Gwen Stefani declares her 'love' for Blake Shelton

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Gwen Stefani surprised Adam Levine by declaring her love for Blake Shelton on Monday.

The 46-year-old singer and 36-year-old Maroon 5 frontman were discussing the 39-year-old country star with Entertainment Tonight when Levine said, "I love you, Blake. Kind of. Ish." Stefani immediately chimed in, "I love you, too, Blake. Ish."

Levine started teasing Stefani for the slip, telling her he was trying to protect her from personal questions but she "screwed herself." The singer acknowledged the admission of love may have been "dumb," and responded by praising Levine.

"I'm just so grateful that I got to know Adam," she said. "It's weird because he's such a good person. He's literally so smart and he's so witty and talented, and I've just learned so much."

Stefani and Shelton confirmed they are dating this month after much speculation. The pair split from their respective spouses, Gavin Rossdale and Miranda Lambert, this year, and sources told E! News Stefani is "ready to move on and start the next chapter of her life."

Stefani recently admitted she didn't know who Shelton was before joining The Voice, but told Ellen DeGeneres she and the country star are having "lots of fun." The NBC reality competition airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.