Linda Perry, the lead singer of the iconic 1990s band 4 Non Blondes, is relishing a resurgence of interest in the group after their classic hit “What’s Up?” surged in popularity on TikTok. The 61-year-old singer revealed that she initially had little experience with the social media platform, but found herself gaining new fans due to a viral trend involving her song.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Linda-Perry-attends-the-Producers-and-Engineers-Wing-GRAMMY-Week-051226-197815a8f4944a5f947e22ebdbd6bc67.jpg)
This renewed engagement with “What’s Up?” emerged from a dance challenge that took off in early 2025. The trend features two people standing back-to-back, with one performer lip-syncing the well-known anthem while the other delivers Nicki Minaj’s rap from her 2012 song “Beez in the Trap.” This mash-up has proven incredibly popular, with over 1.4 million posts featuring the playful combination, drawing participation from celebrities such as Joe Jonas, Khloé Kardashian, Madelyn Cline, and Malala Yousafzai.
In a recent episode of the Artist Friendly podcast hosted by Joel Madden, Perry discussed the unexpected TikTok phenomenon. She admitted that her understanding of social media had been limited prior to this experience, stating, “I’m terrible on social media,” though she acknowledged that her interactions have improved thanks to the trend.
Perry revealed that the timing of the TikTok challenge coincided with the band’s efforts to reunite, thereby amplifying interest in their legacy. “What was great about that is I had reunited 4 Non Blondes already,” she explained, highlighting the serendipitous nature of the trend. This combination of nostalgia and fresh exposure has revitalised the band’s relevance in the music industry.
The significance of this resurgence cannot be overstated, especially given that the song was originally released more than three decades ago. In a TikTok video shared by the group, they expressed delight at their unexpected success, noting, “This song is 30 years old and is number one on the TikTok chart??” Perry, along with bandmates Dawn Ricardson, Roger Rocha, and Christa Hillhouse, celebrated the wide-reaching impact of the platform, calling it a “very wild welcome.”
Apart from the viral approach to their famed track, Perry has been busy with her solo career. She recently released her new album titled “Let It Die Here” and a documentary of the same name is currently showcasing her artistic journey in cinemas. Moreover, Perry has confirmed that fans can look forward to the release of a new 4 Non Blondes album, marking the band’s first new music since their hiatus in 1992.
Before embarking on her solo career, Perry had already established herself as a talented songwriter and producer, crafting hits for various artists, including Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys. Perry’s multifaceted career demonstrates her resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving music landscape.
As the TikTok trend continues to evolve and more users join in on the fun, Perry’s narrative underscores the ways in which social media can dramatically reshape the trajectory of a music career. The enduring appeal of “What’s Up?” serves as a reminder of the nostalgic connection many hold to the band while also illustrating the potential for revival in a digital-first age.
The singer’s journey, marked by the intersection of past and present influences, highlights how the music industry’s new generation can engage with classic songs. As the buzz around 4 Non Blondes continues to grow, both Perry and her fellow band members seem poised to make their mark once more.