Tate McRae: A Rising Star Honored as Billboard's Women in Music Hitmaker

Tate McRae, a 22-year-old pop performer from Calgary, Alberta, is being recognized as Billboard's Women in Music Hitmaker for 2026. This honor highlights not only her polished performances but also her songwriting prowess, which she developed from a young age by writing songs in her bedroom and sharing them on YouTube. McRae's journey began with her Billboard Hot 100 debut in 2020 with "You Broke Me First," and she has since become a chart regular with hits like "Greedy," "It's Ok I'm Ok," and "Tit for Tat." Her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, "What I Want," marked her first No. 1 on the Hot 100.

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McRae's artistic evolution has been shaped by her background as a competitive dancer and her influences from pop icons like Britney Spears. Renowned choreographer Sean Bankhead, who has worked with artists like Lil Nas X and Normani, played a pivotal role in her transformation into a commanding stage presence. McRae's recent projects, including her successful Miss Possessive arena tour, grossing $110.8 million, reflect her growth as an artist. She is currently back in the studio, inspired by her travels and musical influences, including the Scottish dream-pop band Cocteau Twins.

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With her rise to fame, McRae has faced scrutiny regarding her personal life and public image. She has expressed her complicated feelings about being sexualized as a young female pop star and has taken steps to manage this by reducing her social media presence. Instead, she focuses on "romanticizing" her real life. McRae acknowledges the pressure of being under public scrutiny, stating that while it can be overwhelming, it also fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of herself.

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In discussing her creative process, McRae emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind while writing. She cites "Sports Car" and "Greedy" as particularly meaningful songs, reflecting her journey through self-discovery and artistic clarity. McRae admires fellow artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Rihanna, recognizing their authenticity and success in the industry. She aspires to collaborate with Lana Del Rey, whom she considers a significant influence.

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McRae has articulated her vision for her career, stating, “I want to be a pop star... It was about collecting the right people around me to make it a reality.” She acknowledges the emotional impact of public perception, saying, “It sucks to have people commenting on your body or commenting on who you are.” Despite the challenges, she remains focused on her art, asserting, “I’m just here to make art.”

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• “Tate was dedicated and disciplined to become the absolute best,” — Sean Bankhead, Choreographer

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• “I’m just constantly trying to make art that feels somewhat timeless and [give] performances that feel like they can eventually stand up beside my favorite performances,” — Tate McRae

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• “As a woman, you just have to understand that you’re constantly going to be under a microscope, and sometimes that’s a really scary and overwhelming feeling.” — Tate McRae

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• “Trying to explain yourself is a game that I can never win.” — Tate McRae

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Tate McRae's recognition as Billboard's Women in Music Hitmaker underscores her significant contributions to the pop music landscape and her ongoing journey as an artist navigating the complexities of fame.

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