Addison Rae steals the show during the 2026 Grammys
The music world looked on with wide eyes at the Grammys red carpet last Sunday evening, and not just because of the musical performances. Addison Rae, whom we all naturally know from her lightning-fast rise via TikTok, made her debut as a nominee for the prestigious title 'Best New Artist'. In a daring, white custom-made Alaïa dress, she showed that she has definitively made the transition from content creator to serious artist.
The dress itself was a topic of conversation on its own: at the front an elegant, deep-cut long gown, but at the back a surprisingly short skirt that gave a nod to her playful image. During her moment on the red carpet, she bent over briefly to show her white underwear, an action that went viral immediately and possesses exactly the audacity we have come to expect from the modern generation of stars. According to a report from HuffPost, this was one of the most discussed moments of the evening.
From Hype House to the biggest stages
In my thirty years in the dance world, I have seen many careers emerge, but Addison Rae's route is truly a sign of the times. She started during the pandemic by posting short dance videos on TikTok. What began as simple, catchy choreographies in the Hype House — a collective where she lived with other influencers — grew into a global phenomenon. It is interesting to see how those early 'viral' dances formed the basis for her current stage presence.
Her former roommate Alex Warren, who was also nominated for Best New Artist this year, told Entertainment Tonight that they actually never talked about music during that time. They were mainly busy creating content and perfecting their online presence. The fact that they are both now performing at this level says a lot about the discipline required to grow from an internet hype into a recognized artist. For more background on her nomination and her path to the top, you can read this article from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The musical breakthrough: Addison and Diet Pepsi
In June 2025, Rae released her self-titled debut album 'Addison'. The hit 'Diet Pepsi' became a huge summer hit and proved that she has more to offer than just good moves for the camera. From my experience as a dancer, I see that her music videos have become technically much stronger. Where it was first about quick hand movements for a phone, we now see full productions with professional choreographies that truly require endurance and technique.
The album marked a shift. She left the pure 'influencer-pop' behind and sought a sound that felt both nostalgic and modern. That the Recording Academy now recognizes her with a nomination for Best New Artist is a validation that many critics had not seen coming when she recorded her first dances in 2020.
What we as dancers learn from this
At Miss Salsa, we always look at the broader context of movement and performance. Addison Rae's journey shows that presentation and 'branding' are nowadays inextricably linked with talent. Concretely, this means it is no longer enough to just know your steps; you must know how to tell a story, whether that is in a 15-second video or during a three-minute performance at an award show.
What I personally admire about this new generation is their fearlessness. They step into a world that was dominated for decades by traditional record labels and conservative critics, and they do so on their own terms. The Alaïa dress on the red carpet was a perfect symbol for that: a mix of high-fashion couture and the 'cheeky' attitude of a TikTok star.
The impact on the Dutch dance world
In the Netherlands as well, we see these influences reflected in dance schools. Younger dancers often come in with a foundation they learned online. It is up to us, the experienced guard, to pick up that energy and translate it into technique and stage awareness. Addison Rae is living proof that this digital foundation can be a springboard to the highest level in the entertainment industry.
The 2026 Grammys mark a turning point. The distinction between 'internet famous' and 'truly famous' is blurring further and further. Whether you are a fan of her music or not, you cannot ignore the work ethic required to get from a teenage bedroom in Louisiana to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It is a reminder that in the dance and music world, the only constant factor is change, and that we must always be open to new ways of expression.