PR experts say Gwen Stefani made wise move by ‘stepping boldly into her faith’ despite facing backlash

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Gwen Stefani, who has faced online backlash for sharing her Catholic faith and partnership with the prayer app, Hallow, is being supported by PR experts.

The experts praise her bold move, calling it a "grand awakening."

The controversy follows her December Instagram collaboration with the app, where she invited her millions of followers to join her in a 25-day prayer challenge to celebrate the Advent season leading up to Christmas.

What did experts say about Gwen Stefani's public display of faith?

While Gwen Stefani faces backlash from some fans, PR expert Doug Eldridge of Arhiles PR told Fox News Digital that her openness about her faith could help her grow her following.

Eldridge also highlighted how society is entering a new era that is becoming more accepting of religious expression.

He explained, "The smartest move she made was getting on ‘The Voice’ — it's the TV equivalent of People magazine; her Q-Score increased four-fold. From that, her marriage to Blake Shelton – a conservative, well-spoken, country music megastar – only served to broaden her fanbase."

He added, "Now, stepping boldly into her faith, that will serve her well in the days and years ahead. We've arrived at a new era... nobody should be shamed for their faith or commitment to the Word. You're seeing this across brands, bands and everywhere else. It's a grand awakening."

Eric Schiffer, chairman of the Los Angeles-based Reputation Management Consultants, also weighed in on how Stefani's public display of faith might impact her brand. He noted that while her devotion to faith has always been part of her story, her openness about it could be risky in today's culturally divided environment.

Schiffer shared, "Critics are treating Gwen Stefani’s faith like a plot twist in her career arc, but it’s been part of her story all along. Faith is a double-edged weapon in Hollywood – applauded by some, torpedoed by others. When celebrities embrace faith, they walk a tightrope between inspiration and alienation."

He further explained, "The backlash against Gwen Stefani reveals discomfort with religion in pop culture and the imposition of cultural conformity over individual choice. In Hollywood, faith is the new rebellion – wear it openly, and you risk being cast as a heretic in pop culture."

Schiffer concluded, "Freedom of expression doesn’t stop at religion – if you don’t want Gwen Stefani preaching to you, don’t listen, but in America we should allow her to speak. The backlash against religious celebrities shows that celebrity authenticity and cultural tolerance has limits – and hypocrisy."

Gwen Stefani launches a prayer challenge on Hallow app

In a video released on Ash Wednesday, Gwen Stefani, wife of Blake Shelton, launched a prayer challenge on the Hallow app for the 40 days of Lent. The singer appeared in a sleeveless white wrap dress and a gold cross necklace as she addressed her followers on Instagram.

She began by inviting fans to join her in daily prayers leading up to Easter, saying, "Are you looking to grow closer to God this Lent? I'd love to invite you to join me in praying every day leading up to Easter on the Hallow app."

Stefani went on to praise the app, sharing, "I love this app and I use it every day. For Lent, they're doing this incredible 40-day prayer challenge. You'll join millions of Christians around the world, including the incredible Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, Father Mike Schmitz, and so many more in meditating on Jesus' way to the cross."

She continued, "It's going to be the most transformative Lent of our lives. Download Hallow and join me in prayer this Lent. God bless."

The post was accompanied by the caption, "Ash wednesday is here ✝️ the start of lent—40 days of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to easter 💛 every year, i try to make this time more intentional, and i’m so excited to do @hallowapp’s Pray40 challenge – The Way 🙏."

Stefani added, "This challenge is all about deepening our faith and remembering what Jesus did for us."

She also highlighted the people leading the challenge, "It’s led by some amazing ppl like @jonathanroumieofficial, @markwahlberg, and @prattprattpratt – and u’ll even get to hear my own faith story as part of it 💫"

Gwen Stefani's video on faith sparks mixed reactions online

Gwen Stefani's video received mixed reactions from her followers, with some praising Stefani for sharing her faith, while others expressed surprise and anger.

One user wrote, “Not sure why anyone would be surprised or angry because a person wants to embrace their beliefs but I say congratulations to Gwen for standing up strong! It makes me respect her even more! ❤️”

The second person shared, “I’ve been praying that those with a public platform be called to use it for good.”  A commenter wished, “Thank you Gwen for heeding Gods call and speaking out.”

A commenter slammed, "Girl this is so embarrassing" A user said, "@gwenstefani pushing a prayer APP. So cringe. 🥴…"

A fan explained, "Gwen, honey: your fans are not interested in becoming Christian conservative trad wives and you’re delusional if you think this will advance your cultural relevance."

A disappointed fan shared, "I can't believe we lost you." A fan warned, "Don't speak I know just what you're sayin' So please stop explainin' Don't tell me 'cause it hurts"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online