Addison Rae took the stage at the Grammy Museum’s rooftop in Los Angeles to celebrate her debut album, Addison, in a vibrant event that marked her first headlining performance in the city. In a conversation with Variety’s associate music editor Thania Garcia, Rae opened up about her journey as a rising pop star, discussing her re-recording of Lady Gaga’s unreleased track “Nothing On (But the Radio)” and her experience opening for Lana Del Rey at Wembley Stadium. Performing three songs—“Diet Pepsi,” “Headphones On,” and “Fame Is a Gun”—backed by collaborators Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser, Rae captivated the intimate audience, who joined in a passionate singalong during a stripped-down rendition of her viral hit “Diet Pepsi.” The stage, adorned with sunflowers to match her vintage dress and album cover’s yellow aesthetic, set a warm, nostalgic tone. Follow her journey on Instagram (@addisonraee), TikTok (@addisonre), or her website (addisonraemusic.com).
During the Q&A, Rae shared insights into her version of “Nothing On (But the Radio),” originally recorded by Lady Gaga in 2010 during the Born This Way sessions and later considered for ARTPOP, though it never made the final cut. A demo leaked online in 2010, becoming a beloved staple among Gaga’s fans. Rae’s version, featured on her 2023 EP AR (released August 18, 2023, via Sandlot Records), includes rewritten lyrics credited to Rae, Madison Love, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Billy Steinberg, and Josh Alexander, though Gaga is not listed as a songwriter due to the lyric changes. “I did know that Gaga recorded it, which was really cool,” Rae said. “I got presented the opportunity to cut a version of it and I thought that was really exciting and fun and we changed a few lyrics. I don’t really know exactly the reason why she never put it out, but everything happens for a reason. I would love to hear her sing it again, though, now.” Described as a 2000s-inspired siren song with a nod to Marilyn Monroe’s 1952 quote, “It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on,” Rae’s take has been praised as “deliciously silly” by Vogue and a “standout” by Paste.
Rae also reflected on her “massive” experience opening for Lana Del Rey at Wembley Stadium in July 2025, where she performed “Diet Pepsi” as a duet with Del Rey, an artist she’s long admired. “It was a challenge, but there was such an opportunity for me to learn so much,” Rae shared. “I was lucky enough to talk with Lana before the show and sing with her, which was really nice and comforting because she’s just so kind.” The performance, part of Del Rey’s UK and Ireland tour, saw fans on X call the duet “iconic,” with Rae’s breathy, Americana-infused style drawing comparisons to Del Rey’s melancholic pop. Rae, a self-professed perfectionist, noted their shared trait, telling Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, “She’s very perfectionist, which is inspiring. I’m a perfectionist too.” This mutual admiration was evident earlier in May 2025, when Del Rey shared a video jamming to “Diet Pepsi,” and Rae reciprocated by lip-syncing to Del Rey’s “57.5” on TikTok.
The Grammy Museum event, attended by producer Max Martin and vocal coach Eric Vetro, highlighted Rae’s growing credibility, with Martin’s MXM publishing company representing Anderfjärd and Kloser. Rae’s debut album Addison, released in 2025, has been hailed as a vibrant, electro-pop triumph, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 and earning praise from The Guardian for its “supreme confidence and exceptional taste.” Her track “Money Is Everything” name-drops Gaga, Del Rey, and Madonna, reflecting her reverence for pop’s trailblazers, with lyrics like “Wanna roll one with Lana, get high with Gaga.” As Rae prepares for “The Addison Tour,” kicking off August 26 in Dublin and extending to North America and Australia, her star power is undeniable, with over 85,000 fans vying for tickets in Houston alone. From her TikTok roots to sharing stages with Charli XCX and Del Rey, Rae’s journey—marked by bold choices like reworking Gaga’s demo—positions her as a Gen Z pop force, blending nostalgia with fresh ambition.
With a lifelong passion for storytelling and a particular focus on the diverse cultures of Asia and the ASEAN region, Monica delves beyond the surface of films and music. She seeks out the productions that spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and offer profound insights into the human condition. She’ll guide you through the societal commentaries and the sheer brilliance of performances that make the Asian and ASEAN landscape so compelling.