In 2025, Addison Rae is not only a popular TikToker and influencer but also a bona fide pop star. Over the last few years, Rae has proven herself capable of much more than simply lip-syncing songs, or moving to camera-friendly choreography, including with the release of her debut album, Addison, on June 6, 2025.
Rae showed that she has developed considerably since she released “Obsessed”, and, with songs on her new album ranging from vicious breakup pop anthems to ballads with sweet vocals where Rae reflects on growing up, Rae is continuing to evolve as an artist in the music world.
From TikTok Fame to Music Dreams
Rae’s rise to fame began with an initial push made possible by her dance videos on TikTok, where she has gained over 88 million followers. Rae has also been upfront about her hopes being more than just a viral social media personality. When Rae launched her music career in 2021 with the single “Obsessed,” she was still getting her footing as a performer and artistic collaborator (and it isn’t like we were storming the slopes during a global pandemic).
In her first two years as a musical artist, Rae released a few songs, and even managed to receive a couple of pennies from record labels in return for her engagement with those brands on TikTok. However, each of these experiences began to build Rae’s desire to carve out her name in the music industry as a serious artist.
Creating a Distinct Musical Identity
Rae’s first album, Addison, is a twelve-track album that reflects her personal and artistic growth. The album includes singles such as “Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine,” “High Fashion,” “Headphones On,” and “Fame Is a Gun.”
These tracks illustrate her diverse musical influences that range from the synth pop of the 1980s to contemporary dancestyle beats. Working with artists and producers such as Charli XCX and A.G. Cook continue to enhance her sound by integrating nostalgia with the sounds of pop today.
Visual Storytelling and Fashion Influence
In addition to music, Rae has used visual storytelling to create her narrative as an artist. The music videos Rae has produced are extremely well crafted and designed to give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the song. Rae’s video for “Headphones On,” for example shows Rae in a daydream where she travels through breathtaking landscapes in Iceland, mapping a journey of the self-interconnectivity that dreams bridge.
Rae has also made waves in the fashion world. She is a style icon – everywhere Rae goes, she pushes the boundaries of clothing and genuine self-expression. If we only look at Rae at the runway show for Miu Miu Spring 2025, or at the MTV VMAs wearing a Raja in a custom diamond-drenched ensemble, her work with stylists like Dara Allen, Rae’s evolution in fashion is further punctuated by wardrobe that expands on bold avant-garde style.
Acknowledging Authenticity and Personal Development
As Rae’s presence has increased as an influencer, her dedication to authenticity has also matured. In interviews, Rae mentioned wanting to be connected but share less of her personal life to balance it for many reasons. It can be difficult for her to share personal content. Rae acknowledges the importance of protecting her privacy while responding to and relating to fans.
Rae’s intentional exposure is something that fans feel much affection for. Rae’s vulnerability when openly discussing her experiences related to mental health struggles, online hate, and the difficult moments that come with “fame” display an unsanitized contrast to the curated personas that are often seen in popular culture. Rae represents a group of celebrities that show both success and struggle as they try to take their personal and creative lives to the next level.
Redefining Celebrity in Pop
The story of Addison Rae is that she has transitioned from influencer to pop star. Rae exemplifies how celebrities are evolving and expanding their creativity in the age of digital content.
Rae’s growth as an influencer and creative individual has allowed her to produce her own unique spaces in the music industry, more so due to Rae’s ability to build presence with her online connections and her efforts to define herself as a music creator. but also the way she embraces her full identity and creative exploration. Rae is not just redefining pop celebrity; she is encouraging the next generation of creatives to pursue their art without apology.
Streaming Numbers and Charting
Addison rapidly ascended the charts upon it’s release… Within 24 hours of release, the album broke into the top 10 of Spotify’s Global Albums Chart, and was trending across platforms like YouTube and Apple Music. The song “Diet Pepsi,” however, had over 10 million streams n the first week alone, which guarantees Rae’s streaming presence and fan loyalty.
The songs are also doing well on TikTok — and back to the TikTok component of Rae’s music, that’s where it all comes full circle. Fans utilize her songs in dance trends, makeup transitions, and lifestyle videos — and the clipsand use them organically to expand the potential for Rae’s music reach, plus they keep Rae’s brand consistent across social platforms.
What Comes Next for Addison Rae?
Rae is reportedly going to go on a global tour with starts and tentative dates around late 2025. If the live performance is as creative as her visuals and sound, she’s going to be a live powerhouse also. Rae is also reportedly going to make a documentary about her trajectory from influencer to artist, which is relevant in culture.
In an era when the distinctions between influencer, musician, and entrepreneur continue to fade faster as influencer culture proliferates into many areas of art and expression, Addison Rae has been distinct in the way that her artistry emerges intentionally with a genuine relatability to the audience.
Regardless of if that audience is a fan of the music, as of 2025 it’s evident that Addison Rae isn’t merely a pop star anymore, she’s downright cultural phenomenon reshaping the future of entertainment.
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