Ashnikko has made her Like A Version debut on triple j, taking on Gwen Stefani’s 2004 solo hit “What You Waiting For?”

Performing in the triple j studio while on her Australian tour, Ashnikko brought a full backing band — including a harpist — for a theatrical, electropop-leaning take that stayed largely faithful to Stefani’s original while adding her own flair. For her own song, she performed “Sticky Fingers.”

The cover was a personal choice. Ashnikko described “What You Waiting For?” as “the song of my childhood” and the track that inspired her to pursue music, crediting Stefani’s debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. as a formative influence on her own artistry. In the accompanying interview with hosts Abby Butler and Tyrone Pynor, she also chatted about bird watching and the importance of choreography to her performances.

“What You Waiting For?” was the lead single from Stefani’s 2004 debut solo album and reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Love. Angel. Music. Baby. peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, spawning the hits “Hollaback Girl” — Stefani’s first Hot 100 No. 1 — and “Rich Girl.” Stefani is also a four-time Grammy winner and the longtime frontwoman of No Doubt.

American artist Ashnikko broke through in 2019 with “Stupid,” a viral TikTok hit that reached No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified platinum. Her 2023 debut album Weedkiller reached the Billboard 200, and she has built a devoted following with her genre-blurring blend of hyperpop, rap and alternative. The Like A Version appearance adds to a long line of memorable covers from the triple j segment, which has become an Australian institution.