Icons such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears have long been synonymous with the pop genre, shaping the landscape of music for decades. These legendary artists have built a legacy characterized by distinctive sounds and the aspirational title of “pop star,” which continues to inspire modern musicians.
Many artists have aspired to claim the title of pop star over the years, with varying degrees of success. However, there is now reason for optimism regarding the future of this iconic title, particularly with the emergence of contemporary artist Tate McRae.
Who is Tate McRae?
Recently, McRae has gained significant popularity on social media, thanks to her unique singing style, dance abilities, and compelling aesthetic. Her recent tour has revealed a fresh aspect of her performance, leading audiences to consider her as a potential new pop star.
Originating from Canada, McRae began her dance training at age six and later joined Alberta Ballet, where she practiced for 11 hours a day amid competitions and performances. In 2015, she earned a two-week scholarship at the Berlin State Ballet after securing silver at the Youth American Grand Prix, one of the world’s largest ballet competitions.
That same year, she auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance,” impressing judge Paula Abdul, who described her as “a gift from God.” By 2018, McRae had won first place in the Best Teen Dancer category at the YYC Dance Project Program.
Following her audition, McRae launched a YouTube channel, debuting her first song, “One Day,” which went viral, leading her to release it as an independent record. The song achieved gold certification in both Canada and the United States.
This newfound success attracted attention from numerous record labels, culminating in her 2019 collaboration with Billie Eilish and FINNEAS on “Tear Myself Apart.” Her hit “You Broke Me First” gained traction on TikTok and topped Billboard charts. McRae’s achievements also earned her a place on Forbes’s 2021 “30 Under 30” list.
TikTok may have solidified her as a pop star
Tate McRae’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as her song releases, album launches, and her recent tour have all captured public attention. She has generated buzz for her impressive stage presence and high-quality production, presenting a showmanship that is a rarity in today’s pop landscape.
Her ability to tell compelling stories through her music adds depth, even when her lyrics stem from empathy rather than personal experience. For example, her song “You Broke Me First” was written from a place of compassion, despite McRae’s lack of firsthand experience with heartbreak at the time.
Her “Think Later” tour has been tremendously successful, showcasing her capability to produce consistent hits and memorable performance experiences. Her latest album, “THINK LATER,” received positive reviews from major publications like Rolling Stone, and her performance during the NHL All-Star game in February has accumulated over 4.1 million views on YouTube.
McRae stands out as a potent contender for the pop star title, being one of the few current artists with formal training that enhances her skills. She is recognized as one of the premier dancers in today’s pop scene, demonstrating exceptional breath control during performances and exuding a captivating energy that keeps audiences engaged.
Her tour reflects this talent, as videos shared on social media showcase her magnetic performances, well-executed choreography, and strong vocals, all in front of an energized crowd.
As McRae’s star continues to rise, she has recently received a nomination for “Best Choreography” at the 2024 VMAs for her song “Greedy.” While it may be premature to definitively label her a pop star, it is evident that she is poised for a long-lasting career within the Billboard Top 100. Keep an eye on this emerging artist, as her journey in the limelight is far from over, and the title of “Pop Star” appears to be within her grasp.