Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Tate McRae's birth took place on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She was born to Todd and Tanja. With her loving family, she discovered dance at the age of six and started learning various forms like ballet, jazz, and contemporary. By the age of 11, she had created viral dance videos on YouTube, gaining millions of hits that drew attention from Hollywood.The breakthrough performance came two years later at age 13 on So You Think You Can Dance, where she finished third and became the youngest finalist to compete. This marked the start of her involvement in musical videos and TV, honing skills as a performer. Dancing is an essential part of her image, with complex dances exhibited in her musical videos, distinguishing her from other pop singers.
Music Breakthrough
McRae's musical path began quietly with her debut single "One Day" back in 2017, but the arrival of TikTok turned all that around. In the year 2020, her EP 'All the Things I Never Said went ballistic with the hit break-up track 'you broke me first,' which crossed the One Billion Mark on streaming platforms. McRae signed a deal with RCA Records and released her debut album 'I Used to Think I Could Fly in the year 2022, which topped the chart, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard 200.
Think Later, which marked the debut of Think 2023, has made her a star, and chart-topping singles such as "greedy" continue to make waves across the globe. The track, with its sassy flavor and truthful lyrics about an ex, has made her perform in stadiums across the globe, considering that she is only 21 years old.
Chart-Topping Success
McRae's So Close to What, in 2025, was her third studio album, and it entered Billboard 200 at number one, which was a huge achievement. Then there's "Tit for Tat" that represents her mature sound, mixing pop elements with more alternative beats. But the biggest achievement was in an unexpected collaboration, that of "What I Want" feat. country singer Morgan Wallen, in his own album "I'm the Problem." This single topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release.
This fusion single combines pop sensibilities with a twang, marking an infectious song with a desire/drama theme. This is one example of how she is aboundary-pushing artist, reaching over into the country market.
In defense of the Wallen Collaboration
In a statement, The Wallen partnership drew backlash from some fans because of his controversy, including a 2021 racist slurs incident and a 2024 arrest for throwing chairs. Some were surprised at singer-songwriter Lauren McRae's choice, but she stuck with her view on a <i>Rolling Stone</i> cover story. "It just had to do with a song for me," she said. "I never realized that a song could link to so many other things, and it blew my mind."McRae sees the drama as progress: “I don’t think you should regret anything in life, because it gives you so much clarity. The controversy and the criticism is kind of a way of learning and learning what you want to take into the future.” Wallen has called her “a new age real deal popstar” in various press interviews. There has not yet been a live performance of the duet, possibly out of concern for reaction to the song's release. But clearly the song has public appeal.
Country Music Tease
McRae's country flirtations are nothing new. She performed "Tennessee Orange" with Megan Moroney in Nashville, which was an indication of what could possibly follow. Rumors are rampant about her involvement on Moroney's upcoming record for Cloud 9 Records. This comes on the heels of her huge hit single with Wallen. She was a dancer, which explains her ease on country's storytelling presence.PERSONAL LIFE UPDATES
Romance has fueled her lyrics. In early 2024, she started dating The Kid LAROI, an Australian rapper. McRae parted ways with The Kid LAROI during the summer of 2025. This breakup led to the song "Tit for Tat," wherein she talks about "scary attention" in fame-driven relationships. Recently, she has shared in an interview that she experienced personal growth.
Gossip is currently circulating regarding the rising star center for the NHL's New Jersey Devils, Jack Hughes. These rumors have been unearthed by his cozy encounters and social media likes. These have yet to be verified, and the tabloids are abuzz with information regarding his quiet dates. McRae is careful to maintain a private personal life.
Concert Tours and Showings
The sold-out Think Later tour by McRae in 2025 featured two-hour sets with fans going wild over her performance. The event also included crowd requests and some surprise performances, including her collaboration with Moroney. Upcoming performances are expected to be filled with surprises in terms of genre collaborations, which may include Wallen and country artists. Her performance is complemented by her impeccable dance moves and powerful voice when hitting her high notes.
Style and Influence
"Known for Y2K-style trends such as crop tops, low-rise jeans, and dramatic makeup," reports Variety, "McRae is the embodiment of ‘cool’ for the generation," having already collaborated with brands Free People, as well as her own merchandise lines. "Dancer/singers rule," and "it seems multi-talented artists are the way to go," thanks
Future Ahead
Age 22 and flying high. A country-pop collaboration is on the cards, and then acting appearances based on her widespread dance fame. Award nominations are piling up—several Grammys in the offing. Not only a pop sensation, but she’s a performer who’s breaking boundaries.Image Credit: Instagram