Tate McRae first caught the world’s attention as a teenager from Calgary, Alberta, showing off her dance skills on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Even then, it was clear she had something more – an expressive artistry that would soon extend far beyond the stage. Born July 1, 2003, McRae’s path from dancer to breakout pop musician isn’t just a story of TikTok virality, but of genuine talent and hard-won growth.
Her song “you broke me first” became a runaway hit after thousands of TikTok users used it to soundtrack heartbreak, but the appeal went deeper. Her voice – smoky, emotional, and unmistakably real – hit a nerve, especially with anyone who’s nursed a teenage ache. It’s that sense of authenticity, present in her lyrics and delivery, that sets McRae apart from so many young stars rising via social media.
With her debut EP, “All the Things I Never Said,” McRae stopped being just another viral sensation. The songs explored loneliness, longing, and heartbreak with a sense of honesty that felt beyond her years. She wasn’t afraid to say the awkward, vulnerable things out loud, and listeners connected. Each new release has built on that foundation, balancing catchy pop melodies with her signature rawness – a sound that feels both modern and deeply personal.
The Person Behind the Music
McRae stands out as much for what she keeps to herself as for what she shares. Unlike many stars her age, she doesn’t put her entire private life on display. Her social media offers glimpses – behind-the-scenes photos, playful moments, insights into her creative process – but she carefully draws boundaries. In an era when oversharing is routine, her approach feels refreshing.
Fans have speculated about her relationships, especially after she was seen with hockey player Cole Sillinger in 2022, but McRae herself rarely addresses rumors or lets gossip overshadow her music. For the most part, she prefers to let her songs do the talking. In an interview with Billboard, she summed it up plainly: “I write what I’m going through.” That vulnerability – filtered through her songwriting, but not splattered all over the internet – is part of her allure.
It’s clear that McRae’s relationship with fame is complicated – she sometimes admits to feeling anxious about being in the spotlight. Still, she’s resisted pressure to adopt a fake persona or to chase attention for its own sake. Instead, she’s focused on nurturing her craft. It’s a stance that’s earned her respect, even as it bucks the trend for constant celebrity exposure.
Evolution as an Artist
McRae’s earliest recordings captured bedroom-confessional pop, but her music has grown more ambitious. Bigger production, more confident vocals, and carefully-crafted choreography showcase the full spectrum of her talent. Her dancing – still a crucial part of her artistry – translates emotion to movement, adding another layer to her live performances.
Her journey hasn’t been easy. Like so many young artists, McRae has had to negotiate the difficult leap from internet buzz to real-world stardom. The pandemic struck just as her momentum was building, forcing her to swap concert tours for livestreams and Zoom sessions. The transition was daunting, but it pushed her to find new ways to connect with fans and refine her sound.
At the heart of it all, McRae is writing for people like her – young, searching, unsure, trying to figure out who they are. Her lyrics about insecurity, heartbreak, and self-discovery hit home for a generation that’s grown up online but still faces the same messy emotions as anyone before them.
Past Relationships
The Kid Laroi
Cole Sillinger
Jonny Hader
As she navigates the road ahead, McRae seems intent on keeping creative control and holding fast to her boundaries – a balancing act many artists twice her age struggle with. It remains to be seen exactly where she’ll end up, but her mix of honesty, skill, and determination suggests she’ll keep carving her own path. Watching her story unfold, you get the sense she’s just getting started.