Addison Rae, a name that was once synonymous with trendy TikTok dances and the vanity of social media, has suddenly become one of the most interesting up and coming popstars of the current era. 

Her debut album, “Addison,” is a consistent, sensual listening experience and video clips from her live shows demonstrate her genuine happiness to be onstage. The rise Addison has had is certainly historic, but how exactly did she end up touring the world from a few TikToks?

Addison grew up in Louisiana, attending a private school and eventually attending Louisiana State University for broadcast journalism. Addison started her infamous TikTok account in 2019 at LSU before dropping out to move to Los Angeles and pursue entertainment

In an interview with Elle Magazine, Addison admitted that she had always had the urge to perform, and knew that college was only stifling her dreams. 

With Elle Magazine, Addison stated, “I really just wanted to perform. I wanted to honor the passion and desire to entertain that was inside of me, but I also didn’t want to struggle, and make my family struggle, as a result of that dream.”

The star knew that she was destined for big stages and bright lights, but she still had a little ways to go before achieving that dream.

Addison’s rise on TikTok was immediate, gaining over 1 million followers within four months of joining the platform. From there, she continued her social media domination, signing with entertainment company WME in January of 2020 and beginning her podcast “Was That Fun?” in July of that same year. 

Addison finally dipped her toes into the music industry in 2021, releasing her debut single, “Obsessed.”  This was around the time that other social media influencers were also releasing singles, and at the time it fell into the category of mediocre influencer music.

However, there was a clear point of view in the single that could not be ignored, and Addison continued her rise to pop princess stardom. 

Like many great musicians do, Addison added acting to her resume when she co-starred in the Netflix movie, “He’s All That,” in 2021. Though the movie faced negative reviews, it proved Addison’s dedication to succeeding in the cut-throat entertainment industry.

The same year, 2021, Addison met Charli xcx. Though it was seemingly a small yet iconic moment, this friendship would change the course of Addison’s career.

Addison continued on her music journey with the more positively received EP, “AR.”  With hit tracks like “I got it bad” and “2 die 4 (feat. Charli xcx)”, Addison’s reputation began to evolve from a naive and vapid influencer to an actual musician.

Gone were the basic instrumentals and repetitive lyrics, “AR” showed to audiences that Addison had a clear respect for the music industry beyond a quick money grab and recording artist fantasy. 

Her rise to stardom continued in her supporting role in the slasher film “Thanksgiving” in 2023, and was only boosted with her iconic feature and scream on Charli xcx’s “Von Dutch” remix. 

While the “Von Dutch” feature was certainly a huge step towards achieving her dreams, Addison’s place in the pop culture zeitgeist was solidified with the release of her most streamed song, “Diet Pepsi.”

I, like many other Addison Rae fans, remember exactly where I was when I first heard “Diet Pepsi.” I was in a Kent State dorm lounge with my best friend and fellow pop culture aficionado, and we were in awe at the sensual synths and cheeky lyrics.

To many, it was another basic single released by another random wannabe TikTok star. But to us, it was everything.

“Diet Pepsi” was released on Aug. 9, 2024, and it left many fans anxiously awaiting her next move. 

Addison’s next single arrived with low rise jeans and many pairs of high heels. “High Fashion” came out in Feb. of 2025 with an accompanying Vogue France cover, proving that Addison could, and would, do anything she set her mind to. 

With the anticipation of her debut album, “Addison,” rising, it was finally given a June 6, 2025 release date. 

After months of waiting, the album arrived with splashes of blue and orange and a dreamy, mid 2000s aesthetic. It was everything my pop-loving, fashion-obsessed brain could have wanted.

In a world of repetitive and basic-sounding debut albums, “Addison” stood out due to its consistent sound and polarizing fashion. Addison clearly knew who she was as an artist, which can not be said for many musicians early on in their career.

Cut to now, Addison is in the middle of her 32 show tour, The Addison Tour. Many venues had to add another date or even move to a bigger venue due to the immense demand. 

Not to mention the virality of many TikToks showcasing Addison’s multiple costume changes and carefree dance moves. 

Attendees of The Addison Tour have commented specifically on Addison’s stage presence, noting how she lights up the stage and seems extremely excited to be there. 

Having finally reached her dreams, Addison seems to have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

 She recently performed Diet Pepsi on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and was in the third season of “Monster: the Ed Gein Story,” showing a more serious side to herself through her acting.

Addison also appears in the yet-to-be-released movie “Animal Story” alongside Ryan Reynolds and Aubrey Plaza.

If there is proof of the power of manifestation, it is Addison Rae. Her immense dedication to her popstar dreams has been boiling for a long time, but has finally been achieved thanks to her hard working nature and fearlessness.

It seems that the world is finally taking Addison Rae seriously, and I for one am all in favor of her domination. 

Support Student Media

Hi! I’m Hannah Planey, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.