American Horror Story’s third season, Coven, first aired in 2013, but remains one of the franchise’s most critically acclaimed to date. The most recognizable face of the band Fleetwood Mac as well as a star in her own right, Stevie Nicks made her acting debut in Coven. Though she played herself, she was also referred to as “The White Witch” and was Misty Day’s (Lily Rabe) idol throughout the season.
It was a surprising turn for the Grammy winning singer, as Nicks was plagued by rumors of being a witch herself throughout much of her career, admitting in an LA Times interview that she probably wouldn’t have done the show thirty years ago. However, she had previously worked with AHS creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk on another of their hit shows, Glee, for the Fleetwood Mac tribute episode and was eager to put the rumors behind her, “So when all this came along, I was like, 'what, really, am I going to turn this down because of all that past nonsense?'" Every song she performs in the series is highlighted below.
Stevie Plays “Rhiannon” in AHS: Coven Episode 10
Although Nicks is referenced often throughout Coven, she doesn’t appear until the tenth episode, “The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks.” Jessica Lange’s Fiona introduces Misty to her hero in a bid to gain her trust and tempt her with the fame that would come along with becoming the next Supreme. She performs Fleetwood Mac’s hit “Rhiannon” while Misty twirls in delight and the rest of the witches in training filter in to watch. Afterwards, Stevie wishes Misty luck in the upcoming Seven Wonders and leaves her the beloved shawl she wore in various concerts all over the world. “Rhiannon” was an apt choice for the show, given the inspiration for it. When performing live, Nicks often introduced the song she wrote about the mythical Rhiannon saying, “This is a song about an old Welsh witch.”
“Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You” Also Ends Coven’s Tenth Episode
Nicks performs again at the end of the tenth episode, this time singing her own song “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You” for an audience of one. Fiona is overcome with emotion while listening to the song, visibly crying and smiling at the same time. Nicks has described it as her most intense song, written as a tribute to her longtime love Joe Walsh of the Eagles band after he shared with her the heartbreaking story of losing his three year old daughter in an accident. It is a fitting choice for Fiona, as her villainous character grapples with what’s to come for her and her fraught relationship with her own daughter.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Seven Wonders” Plays During the Seven Wonders
Nicks returns in the thirteenth and final episode of Coven, “Seven Wonders,” to sing Fleetwood Mac’s song of the same name. The remaining students of Miss Robichaux's Academy are preparing to square off against each other in performing the Seven Wonders, to determine who will be crowned the next Supreme. The witches must successfully complete all seven, including mind control and teleportation, in order to claim the Supreme title. Nicks sings “Seven Wonders” while the students get ready, black dresses and shawls included, before wishing them luck. In classic AHS fashion, the show ends with a twist when the most unlikely candidate, Sarah Paulsen’s Cordelia, surpasses her own students to become the Supreme.
Stevie Sings "Gypsy" in AHS: Apocalypse
Nicks returns to reprise her role from Coven in AHS’s crossover eighth season Apocalypse. A few of the witches from Coven, including Cordelia, appear in Apocalypse’s third episode “Forbidden Fruit” after almost the entire cast is killed off in a poisoned apple bobbing contest. Stevie doesn't appear until the fifth episode “Boy Wonder,” invited by Cordelia to welcome back Misty from being stuck in hell after her unsuccessful attempt at performing the Seven Wonders in season three. Nicks performs Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” in a nod to Misty’s bohemian character and to celebrate her return.
American Horror Story continues to deliver scares in its 10th season, Double Feature, currently airing on FX and Hulu.