Addison Rae: From TikTok Dances to a Grammy Nomination

From TikTok star to Pop star, Addison Rae can do it all.

    Breaking away from the mold of influencers trying to be singers, Addison Rae reinvented herself and established herself as a successful pop artist. Addison Rae made her claim to fame with her viral TikTok dance videos starting in 2019. She accumulated millions of followers that year throughout different social media platforms by lip-syncing and dancing to songs. She later joined the Hype House and moved to LA from a small town in Louisiana. Her journey to fame was quick, explosive, and typical of TikTok stardom. Fans viewed her as nothing more than another influencer, but she used her platform to advance her career in the entertainment industry. She landed the lead role in Netflix’s He’s All That, created a cosmetic line, and had a Spotify-exclusive podcast. There was only one thing left to achieve, and that was becoming a pop star.

When Rae released her debut single “Obsessed,” fans didn’t respond in the way that she had hoped. The song was criticized for its “weak lyrics,” and people used her song as an example of how influencers exploit their fame and opportunities. Despite the public's condemnation, Rae didn’t let this feedback shape her music career.

In 2025, Rae released her debut pop album, a self-titled overhaul of her former artistic and musical style. The album is a mix of 2000s pop with a more confident vocal approach, demonstrating how Rae has grown as a singer since “Obsessed.” The album's aesthetic is colorful and playful, with a Britney Spears-inspired energy. Her album was well received by critics and fans, who labeled it a successful pivot in her music career.

Her album's success was validated when, in early November, Rae was nominated for her first Grammy for Best New Artist. This nomination further proves how she is more than just an influencer and is a successful musician.

Addison Rae’s rise from influencer to pop star demonstrates how resilience and reinvention can change public perception. At first, Rae was viewed as nothing more than another influencer, but by making persistent strides to develop her voice and style, she has established herself as a talented musician.