Claim: Gwen Stefani is an singer.

`` What You Waiting For ? '' is a song by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her debut solo studio album , Love . Angel . Music . Baby . -LRB- 2004 -RRB- . Written by Stefani and Linda Perry , the song is the album 's opening track and was released as Stefani 's debut solo single . `` What You Waiting For ? '' details Stefani 's lack of inspiration , fear of producing the album , as well as her reaction to pressures exerted by her record label . It is primarily an electropop song and introduces Stefani 's four back-up dancers , the Harajuku Girls , who had a major input into the album 's production .   `` What You Waiting For ? '' was released as the album 's lead single ; according to Stefani , as an `` explanation for doing the record '' . The song was well received by critics , and was frequently cited as a highlight of the album . The single was commercially successful , topping the chart in Australia and reaching the top 10 in several countries . It was certified gold in the United States , and was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 47th Grammy Awards . The song has been remixed a number of times , and was covered by the indie rock band Franz Ferdinand and singer Marina and the Diamonds .