Addison Rae, once primarily known for her viral TikTok dance moves, is now solidifying her status as a rising pop star. Her transformation from influencer to musician is characterized by strategic collaborations and her desire to reinvent her public image.
The year is 2025, and Rae is firmly establishing herself as one of the leading figures in pop music. After gaining fame through TikTok, where she quickly became one of the most followed personalities, she has diversified her career by launching her beauty brand, acting roles, and, most significantly, her music career. The young artist released her debut single, “Obsessed,” back in 2021, which was met with mixed reviews and did not perform as well as hoped, not even breaking onto the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite the initial setbacks, Rae has taken bold steps forward. By 2023, she was able to release tracks like “Diet Pepsi” and “Aquamarine,” which showcased her growth as both an artist and performer. Rae cites her collaboration with fellow pop icon Charli XCX as one of the pivotal moments in her transformation. “Meeting Charli XCX was obviously pivotal for me. She has been such a big sister and mentor for me,” Rae shared with Rolling Stone.
Rae's relationship with XCX has proven to be mutually beneficial. The two have worked closely together, with XCX first reaching out to Rae when her song “2 Die 4” leaked online, expressing love for it and offering to add her verse. Their partnership has produced acclaimed tracks and cemented Rae’s standing within the music industry.
While discussing her rising music career, Rae has reflected on the experience of her earlier leaks: “Thank God the songs leaked,” she stated. The unexpected online interest prompted her to move forward with her music, and fans were eager to hear more from her. The pressure to meet these expectations shaped her approach to new music, as she began to assert herself more as a creative force.
Max Martin, the legendary pop producer, has also played a role in shaping Rae's artistic direction. Rae recounted some of his advice, recalling, “The only way you’re going to really push yourself is to say things... Once you spill it out, you can always take it down, but if you start shallow, it’s hard to bump it up.” This encouragement has persuaded Rae to tap deeply personal subjects, emphasizing authenticity within her artistry.
Visually, Rae has redefined her image to align with her musical evolution. For her photoshoot for Rolling Stone, she channeled the glamor of old Hollywood, representing both her playful and daring sides. “I’ll be your girl next door but maybe there’s a wild side to the girl next door,” she stated, embodying the transformative identities she explores within her music. This duality resonates with fans, who react positively to her bold new aesthetic.
On the subject of her early career, Rae acknowledges there were challenges beyond just the music—one of those being the scrutiny of her personal life. Her relationship with her family has been complex, especially with her parents' tumultuous marriage. Speaking about her upbringing, Rae expressed feelings of guilt and responsibility over how her fame impacted her family dynamics, stating, “I feel a lot of guilt for what my family experienced, and responsibility.”
With several singles now under her belt, Rae has ambitious plans for her music career moving forward. She has hinted at working on her debut album, collaborating with various artists, and continuing to evolve her sound and personal style.
Rae's evolution has not been solely focused on music; she’s become adept at leveraging her online presence to craft her career. While she was initially propelled to fame through TikTok, Rae has gradually shifted her focus, stating, “TikTok definitely gave me a lot of things, so it would be really sad to [see it] go, but hopefully the things I create and put out surpass the platform.”
Rae has made it clear she is committed to her growth as both an artist and individual, landing herself at the forefront of the pop world. With each release, she is proving her resilience and ambitions are anything but fleeting.
Looking forward, Rae is set to build on this foundation, teaming with influential artists and producers as she navigates the music industry. This fusion of old and new—drawing on her backgrounds of social media influence and the artistry she has honed—positions her as one of pop music’s dynamic new figures.
Only time will tell where Rae's career will take her, but the sentiment among fans and critics continues to highlight her potential as she transitions from the shadows of social media fame to the vibrant spotlight of music stardom.