Last year was undeniably the year of the female pop artist, with solo artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX dominating the charts and capturing the cultural zeitgeist.

This trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, as some of the most anticipated releases this year come from female artists. Among them is Addison Rae, the former TikTok sensation turned pop star, who just released her new single “High Fashion” and is set to drop her debut album in the coming months.

While TikTok remains at the forefront of Gen Z culture, few stars have successfully rebranded themselves from TikTokers into pop stars. Addison Rae, however, stands out as a rare exception. Over the past six years, she has evolved beyond her “Hype House” origins by carving out a space for herself in the competitive world of pop music. But what makes her different from other TikTok stars or influencers who have tried, and often failed, to make well-received music?

Rae’s journey into music began in 2021 with a mixed-reviewed single titled “Obsessed.” It felt like the typical influencer-made song—cringeworthy and akin to Jojo Siwa or Jacob Sartorius. A lack of artistic integrity or vision often plagues such efforts, which makes it clear when music is used as a way to stay relevant or cash in on fame. However, Rae’s 2023 EP “AR” marked a turning point.

By embracing a hyperpop sound reminiscent of Charli XCX, she laid the groundwork for her rise to cult pop status. Her 2024 single “Diet Pepsi” shocked fans with its authenticity and quality while her collaboration with Charli XCX and A.G. Cook on the “Von Dutch” remix earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Remixed Recording.”

Unlike many TikTok stars who rush into music without a clear vision, Rae has taken a deliberate and strategic approach by aligning herself with established artists and producers who have elevated her work beyond social media fame.

What’s most surprising about Rae’s recent work is how far she’s come from her TikTok roots. The same girl who danced alongside Bryce Hall and Lil Huddy in 2020 is now crafting polished and high-quality pop songs that defy the low expectations often associated with influencers-turned-musicians.

Her latest single “High Fashion” was released on Valentine’s Day, and it is a bold and provocative track that channels the early 2000s glamour of icons like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. It earned 1.36 million streams on Spotify in its first day; it is a refreshing departure from the sappy love songs that typically dominate the holiday. This showcases Rae’s ability to take creative risks and stand out in a crowded pop landscape.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Rae has strategically channeled her online popularity into a promising music career. Take, for example, the D’Amelio family, who attempted to replicate the Kardashian model with their reality TV show.

While the show initially capitalized on their TikTok fame, it was canceled after just three seasons—leaving little lasting impact. In contrast, Rae’s focus on music and collaborations with established artists has given her a more enduring foundation in the entertainment industry. Dixie D’Amelio’s music career, for instance, failed to resonate as strongly as Rae’s. Many Internet citizens called D’Amelio’s debut single “Be Happy” cringeworthy, and they cited its juvenile lyrics and played-out message.

While both started with music as a way to extend their relevance, Rae’s approach feels more thoughtful and authentic. Her lyrics may not be deep or thought-provoking, but they don’t try to be—they’re fun, carefree and are meant to make listeners feel good. This authenticity sets her apart from others who try too hard to be meaningful while falling flat.

Rae’s rebrand hasn’t been without controversy. Critics have pointed to her conservative background, which contrasts sharply with the progressive values often championed by the pop and hyper-pop scenes. While Rae has previously expressed admiration for controversial figures like Donald Trump, her recent collaborations with artists like Charli XCX and Troye Sivan—who have large LGBTQ+ audiences suggest a possible shift in her perspective.

Whether this signals genuine growth or strategic rebranding remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Rae is working to align herself more closely with the inclusive ethos of her musical peers and their fanbases. These artists likely wouldn’t risk being associated with someone who goes against their values, which adds credibility to Rae’s evolving image.

As Addison Rae prepares to release her debut album later this year, the question remains: Can she fully shed her TikTok persona and establish herself as a legitimate pop artist? While it’s unclear if she can move past cringeworthy moments from her past, her recent output suggests a promising future. A well-produced discography, a clear artistic vision and the support of industry heavyweights set her apart from other influencers who try music.

Unlike those who make music solely to cash in on their fame, Rae’s ability to take risks—like her bold VMAs outfit last year— and make a legitimate effort to be a musician has allowed her to avoid being labeled a joke. She’s well on her way to becoming more than just a social media star; she’s on track to becoming a pop icon in her own right.

If you haven’t listened to her new single “High Fashion,” I suggest you do—especially if you’re a fan of that 2000s pop vibe. In the future, I hope to look back and say I was an early supporter of Addison Rae’s music. She has so much potential to become one of the next big “pop girls.”

What sets her apart is her ability to transcend the limitations of TikTok fame and the bland pattern of influencer music. This proves that with the right strategy and vision, social media stars can indeed make a lasting impact in the music industry.