Article by: Sam Crenshaw
Addison Rae just took an early lead in the 2025 Breakout Artist of the Year race by landing her first-ever Rolling Stone cover. The Louisiana native, who first skyrocketed to fame on TikTok, has officially transitioned from social media icon to pop star, gearing up for the release of her Columbia Records debut album, Mood Boards.
Since joining TikTok in 2019, Rae has amassed an astounding 87 million followers, capturing audiences with her infectious energy, signature dance moves, and undeniable Southern charm. While her journey started with viral videos, she has since expanded her influence into acting, beauty, and most notably, music. Her feature in Rolling Stone cements her evolution from influencer to full-fledged recording artist.
In her new cover story, Rae opens up about love, the creative process behind Mood Boards, and the challenges of navigating fame in a digital age. She also discusses the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, reflecting on how the platform played a crucial role in her rise to stardom.
“I owe so much to TikTok, but I always knew I wanted to do something bigger. Music has always been my passion,” she shares in the interview.
The transition from viral fame to the music industry hasn’t been without its hurdles. Landing a record deal with Columbia Records was a major turning point, but Rae acknowledges that earning respect as a musician required hard work and dedication. Mood Boards promises to showcase her growth, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences into a sound that reflects her evolution as an artist.
The feature also delves into Rae’s high-profile friendships, including her close bond with Kourtney Kardashian. The two have been inseparable in the public eye, with Kardashian serving as both a mentor and confidante during Rae’s rise to fame.
Of course, no conversation about Rae is complete without addressing the party-girl persona often attached to her. In the interview, she sets the record straight on whether she really embraces the wild nightlife that social media and tabloids suggest.
“I have fun, but people love to exaggerate,” she says with a laugh. “At the end of the day, I’m focused on my career and the people who truly support me.”
With Mood Boards on the horizon and a Rolling Stone cover under her belt, Addison Rae is proving that she’s more than just a viral sensation. She’s an artist ready to carve out her own place in the industry—and she’s just getting started.
Addison Rae Takes Over Rolling Stone Cover Ahead of Debut Album ‘Mood Boards’
Addison Rae just took an early lead in the 2025 Breakout Artist of the Year race by landing her first-ever Rolling Stone cover. The Louisiana native, who first skyrocketed to fame on TikTok, has officially transitioned from social media icon to pop star, gearing up for the release of her Columbia Records debut album, Mood Boards.
Since joining TikTok in 2019, Rae has amassed an astounding 87 million followers, capturing audiences with her infectious energy, signature dance moves, and undeniable Southern charm. While her journey started with viral videos, she has since expanded her influence into acting, beauty, and most notably, music. Her feature in Rolling Stone cements her evolution from influencer to full-fledged recording artist.
In her new cover story, Rae opens up about love, the creative process behind Mood Boards, and the challenges of navigating fame in a digital age. She also discusses the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, reflecting on how the platform played a crucial role in her rise to stardom.
“I owe so much to TikTok, but I always knew I wanted to do something bigger. Music has always been my passion,” she shares in the interview.
The transition from viral fame to the music industry hasn’t been without its hurdles. Landing a record deal with Columbia Records was a major turning point, but Rae acknowledges that earning respect as a musician required hard work and dedication. Mood Boards promises to showcase her growth, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences into a sound that reflects her evolution as an artist.
The feature also delves into Rae’s high-profile friendships, including her close bond with Kourtney Kardashian. The two have been inseparable in the public eye, with Kardashian serving as both a mentor and confidante during Rae’s rise to fame.
Of course, no conversation about Rae is complete without addressing the party-girl persona often attached to her. In the interview, she sets the record straight on whether she really embraces the wild nightlife that social media and tabloids suggest.
“I have fun, but people love to exaggerate,” she says with a laugh. “At the end of the day, I’m focused on my career and the people who truly support me.”
With Mood Boards on the horizon and a Rolling Stone cover under her belt, Addison Rae is proving that she’s more than just a viral sensation. She’s an artist ready to carve out her own place in the industry—and she’s just getting started.
