Addison Rae has been named the Guardian's artist of the year for 2025, following the critical success of her debut album, Addison. The 25-year-old, who rose to fame as a TikTok dancer, is now a Grammy-nominated artist, up for best new artist at next year's awards. Her album, described as a dreamy dance-pop haze, has drawn comparisons to Lana Del Rey, Britney Spears, and Madonna's Ray of Light era.
Rae's journey has been rapid: just two years ago, she was dismissed as a punchline after her debut single Obsessed flopped. The song, produced by Benny Blanco, attracted disproportionate criticism because of her TikTok fame. However, she now says she is relieved it didn't work out, as she wasn't ready to express herself as concisely as she does now. 'I've grown up so much in the past few years,' she told the Guardian.
Her breakthrough came with the AR EP in 2023, which featured a guest verse from Charli xcx. Rae later returned the favour on a remix of Charli's Von Dutch. Her debut album, released in June 2025, tracks her six-year rise from dropout journalism student to global icon. The album and its single Headphones On placed in the Guardian's top five albums and tracks of the year.
Rae has also been recognised for her collaborative work with female producers. At Variety's Hitmakers Brunch, she and her co-writers Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser received the Future is Female award. Rae noted the rarity of three women leading a major-label pop album, with a 2025 report showing only 5.9% of production credits belonged to women, down from 6.5% in 2023.
Reflecting on her career, Rae said she used social media to gain stability and pursue her true passions. 'I wasn't ready to stand in front of people and say what I say as concisely and straightforwardly as I am now,' she said. 'Life happens to you at such a quick rate once you start realising how in the driver's seat you actually are.'
