Icons such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears have shaped the pop genre for decades, creating a legacy that has significantly influenced generations of musicians. These stars have established a standard that has become the centerpiece of many modern aspirations — the title of pop star.
Over the years, numerous artists have aspired to attain this coveted title, with varying degrees of success. However, there seems to be renewed hope for the future of pop stardom with the emergence of modern talent Tate McRae.
Who is Tate McRae?
Tate McRae has recently gained traction on social media for her unique singing style, captivating dance moves, and striking aesthetic. Her latest tour has unveiled a new dimension of her artistry, raising speculation about her potential ascension to the pop star realm.
The Canadian singer and dancer began her dance training at six years old and went on to study at Alberta Ballet, one of Canada’s top ballet companies. There, she dedicated 11 hours per day to training, alongside participating in competitions and performances. In 2015, her ballet skills earned her a two-week scholarship at the Berlin State Ballet after she secured silver at the Youth American Grand Prix, the largest ballet competition globally.
That same year, she auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance,” where she received significant praise from judge Paula Abdul, who described McRae as “a gift from God.” By 2018, she had won first place in the Best Teen Dancer category at the YYC Dance Project Program.
Following her success on the dance show, McRae launched a YouTube channel and released her debut song, “One Day.” The track went viral, prompting its release as an independent record, which went on to achieve gold certification in both Canada and the United States.
That success opened the floodgates for opportunities, leading McRae to receive offers from 11 record labels and resulting in her 2019 collaboration with Billie Eilish and FINNEAS on “Tear Myself Apart.” Her single “You Broke Me First” surged in popularity on TikTok and the Billboard charts, earning her a spot on Forbes’s 2021 “30 Under 30” list.
TikTok may have played a pivotal role in solidifying her pop star status.
With her song releases, album launches, and successful tour, McRae has drawn significant attention. Her stage presence and production quality showcase a level of performance that stands out in today’s pop landscape.
McRae has an impressive ability to convey the emotions of her songs, even if she has not personally experienced those events. For instance, “You Broke Me First,” was written more from empathy than personal heartbreak, as she revealed she had never gone through a breakup at the time.
Her current tour, “Think Later,” has been a resounding success, further establishing her reputation for creating hit songs and memorable experiences. Her 2023 album, “THINK LATER,” has garnered positive reviews from outlets like Rolling Stone, and her performance at the NHL All-Star game in February achieved over 4.1 million views on YouTube.
As an artist with formal training, McRae stands out in today’s industry. She is acclaimed as one of the finest dancers in contemporary pop music, showcasing impressive breath control and a magnetic stage presence that captivates audiences.
Footage from her tour shared on social media highlights her impressive choreography, vocal prowess, and the energy of her fans.
McRae’s trajectory is undoubtedly upward, having recently received a nomination at the 2024 VMAs for “Best Choreography” for her song “Greedy.” While it may be premature to officially label McRae as a pop star, her promising future on the Billboard Top 100 seems assured. With her continuing rise, the title of “Pop Star” appears to be within her reach.