of the Year
Barbiecore got a "Lavender Haze"-inspired makeover.
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
-
The 21 Best Album Releases of 2022 (So Far)
Get your headphones out.
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
-
4 Best Sad Songs of 2022 to Play When You're in Your Feels
New songs from Maren Morris, Iann Dior, and more.
-
5 Best Love Songs of 2022 (So Far)
Raise your hand if you're very much here for the Avril Lavigne renaissance!
-
The 16 Best Sad Songs of 2021 to Play When You're Feeling Down
Not me still listening to "Drivers License" on repeat!
-
The 31 Best Love Songs of 2021
"I still burn for you." —Avril Lavigne and also Daphne Bridgerton.
-
16 Gifts Any Music Lover Will Be Obsessed With
AirPods beanies? Say less.
