CULTURE
The New Era of Pop: Tate McRae’s Rise to Fame as 2020s Pop Star
By: Maeve Moynihan Edited by: Rezi Ubogu
A new pop music “it girl” is on the rise, and she is boldly reclaiming the title of pop star. Tate McRae, the 21-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer, has been trending since the release of her breakout single, “You Broke Me First.” What many don’t realize is that McRae’s journey began with an intense dance background.
McRae made her first public appearance in 2016 when she appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance,” which was only the start of her rise to fame. Following the acclaimed success of “You Broke Me First," her fan base grew overnight through her active presence on TikTok, which she now uses to tease snippets of upcoming singles. Using TikTok to promote her hit song, “Run for the Hills,” spiked the excitement for her sophomore album, “Think Later.” In just two years, singles quickly became albums, showcasing her evolution as an artist and dedication to her craft.
After receiving raving reviews for her performances at The Video Music Awards (VMAs) and NHL All-Stars Halftime Show, McRae recently teased her hit single “It’s Ok I’m Ok” on TikTok. The single introduced her alter ego, “Tatiana,” which captivated fans, and left them eager for its release. McRae responded by unveiling not only the song, but also a fiery music video featuring a fresh aesthetic, including more intensive dance sequences and impressive fast-paced scenes. Released in September, the video has over 15 million views on YouTube, with many commenters highlighting similarities between McRae and 2000s pop icon, Britney Spears. By incorporating dance into her musical performances, McRae has revived a sense of nostalgia in the music industry, establishing herself as a “triple threat” in pop culture, blending singing, songwriting, and dancing into her brand.
Most recently, she teased her upcoming single, “Two Hands,” on TikTok, pairing it with dance sequences that matched the dramatic and exciting aesthetic of her latest music video. If history is any indication, these recent releases will lead to another album, making fans’ dream of “TM3” (Tate Mcrae 3) a reality. She has been crowned this era’s “pop princess” and as the latest groundbreaking triple threat, she’s started to change the music world.
When asked about McRae’s impact on the music industry, first-year Syracuse student and longtime Tate McRae fan, Mary O’Keefe, asserts, “[Tate] has added the aspect of dance and not just singing… put[ting] on more of a performance with her shows.” McRae has transcended the label of pop singer to become a multifaceted pop princess, embodying the whole package. However, with success often comes criticism.
Recently, speculation arose on TikTok of McRae lip-syncing during her live performances, but during her debut at Madison Square Garden, they were shut down when she dropped her microphone mid-dance sequence. Fans thought the drop was intentional because she seamlessly continued both her singing and dancing with ease. Further, controversy arose when McRae revealed that her hit song, “Exes,” was written and recorded in 90 minutes. Many took this as an opportunity to shame the song and the young artist, one tweet even reading “We can kinda tell.” Despite the backlash, Tate did not go into hiding. Today she has released numerous hit singles, many have received recognition with “Greedy” earning the number one spot on Billboard Global Charts last November.
The music industry has created a certain “look” for artists to remain relevant, forcing them to follow certain societal expectations. When artists stray away from these expectations, it can risk their brand. When she began dancing more during her performance, rumors circulated that McRae was an “industry plant.” In response, McRae remarked, “My true fans knew I danced, but it was finally for the first time like, is she an industry plant?... I’m like, I’ve been grinding since 13 years old! I’m probably the furthest thing from an industry plant for how long I’ve been doing this.”
Naturally, not everyone will support the risks that artists take within the industry and many may not believe success is possible juggling three different forms of talent. Yet, being an “it girl” means standing out, and McRae has danced her way up to the top. True pop stars don’t only blend into the industry; they create their own identity, helping to shape the future of pop music along with it.
So, what does all of this mean for the current industry and how will McRae maintain her relevance? Given how quickly the music industry can change, there is no definitive “checklist” for artists to preserve their fame. What we do know is that McRae’s incorporation of dance into her artistry has not only earned her the title of this generation’s “it girl,” but has inspired a new wave of performers. Similarly, singer-songwriters, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla, have also gained significant recognition by including unique dance sequences alongside their musical performances. In September, Tyla even did a campaign with Gap where she danced in a recreation of the band Jungle’s “Back on 74” music video, helping promote her talent with dancing. These artists and many more share the stage, where the spotlight highlights the artist and their various ways of expression.
As more artists gain popularity, they are also simultaneously building their brands – essentially their voices, both in and out of song. This pop landscape, heavily influenced by social media, means that while support and engagement grow, so too does the potential for backlash. To start creating change in the industry, we as audience members need to make space for change. Today’s artists may not mirror their predecessors, but these changes are essential for industry growth. McRae embodies what is known as the typical “pop singer,” but she is known as the “pop princess” because of her willingness to take risks beyond just singing through her performances. Safe to say, McRae is not only creating a fanbase for herself but for rising artists who want to “dance” outside the bubble.
