After launching in 2018, the app TikTok quickly became a cultural phenomenon, surpassing any other app in downloads and engagement. With the rise of TikTok came the rise of TikTok influencers such as Charli D’Amelio, Dixie D’Amelio, Addison Rae and Chase Hudson, also known as Huddy. These influencers gained popularity in 2019 and 2020 with catchy dances and lip-singing videos. Yet, these young stars wanted to be known for being more than influencers.
Dixie D’Amelio became a popular influencer due to her sisters, Charli D’Amelio’s fast rise to fame. On June 26, 2020, Dixie surprised followers by releasing her first single “Be Happy”. This pop melody was met with mixed reviews by TikTok users, some finding the song catchy and others seeing it as a letdown. Over time, certain parts of the song became parts of memes, for example Dixie’s pronunciation of the word “but”. Still, Dixie followed “Be Happy” with five other songs earning her a 307,985,71l streams on Spotify despite her last song being released in 2022.
Lillian Hannah (11) says that she believes D’Amelio should just stick with TikTok due to the publics opinions on her music.
“I don’t think anyone will see Dixie D’Amelio as a serious musician because of her first song being a meme,” Hannah said.
Hudson signed a record deal with Geffen Records, a record label owned by Universal Music Group and Interscope Records. In January 2021, Hudson released his first song “21st Century Vampire”, starting his transition from TikToker to musician. He then followed up the song by releasing his debut alternative pop album “Teenage Heartbreak” in 2022. Hudson continues to make music with his latest album, “Addicted To You” being released in 2024. Along with keeping up his music career, Hudson continues to be a presence on TikTok with over 30 million followers on the platform.
Addison Rae is a 24-year-old TikTok star who rose to fame in 2019. Since then, she has perused many different business endeavors such as launching a podcast, makeup lines, acting and releasing music. In March of 2021, Rae released her debut pop single “Obsessed”.
Rae told VOUGE in 2021 that the name of the song and its lyrics uses word play to discuss the dynamics of relationships and less about being vainly obsessed with yourself.
“It’s more I can love myself as much as you love me, and that’s important. There are days where I struggle, and it’s definitely a work in progress to accept who I am and give myself the love I deserve,” Rae said.
While “Obsessed” wasn’t generally well received by the public, Rae caught people by surprise with the release of “Diet Pepsi” on August 9, 2024. This song was Raes’ introduction to being taken seriously as a pop singer.
Julia Balaj (12) says that she likes the song “Diet Pepsi” but has a hard time seeing Rae as anything but a TikToker.
“In my mind, no matter what career path she takes, she will always be a TikTok dancer to me,” Balaj said.
