5 Hidden Legends: Who Is Your Favorite Artist's Favorite Artist In 2025?

Every groundbreaking artist stands on the shoulders of giants. In December 2025, as a new wave of pop and folk stars like Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan, and Sabrina Carpenter dominate the charts, the real curiosity lies in the unseen forces—the legendary musicians and sonic architects who shaped their sound. This deep dive uncovers the true "favorite artists' favorite artists," revealing the surprising and often overlooked influences that define the current musical landscape.

The concept of "your favorite artist's favorite artist" is a powerful one, pointing to the hidden lineage of musical genius that rarely gets mainstream attention. These are the unsung heroes whose work is so foundational that it becomes the secret blueprint for the biggest cultural phenomena of today, from the viral success of "Good Luck, Babe!" to the folk revival sweeping the globe. Understanding these connections is key to unlocking the future of music.

The Unseen Architects: Why Your Favorite Artist Needs a Favorite Artist

The quest to find an artist’s primary influence is more than just trivia; it is an exercise in establishing topical authority within music history. It demonstrates that true innovation is not born in a vacuum but is a complex tapestry woven from decades of artistic experimentation and passion. Contemporary artists often look to pioneers for guidance on vocal technique, lyrical depth, and stage persona.

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For a breakout sensation like Chappell Roan, who has become a cultural phenomenon in 2024 and 2025, her influences are a direct map to her own theatrical, yet vulnerable, style. Similarly, the deeply personal and poetic songwriting of Noah Kahan is a direct echo of the 1970s folk revival. The artists they admire provide a masterclass in longevity and authenticity that streaming numbers simply cannot teach.

This artistic lineage is crucial for establishing credibility. When a modern pop star name-drops a lesser-known legend, it sends millions of fans on a journey back through the archives, revitalizing the original artist's legacy. This cycle of influence ensures that the foundational elements of great music—from complex harmonies to raw, emotional delivery—never truly fade.

The 5 Hidden Legends Inspiring Today’s Pop & Folk Titans

1. Karen Carpenter & Stevie Nicks: The Queens Who Crowned Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan, the self-proclaimed “your favorite artist’s favorite artist,” has openly cited two foundational female icons as her biggest vocal and performance influences: the late Karen Carpenter and the legendary Stevie Nicks.

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• Karen Carpenter (The Carpenters): Karen Carpenter is arguably one of the greatest singers of all time, known for her flawless pitch, emotional depth, and rich contralto voice. Chappell Roan’s desire to mimic this level of vocal control and emotional resonance speaks to a focus on technical mastery, not just spectacle. Her influence ensures that vocal artistry remains a core focus in modern pop.
• Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac): Nicks, a defining figure in both rock and pop music, is the embodiment of the mystical, bohemian rock star. Her enduring appeal and dramatic stage presence are clear inspirations for Roan’s own highly theatrical, glitter-drenched persona and her commitment to creating a full artistic world. Nicks represents the power of the female rock star archetype.

2. Bon Iver & Cat Stevens: The Poetic Folk Masters Behind Noah Kahan’s Success

The massive, unexpected success of folk-pop sensation Noah Kahan has been one of the biggest stories of the 2020s. His deeply introspective, acoustic-driven sound is not new; it’s a direct descendant of the indie folk revival and the classic singer-songwriters of the 70s. Kahan frequently names Bon Iver and Cat Stevens as his primary musical touchstones.

• Bon Iver (Justin Vernon): Vernon’s work, particularly his early album *For Emma, Forever Ago*, captured a raw, isolated, and highly textural style of folk music. Kahan cites Bon Iver as a huge role in inspiring him to write songs, drawn to the beauty and achievability of the sound. This influence is evident in Kahan’s use of layered vocals and acoustic instrumentation to convey profound sadness and longing.
• Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam): Stevens, known for classics like "Tea for the Tillerman," is a pillar of the classic folk tradition. Kahan grew up listening to Stevens via his mother, and his influence is palpable in Kahan's narrative songwriting style, which focuses on small-town narratives, family dynamics, and emotional vulnerability. Other related entities like Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, and Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst) further solidify this powerful folk lineage.

3. Gwen Stefani & The Cure: The 80s New Wave That Shaped Charli XCX’s 'Brat' Era

Charli XCX’s hyperpop and new wave-influenced sound has been a driving force in the 2024 "Brat Summer" cultural phenomenon. While her music is futuristic, its roots are firmly planted in the 1980s new wave and pop movements. Charli has cited influences as disparate as Gwen Stefani and The Cure.

• Gwen Stefani (No Doubt): Stefani’s solo work, specifically her 2004 album *Love. Angel. Music. Baby.*, was a musical scrapbook of early 80s influences, blending dancehall, new wave, and synth-pop. This genre-blending, coupled with a strong visual aesthetic, provided a blueprint for Charli XCX’s own maximalist, trend-setting approach to pop, which embraces diverse musical genres.
• The Cure: The British rock band The Cure, with their distinctive post-punk and goth-rock sound, represent a darker, more introspective side of the 80s. Charli XCX’s ability to infuse her high-energy pop with a sense of melancholic coolness and vulnerability shows the influence of bands like The Cure, adding a layer of depth to the hedonism of her music.

4. The Surprise Admirer: When Trent Reznor Crowns Sabrina Carpenter

Sometimes, the "favorite artist's favorite artist" is not the historical influence but a contemporary peer who offers a surprising stamp of approval. One of the freshest and most talked-about connections of 2024 was Nine Inch Nails founder and noted music producer Trent Reznor naming a song by pop star Sabrina Carpenter as his favorite of the year.

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This endorsement is significant because Reznor, known for his dark, industrial, and experimental sound, is the antithesis of Carpenter’s glossy, witty pop. His admiration highlights a key truth: great songwriting transcends genre. For Carpenter, receiving praise from a sonic architect like Reznor elevates her status from a viral pop star to a respected musical craftswoman, proving that her work holds a deeper artistic value appreciated by industry titans. This cross-genre respect is a powerful indicator of her potential for long-term artistic impact.

The Enduring Power of Artistic Lineage

The journey from a legendary rock star to a modern pop sensation is rarely a straight line. It is a complex web of sonic influences, aesthetic choices, and lyrical inspiration. The artists who inspired the biggest names of 2025—from the vocal perfection of Karen Carpenter to the poetic depth of Bon Iver—are the true hidden gems of music history.

These connections establish a deep sense of continuity. The "indie folk revival" of the 2010s, defined by artists like Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, is directly responsible for the massive, emotional resonance of Noah Kahan's music today. The theatricality of Stevie Nicks laid the groundwork for the bold, visual artistry of Chappell Roan. By tracing these artistic influences, we gain a richer appreciation for the music we love and a deeper understanding of the enduring creative spirit that connects generations of musicians.

Ultimately, the artist your favorite artist admires is the key to understanding their creative DNA. It’s a roadmap to the foundational sounds and artistic principles that will continue to shape the charts and define cultural phenomena for years to come.