Addison Rae made a striking entrance at the Coachella 2026 festival, delivering a performance that combined music and a direct message to her critics. On April 11, the 25-year-old singer and former TikTok star took the stage for the first time at this renowned event, marking the beginning of her “The Fame and Glory Show” tour. During her set, Rae paused to thank her loyal fans before addressing those who have doubted her career.
Speaking candidly to the crowd, Rae expressed gratitude toward her supporters, saying, “To my fans who have supported me from Day 1, I love you, thank you.” She then turned to her detractors with an unapologetic response: “And to my haters? Suck my d*.” This bold statement underscored her determination to remain confident and undeterred despite public criticism.
Rae’s performance included several of her popular songs, with a special appearance by Maddie Ziegler, the former Dance Moms star. Ziegler performed choreography for Rae’s track “Aquamarine,” adding a dynamic visual element to the show. This collaboration highlighted Rae’s transition from social media fame to establishing herself as a serious artist in the music industry.
Before rising to mainstream success, Addison Rae built her initial audience on TikTok. She has openly discussed how she prepared for her music career by organizing creative ideas in a binder and slideshow before producing actual songs. Rae acknowledges that public perception has often shaped opinions about her identity, stating that people “have decided who I am,” but she also hinted at revealing more complex sides of herself beyond the “girl next door” image.
The pop star has been vocal about both the benefits and challenges of fame. In interviews, she described fame as “exposing and raw” and admitted that it comes with a price. Despite this, Rae embraces the spotlight and is committed to working hard for success beyond her TikTok roots. Her Coachella debut and assertive message during the festival reflect a confident artist eager to control her own narrative and connect authentically with audiences.
Addison Rae is set to return for the second weekend of Coachella on April 18, continuing to showcase her evolving music career. Her defiant stance toward critics during this high-profile performance highlights an ongoing theme in popular music where artists confront negativity head-on through their work and public appearances. Songs about haters and open responses to criticism have become common in performances by contemporary musicians aiming to assert their individuality and resilience.
