Addison Rae, the self-proclaimed "Queen of TikTok," is stepping out of the social media spotlight and taking the music world by storm. The 24-year-old influencer and singer is set to release her debut album, Mood Boards, and she is candid about her relationships and personal growth.
Rae opened up about her dating life in the February issue of Rolling Stone, discussing her tumultuous relationship with fellow influencer Bryce Hall. Reflecting on their past romance, she confessed, “I’m very guarded when itcomes to relationships, because my first public relationship taught me a lot about myself.” She added, “I think he cheated on me. He says he didn’t.” Looking back, she described the relationship as “a sht show,” saying, “He was very vocal about everything, and it was a mess.”
Despite the challenges, Rae, who boasts over 88 million followers on TikTok, has moved beyond the heartbreak. “I believe there’s good in everyone, so I like to think there’s a good part of him. We were really young,” she said of Hall. Rae’s growth is evident as she focuses on her burgeoning music career, stating, “I had to rethink everything” after her acting debut, He’s All That*, did not receive the best reviews.
Since rising to fame on TikTok with her dance videos back in 2019, Addison Rae has transformed herself from internet sensation to pop icon. She signed with Columbia Records and released hit singles like “Obsessed” and “Diet Pepsi,” drawing acclaim with her dreamy, dazzling sound. With her upcoming album, Rae aims to create music for listeners to dance to, showcasing songs described as “pulsing and lush.”
Her recent hit “Diet Pepsi,” released alongside the whispers of her album, has done well—marking her debut on the Billboard Hot 100. Rae has made it clear: tracks like these resonate with her, allowing her to explore her wild side, which she teased when discussing her persona as “the girl next door.”
“It was the first time I really took the step on my own to be confident in the ideas I had and follow those,” Rae said, reflecting on the support she received from her mentor and pop sensation Charli XCX. Their collaboration on the track “2 Die 4” is another example of Rae’s ascent, showcasing the respect and credibility she has gained within the music industry.
Speaking to the influence of her relationships on her artistry, Rae credits both XCX and renowned producer Max Martin for helping her break through personal barriers. “The only way you’re going to really push yourself is to say thingsthat are true and real,” Rae recalled Martin telling her, which mirrors her approach to songwriting today.
Rae’s current relationship with record producer Omer Fedi has also been a focal point of her recent interviews. Going Instagram official back in August 2021, she shared, “The Libra in me is a hopeless romantic,” illuminating her feelings toward their relationship, all thewhile being cautious about divulging too much. “I’m very guarded when itcomes to relationships, because my first public relationship taught me a lot about myself,” she reiterated.
Beyond her personal life, Rae is aware of the winds of change faced by social media platforms like TikTok, which have been rumored to face potential bans. “That’s the full moon for me. TikTok definitely gave me a lot of things, so it would be really sad to [see it] go,” she said, recognizing the platform's role in launching her career.
Speaking on her vision as she shifts from being just another influencer to establishing herself as serious pop talent, Rae stated, “Sitting with your emotions in stillness is difficult... I would actually be surprised if one day I write a really sad song, because I just can’t evenImagine.” She aims not to focus on sadness as she creates, preferring instead to channel her positive experiences and vibrant personality through her music.
Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming album, full of Rae’s unique sound and perspective. With influences ranging from dreamy pop to lush, dance-ready beats, she embodies the spirit of pop youth and glamour. Despite her rise through TikTok's chaos, Rae’s music and artistry show her transition is notjust another passing trend but rather the evolution of an artist ready to claim her voice on the world stage.
Finally, Rae’s evolution in the public sphere could set the tone for other influencers attempting to step beyond the virtual curtain and pilot their own careers. “I’m not hiding anymore,” she declared, signaling not only her confidence but her readiness to fully embrace her identity as both artist and individual. Indeed, the world now feels like Addison Rae’s oyster.