Ashnikko brought her distinctive style to Gwen Stefani’s 2004 hit What You Waiting For? during a recent appearance on Australian radio station triple j’s Like A Version.
The performance, recorded during Ashnikko’s Australian tour, featured a full live band and a harpist, giving the electropop classic a fresh arrangement while maintaining the energy of the original song.
The cover also carried personal meaning for the singer. Ashnikko explained during the accompanying interview that Stefani’s debut solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby, played an important role in her early musical development.
She received the album as a gift for her 11th birthday, and its influence helped shape her interest in becoming a musician.
Alongside the Stefani cover, Ashnikko performed her own song Sticky Fingers and discussed her approach to choreography and live performances.
Originally released in 2004, What You Waiting For? served as the lead single from Stefani’s debut solo album.
Ashnikko’s interpretation brought together two generations of pop music, highlighting the connection between an artist and one of her early inspirations.