By Molly Smith
Ale / @itsvle via Pinterest
If you’ve spent even a moment on social media in the past five years, the name Addison Rae is likely familiar. She burst onto the scene as a TikTok sensation and later joined the iconic Hype House, quickly becoming a household name among Gen Z. Yet few could have predicted that she would one day find herself on stage in front of nearly 20,000 fans, sharing the spotlight with some of the biggest pop stars of her generation.
So, how did Addison Rae make the leap from TikTok star to pop culture icon?
The transition was gradual. When she first ventured into acting with Netflix’s remake of He’s All That, critics’ responses were lukewarm at best, with many urging her to stick to what she knew—TikTok dances. However, last year marked a pivotal moment in her career as she released several singles, including ‘2 Die 4’ and ‘I Got it Bad,’ as part of AR, a debut project aimed at supporting her entry into the music industry.
In March of this year, the rebrand of Addison Rae was solidified with one 16-second video.
Charli XCX posted a TikTok video of herself jumping up and down, smiling as Rae stood in a recording studio, letting out a completely ad-libbed scream that would later be featured on the singer’s remix of her hit single Von Dutch.
The video garnered over 25 million views and the comment section was filled with support and accolades calling Rae a pop genius.
Addison’s release of ‘Diet Pepsi’ was the icing on the cake. The track introduced a refined, dynamic pop star with a captivating style that feels both fresh and addictive. Gone is the mainstream influencer we once knew; in her place is an artist confidently claiming her space in the music industry.
Mari / @8wdcela/dela/-a via Pinterest
Last week, the pop star released her new hit single, ‘Aquamarine,’ and the fans are raving, calling her lyrics and vocals reminiscent of Gaga, Britney Spears, early Lana Del Ray.
But it’s not just her music that’s evolving; Addison’s social media presence has also undergone a striking transformation. With a strategic marketing approach that embraces nostalgic fashion, lifestyle, and cultural aesthetics, she has become more recognizable, relatable, and exciting than ever.
Whether you’re listening to her songs on your way to class, during your commute, or while hanging out with friends, Rae’s music always promises a good time.
Now, we can all confidently sigh a breath of relief that she didn't stick to TikTok, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store.
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