Let’s talk about a little mix-up in celebrity land. Hoda Kotb, the beloved TV host, accidentally thought Gavin Rossdale’s new girlfriend, Xhoana X, was actually his ex-wife, Gwen Stefani. And you know what? She’s not the only one. Photos from their vacation in Cabo San Lucas have been making the rounds on the internet, and folks can’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance. Hoda playfully teased Gavin about dating someone who looks so much like his ex-wife.
Here’s what Hoda, who’s been in the game for decades, had to say during an episode of Today with Hoda and Jenna: “I thought, ‘Poor Blake Shelton.’ That’s what popped into my mind for a second. They look like twins!” At 59, Hoda has seen it all, but this one really took her by surprise. She joked with her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, that Gavin clearly has a type. And who could blame him? That red lip and bold style are iconic.
Gavin's Dating Choices: A Matter of Taste or Tribute?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While Hoda and Jenna both agreed that Xhoana looks strikingly like Gwen, they had different takes on what it all means. Jenna, who’s 42 and always full of insight, suggested that Gavin dating someone who looks like Gwen could be a compliment. "Maybe he’s honoring the past in some way," Jenna mused. "And Gwen? She might just be laughing all the way to the bank, knowing she was the one who got away." Jenna has a point—sometimes imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
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But not everyone sees it that way. Hoda wasn’t holding back when she called the whole situation “super weird.” You can almost hear her saying it with that signature laugh of hers. It’s not every day you see someone dating a dead ringer for their ex, after all.
From Cabo to the Spotlight: Gavin and Xhoana's Love Story
Let’s rewind a bit. On May 11, Page Six dropped some vacation photos of Gavin, 58, and Xhoana, 35, in Cabo San Lucas. In these pics, Gavin’s all smiles as Xhoana wraps her arms around him. She’s rocking denim shorts, a black bikini top, and a bold red lip that screams "2000s Gwen Stefani." But it’s her makeup—those thin eyebrows and blond hair pulled back with a headband—that really seals the deal. It’s like stepping back in time to when Gwen and Gavin were still together before their 2015 divorce.
Gavin and Xhoana have been flying under the radar since they went public with their relationship in January. But don’t let the stealth fool you—they’ve been seeing each other for months. In fact, Gavin opened up about their romance during a March appearance on the “Amy & T.J.” podcast. He gushed about how sweet and supportive Xhoana is, saying, “It’s been really cute to let people know we’re together. It feels good, and I guess it’s my new status.”
Music, Inspiration, and Albanian Roots
Now, let’s talk about Xhoana for a moment. She’s not just another pretty face; she’s an artist with Albanian roots who’s been inspired by some of the biggest names in music. In a 2021 interview with CelebMix.com, she revealed that No Doubt was a major influence on her career. "When I came to the States in '96, there was Tupac, Biggie, and No Doubt," she said. "And then Prodigy and Radiohead—just massive nonstop inspiration. I think you hear it all in my music—the attitude, the rebellion, the nostalgia, the vulnerability, the eclecticism." It’s clear that Xhoana has been familiar with both Gavin and Gwen for years, and she’s always had a soft spot for No Doubt’s iconic sound.
