Olivia Rodrigo brought a touch of 90s nostalgia to the Coachella stage on Saturday, clad in an outfit that paid homage to No Doubt, complete with a red bralette and a cropped white tank top emblazoned with “I love ND.” The highlight of the night was her performance with Gwen Stefani, where they sang “Bathwater,” a classic from No Doubt’s year 2000 album.
For Rodrigo, who discovered No Doubt’s “Return of Saturn” at the age of 15, sharing the stage with Stefani was a realization of a dream. The 21-year-old pop sensation has never shied away from expressing her admiration for the music of generations before her. Influenced by icons like Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple, Rodrigo’s music revisits the angsty spirit of 90s pop-punk with a modern twist.
Rodrigo’s engagement with her musical heroes doesn’t stop at mere influence. She’s actively involved in bringing the raw energy of 90s music to a new generation, with her own contemporary spin. Her latest album, “GUTS,” draws from a variety of 90s influences, including the all-woman rock band Babes in Toyland.
Rodrigo’s ability to bridge generational gaps in music not only earns her the respect of her predecessors, like Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Jack White, but also cements her role as a modern ambassador of the pop-punk revival. Her performance at Coachella is a testament to her profound connection with music across decades, celebrating the past while boldly defining the future of pop-punk.
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