Olivia Rodrigo has expressed her love for Gwen Stefani, hailing her as a “prime example” of a “true artist”.
The ‘Guts’ singer-songwriter spoke about the No Doubt frontwoman and soloist as part of a new cover profile on the latter, published by Nylon.
“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 of Stefani’s creative evolution.
“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.”
The article notes that Rodrigo discovered No Doubt’s fourth studio album, 2000’s ‘Return Of Saturn’, when she was 15 years old.
“Gwen sang about being a woman moving about this world in detail that I had never before heard put to music,” the pop star explained.
olivia rodrigo wearing “i’m just a girl” shirt during opening night of her guts tour pic.twitter.com/TZG5TQHW8Y
— nyc (@livsctrl) February 24, 2024
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“She unapologetically sings about things ranging from wanting to make out with someone to fantasising 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.”
During the opening night of her ‘Guts’ world tour in February, Rodrigo wore a shirt featuring the lyrics “I’m just a girl” from No Doubt’s 1995 single ‘Just A Girl’. She also covered the track on her ‘Sour’ tour in 2022.
Last year she cited Stefani’s band as one of the “grunge, rock and alternative” acts her parents would listen to when she was growing up, while also praising groups like The White Stripes and Riot Grrrl.
No Doubt are set to play their first live show in nine years at Coachella 2024 this weekend. Stefani recently shared some behind-the-scenes footage of the band in rehearsals.
The UK and Ireland leg of Rodrigo’s ‘Guts’ world tour will begin later this month, and features four nights at The O2 in London. Find any remaining tickets here.