Ashnikko Covers Gwen Stefani’s ‘What You Waiting For?’ for Like A Version

Emerging artist Ashnikko recently took to the triple j Like A Version stage to reinterpret Gwen Stefani’s 2004 solo breakthrough, "What You Waiting For?" This live session, recorded amid Ashnikko’s Australian tour, showcased a dynamic performance supported by a full band, notably featuring a harpist that added an unusual texture to the arrangement.

Ashnikko’s version retained the core electropop essence of Stefani’s original track while infusing it with her distinctive artistic sensibility, demonstrating both reverence and innovation. Alongside the cover, she also performed her own composition, "Sticky Fingers," offering audiences a glimpse into her genre-blurring style that merges hyperpop, rap, and alternative influences.

The choice of Stefani’s song was deeply personal for Ashnikko, who regards it as a formative piece from her youth and a catalyst for her own musical ambitions. She credits Stefani’s debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., as a pivotal inspiration that shaped her artistic identity.

Released as the lead single from Stefani’s first solo project, "What You Waiting For?" originally climbed to number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself achieved significant commercial success, reaching number seven on the Billboard 200 and spawning hits such as "Hollaback Girl," Stefani’s inaugural chart-topping single, and "Rich Girl."

Gwen Stefani’s stature in the music industry is marked by her tenure as the frontwoman of No Doubt and her recognition as a four-time Grammy Award recipient. Her influence extends widely across pop and alternative genres.

Ashnikko, an American artist who rose to prominence with her 2019 breakout single "Stupid," which gained viral momentum on TikTok and earned platinum certification, has steadily built a dedicated fanbase. Her debut album, Weedkiller, released in 2023, further cemented her presence on the Billboard 200, highlighting her evolving sound and boundary-pushing approach.

The Like A Version platform, hosted by triple j, is renowned for its distinctive live cover performances by both emerging and established artists. Ashnikko’s rendition adds to the program’s rich history of memorable reinterpretations, emphasizing the segment’s role as an influential showcase within the Australian music landscape.

In conversation with the session’s hosts, Ashnikko also touched upon personal interests such as bird watching and emphasized the integral role choreography plays in her live shows, reinforcing her commitment to a multidisciplinary artistic presentation.

While details about the full extent of Ashnikko’s Australian tour remain limited, this Like A Version appearance highlights her ongoing international engagement and growing artistic versatility. The blend of homage and originality in her cover underscores the continuing legacy of early 2000s pop icons within contemporary music scenes.

This performance not only reflects Ashnikko’s musical roots but also exemplifies the enduring impact of Gwen Stefani’s early solo work on new generations of artists. The intersection of their careers through this cover situates Ashnikko within a lineage of innovation and genre fusion that remains vital in today’s evolving music industry.