Olivia Rodrigo Explained Why Gwen Stefani’s Songs Changed Everything for Her
Olivia Rodrigo has so much in common with Gwen Stefani. That’s no accident. Rodrigo recently explained why the No Doubt singer inspired her so much as an artist. In addition, Stefani explained what inspired all of her musical ideas.
Olivia Rodrigo said Gwen Stefani songs feel like ‘the diary of the coolest girl you know’
Rodrigo has straddled the lines between pop and rock more than any other star of her generation. She’s a critical darling for her ability to balance radio hits with musical credibility. In addition, many listeners love her music for its honesty. Stefani had a very similar career, giving us both classic 1990s alt-rock songs like “Just a Girl” and “Spiderwebs” alongside bubblegum pop smashes like “Hollaback Girl” and “The Sweet Escape.”
During a 2024 exchange with Nylon, Rodrigo discussed why Stefani’s music meant so much to her. “Gwen’s ability to evolve and explore different styles of music, songwriting, and aesthetic while still remaining true to herself is incredibly inspiring,” Rodrigo said. “To me, she’s a prime example of an artist who defies stereotypes and preconceived boundaries and just makes stuff that she thinks is cool. If that’s not a true artist, I don’t know what is.”
Rodrigo felt that the “Wind It Up” singer‘s work especially connected to her because it explored womanhood. “Gwen sang about being a woman moving about this world in detail that I had never before heard put to music,” Rodrigo writes. “She unapologetically sings about things ranging from wanting to make out with someone to fantasizing about having a husband and kids. There’s so much heart in every word she says, and every song feels like it’s ripped from the diary of the coolest girl you know.”
Gwen Stefani doesn’t take credit for her own work
Rodrigo was quick to praise Stefani’s musical talent. In contrast, Stefani didn’t credit herself for her incredible catalog. Instead, she said her inspiration came from a higher power.
“These ideas come from somewhere,” she said. I believe they come from … from God, I’ll say it.” Nylon noted that Stefani was raised Roman Catholic and has become more openly religious in recent years. In her best song of the 2010s, “Make Me Like You,” she thanks God for guiding her to find the right romantic partner.
Olivia Rodrigo took the stage with No Doubt to sing a classic song
Rodrigo’s connection to Stefani extended beyond mere admiration. Entertainment Weekly reported that No Doubt reunited at Coachella 2024. Rodrigo took to the stage with No Doubt to perform “Bathwater.” After the song was over Stefani affectionately called Rodrigo “my little vampire,” a nod to Rodrgio’s hit ballad “Vampire.” It was a fun moment where two similar singers paid tribute to each other’s talents.
Stefani might not be quite as influential as her predecessor, Madonna, but her impact on pop music cannot be ignored. She paved the way for other female stars to straddle the worlds of rock and pop, including Hayley Williams of Paramore, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, and Avril Lavigne. In addition, you can hear the influence of her bubblegum tracks in the music of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Kesha.
Rodrigo took some cues from Stefani and so did many other icons of modern music.
