4 Non Blondes’ frontwoman Linda Perry has shared her candid thoughts on the recent surge of covers of their iconic hit “What’s Up.” Nearly three decades after its debut, the rock anthem has resurfaced with a newfound audience, courtesy of the TikTok trend that has taken the world by storm.
Various artists and celebrities, from Jennifer Lopez and Pink to Laufey and M3GAN star Jenna Davis, have put their own unique spin on the beloved 1993 track. With countless covers flooding social media, Perry has now weighed in on the best renditions of “What’s Up” and disclosed her top five favorites.
In a recent Instagram post, Perry highlighted the artists she felt truly captured the essence of the song in their covers. Landing in the fifth spot is Kelly Clarkson, praised by Perry for her “beautiful voice and a beautiful job.” Dolly Parton claimed the fourth spot simply because, in Perry’s words, “it’s f—g Dolly Parton.” Chappell Roan secured the third spot with a version Perry described as “amazing,” a pleasant surprise for the rock legend.
But it was Lady Gaga who nabbed the top spot in Perry’s list, particularly for her rendition during the 2014 artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball show in Vienna. Perry commended Gaga for her emotional delivery and evident admiration for the song.
Additionally, Perry shared a bonus pick she had recently stumbled upon: young musician Jordan Sunshine, whom she affectionately referred to as a “charmer.” While many fans agreed with Perry’s selections, some expressed disappointment at the exclusion of Pink from the list, stressing her equal merit alongside Gaga.
The resurgence of “What’s Up?” can be attributed, in part, to a TikTok mashup with Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap,” catapulting the timeless rock song back onto the Billboard charts, peaking at number 14 on the Hot 100 in November. To show their appreciation to fans and creators, Perry and her bandmates expressed their heartfelt gratitude through a TikTok post celebrating the song’s resurgence.
In a surprising turn of events, 4 Non Blondes are set to perform at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2026 alongside noteworthy artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, Charlie Puth, Mariah Carey, and more. The band’s unexpected return to the spotlight serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of their music and the significance of “What’s Up?” in today’s music landscape.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.