The rebranding of Addison Rae From ballet queen on TikTok to new icon of underground pop

The rebranding of Addison Rae From ballet queen on TikTok to new icon of underground pop

Forget the girl behind the viral TikTok dances: today, Addison Rae is a whole new persona. After gaining millions of followers with her videos and girl-next-door vibe, she chose to take a different path and completely reinvent her image and look, including her makeup. A successful transformation, marked by more personal choices, a niche aesthetic, and an undeniably unpredictable style. She’s no longer trying to appeal to everyone: she’d rather surprise them. So much so that fans online are now amazed because, during the promotion of her new album, the young pop star isn’t wearing any makeup.

Who is Addison Rae: how it all started (on TikTok)

@popcast “Choice and taste is kind of a luxury…” — @Addison tells Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli about the lessons she learned through her early rise to fame on TikTok. #music #addisonrae #Addison #tiktok #fyp original sound - Popcast (Deluxe)

Addison had always dreamed of becoming a star. She loved dancing, singing, and acting, but didn’t know where to start. Around that time, a new platform emerged that would change everything: TikTok. She seized the moment and began posting her first videos. Little by little, her following grew, turning her into the Addison Rae everyone knew. But that social media success wasn’t her true finish line, it was only the starting point. In an interview she said: "I needed to diversify, to quickly figure out what to do, because I felt trapped in the TikToker role. I knew that, consciously and unconsciously, people were getting to know me only in that way, and that this would influence how they accepted me in other contexts." And that’s exactly how it went. She began exploring new paths: she debuted as an actress in the film He’s All That, launched a beauty line, and a fragrance collection. But none of these projects truly convinced the public: to many, she was still the TikToker trying to do something else. The real turning point came after the release of her first single, Obsessed, when several unreleased tracks, including 2 Die 4, leaked online without permission. Thanks to these leaks, Charli XCX noticed her and invited her to collaborate, opening up new artistic opportunities for Addison.

The new Addison

Addison Rae went from being just another white girl to a true pop icon. Her “new version” is so full of artistic references that it’s impossible not to notice. It’s as if she threw Madonna in her golden era, Britney Spears before the breakdown, and Lizzy Grant before she became Lana Del Rey into a blender, creating a contemporary new icon with an innocent look and a mischievous vibe. By working and collaborating with artists like Arca and Charli XCX, she managed to gain recognition and support from an audience that could truly understand her, leaving behind TikTok dances and all the prejudices tied to her past. "I have the privilege of being able to have fun and explore, to do what I want. And even if it seems strange, I have the freedom to be weird, to be introspective or playful and curious, like a chameleon. I can really do whatever I want, and you don’t have that luxury when you’re just starting out."

Who’s behind Addison Rae’s rebranding?

When asked “Who are your muses?” in an interview for Elle Magazine, Addison answered without hesitation: “my friends” and this answer is reflected throughout her journey. One example? Her friendship with dancer Lexee Smith, who had a huge impact not only on how she moves on stage but also on her style, from outfits to creative direction. In fact, Lexee became her choreographer and personal creative consultant, helping define that unique aesthetic that sets Addison apart from any other contemporary pop star. In an interview, Lexee describes Addison as if she were her mirror. Addison confirms this special bond: “Lexee is the kind of girl you dream of having as your best friend when you’re little. She’s a keeper of secrets. She is both the subject and the painter. She’s truly authentic.” Two people who were fundamental in Addison’s transformation are producers Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd, who helped Rae create the entire album.

Addison Rae’s beauty secrets

The rebranding of Addison Rae From ballet queen on TikTok to new icon of underground pop | Image 572416
The rebranding of Addison Rae From ballet queen on TikTok to new icon of underground pop | Image 572415

Addison Rae recently released her first album, Addison, and once again made an iconic choice that got everyone talking: throughout her entire press tour, she appeared without makeup, with a completely natural face. A simple yet powerful gesture, especially in a world where image is everything. A sort of Gen Z Pamela Anderson. But Addison is still known for her fresh-faced look. She can do without everything, except for her Dior Lip Tint in the shade Natural Raspberry, which she also uses on her cheeks for a healthy glow. As she shared in an interview with GQ Magazine, she also can’t live without lymphatic massages and her summer must-have: Maui Babe Browning Lotion.