Addison Rae brought glitter, choreography and a dose of admiration for Charli XCX to her latest late-night appearance.
The TikTok star turned pop singer, 24, stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday to perform her single “Diet Pepsi” and chat about her debut album, Addison. But it was her glowing words about Charli XCX that stood out.
Addison Rae on Charli XCX’s artistry
When Fallon asked Rae about working with Charli, she didn’t hold back her admiration.
“I love Charli, she is someone that is such a true artist,” Rae said. “She’s so vulnerable and honest, and always just true to herself—that is inspiring to me. Watching someone be so diligently themselves taught me there are no rules to this. Artistry can be anything you want it to be.”
Charli, who has become a boundary-pushing force in pop music, collaborated with Rae earlier this year. Rae’s acknowledgment of her influence underscores how Charli continues to shape the next wave of performers, including internet-born stars finding their own lane in the industry.
A vintage fashion moment
For her performance, Rae made an entrance in a gold sequined gown covered in fringe, originally worn by burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee in the 1950s. The look, sourced by her stylist Dara from Los Angeles boutique The Way We Wore, featured a beaded sweetheart neckline with dramatic tassels that shimmered under the stage lights.
Rae accessorized with custom gold mules by Nou, complete with amber jewels at the toes and her name inscribed on the soles. She began her set lying face down on the stage before dancing her way across the room, closing the number on Fallon’s desk.
Convincing Columbia Records without a single demo
In her interview, Rae explained how she managed to land her record deal before ever stepping into a studio. Instead of songs, she brought visuals and words.
“I had colors printed out, and I had words printed out,” she said. “I told them, ‘I don’t have the music yet, but I know exactly what I want this to be.’ I gave them 50 words to describe how it should feel, and 10 colors to match it.”
The gamble paid off. Rae laughed while admitting, “I’m really good at convincing people to believe me.”
Addison Rae’s rising pop era
Between her viral singles, bold visuals, and now the co-sign from Charli XCX, Rae is staking her claim in pop culture far beyond TikTok. Her debut album, Addison, cements her shift from influencer to recording artist, one who knows the value of vision, collaboration and paying respect to those who inspire her.
