A 2020 TikTok clip featuring Nathan Apodaca skateboarding while sipping cranberry juice, all set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” sparked a global wave of nostalgia. Almost overnight, the song returned to the charts, and interest in Nicks and her legendary band was reignited. Yet, what followed proved this was more than a fleeting internet moment - it was a reminder of the enduring cultural presence of one of music’s most distinctive figures.

Stevie Nicks responded to the viral moment with characteristic grace, recreating the scene herself - cranberry juice in hand and a sense of ease that felt entirely her own. More than a playful nod to a trending video, the gesture underscored her lasting cultural relevance. By engaging with a younger audience on their platform of choice, Nicks demonstrated a rare ability to resonate across generations. It made it obvious that she is still one of the most influential figures in popular culture and that her work remains just as meaningful today as it was decades ago.

Stevie Nicks’ influence reaches far beyond her discography; it’s woven just as deeply into the fabric of visual culture. During her 2023 performance in Philly, she embodies her signature aesthetic: a cascade of textured fabrics, including a golden lace shawl draped over an all-black ensemble rich with layered velvet and intricate detailing. Long strands of ribbon and beaded fringe hang from her microphone stand, echoing the theatricality that defines her stage presence. This specific look reinforces her enduring image as both a rock icon and a style visionary. This distinctive fashion language - mystical, romantic and unapologetically expressive - continues to shape the wardrobes of contemporary artists who channel her spirit as much as her sound.

Among the most vocal admirers of Stevie Nicks is Harry Styles, an artist whose style and sensibility echo her enduring mystique. His sartorial choices - billowy blouses, pearl accents, flared trousers - frequently draw comparisons to Nicks’ own ethereal wardrobe, while his stage presence captures a similar blend of vulnerability and theatrical confidence. Harry Styles has referred to Nicks as both a muse and a guiding force, a sentiment underscored by their shared performances, including their duet at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a surprise appearance in London of 2024.

Yet, Styles’ admiration runs deeper than tribute. In many ways, he continues the creative lineage that Nicks helped establish - one rooted in emotional transparency, fluid self-expression and the rejection of rigid industry norms. His embrace of traditionally feminine silhouettes and his exploration of introspective themes mirror the very ethos Nicks championed long before it was mainstream. Their bond represents more than intergenerational respect; it exemplifies how true artistry transcends time, uniting performers through shared values of authenticity, individuality and soul-driven storytelling.

Nicks’ creative legacy resonates powerfully in the artistry of Florence Welch (Florence & The Machine), Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Miley Cyrus - four  performers whose work embodies the emotional and aesthetic codes she helped pioneer.

Each artist channels a distinct facet of Nicks’ influence: Florence Welch evokes her ethereal intensity through sweeping vocals and mystical stagecraft, while Lana Del Rey mirrors her introspective lyricism and cinematic melancholia. Lorde carries forward Nicks’ poetic introspection and emotional candor - often pairing minimalist production with maximalist feeling. Miley Cyrus, with her gravelly vocals and fearless genre shifts, taps into Nicks’ spirit of reinvention, bridging rock, pop and glam with an unapologetic edge. Together, they reflect the multifaceted legacy of an artist who made vulnerability powerful, and style inseparable from sound.

What sets Stevie Nicks apart is her unwavering sense of self. While many artists reinvent themselves to stay current, Nicks has remained rooted in an identity that has always felt fully formed. Her authenticity isn’t just performative, but instinctual. From the aching vulnerability of “Landslide” to the haunting resilience of “Gypsy,” her lyrics consistently explore the emotional complexities of change, freedom and self-discovery. Songs like “Edge of Seventeen” turn personal grief into powerful anthems, while “Silver Springs” delivers heartbreak with a sharp, unflinching elegance. Each track is less a performance and more an intimate confessional.The conviction in her voice, the raw honesty in her delivery and the lived-in truth of her words that captivate audiences and create life-long fans. Across every cultural shift - from vinyl to TikTok - her songs remain relevant and captivating.  

Stevie Nicks occupies a rare space in popular culture. Her influence is not a relic of the past, nor is it fueled by reinvention. Instead, it is sustained by consistency: a clear voice, a singular style and a body of work that continues to resonate because it speaks to the human condition with clarity and depth. In an era where artists are often expected to rebrand to stay relevant, Nicks offers a different model - one in which authenticity carries more weight than novelty. Her impact is felt not only in the music we listen to, but in the way artists write, perform and present themselves. That she continues to be cited, covered, emulated and celebrated is not simply a testament to her legacy; it is proof that true originality endures.