Olivia Rodrigo Joins No Doubt for Surprise Performance at Coachella

In a recent sit-down with American Songwriter, Rodrigo cited No Doubt as a key source of inspiration, and praised frontwoman Gwen Stefani as a “true artist.”

“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 explained in a cover profile by Nylon that she discovered No Doubt’s 2000 record “Return of Saturn” at 15 years old. The dichotomy in Stefani’s music between wanting her independence and the desire to start a family has always stuck with Rodrigo after all these years.

“Gwen sang about being a woman moving about this world in detail that I had never before heard put to music,” said Rodrigo. “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.”

Rodrigo, who is currently on her “Guts World Tour,” wore an “I’m Just a Girl” shirt during her first show on the trek, a reference to No Doubt’s 1995 hit song. She even performed a cover of “I’m Just a Girl” during her “Sour Tour” in 2022.