Amidst her Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour—kicking off in September 2024 and continuing in Sweden in April 2025—Billie Eilish has shared insights into her biggest artistic influences. In a candid interview with YouTuber Quenlyn Blackwell, the nine-time Grammy-winning singer revealed the musicians and performers who have shaped her creative journey.
When asked about her favorite female rapper, Eilish’s response was immediate: “Nicki Minaj, of course.” She also shared the songs that currently uplift and inspire her, mentioning Lady Gaga classics like Poker Face, G.U.Y., and Alejandro.
When it came to naming the greatest actor of all time, Eilish found it impossible to pick just one. Instead, she named two of her all-time favorites: Steve Carell and Jake M. Johnson.
The discussion also touched on the world of streaming and content creators. While Eilish admitted she doesn’t follow streamers closely, she acknowledged knowing some popular figures. When Blackwell mentioned Kai Cenat, who boasts over 7 million YouTube subscribers, Eilish agreed, noting, “Yeah, he’s huge.”
Eilish had no hesitation in naming the album that impacted her the most: Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens. However, when asked to name the greatest singer of all time, she found it difficult to choose just one, ultimately settling on three: Ella Fitzgerald, Tori Kelly, and Beyoncé.
From rap to jazz and beyond, Billie Eilish's influences span a wide range of genres and artistic fields, reflecting the depth and diversity of her own musical evolution.