Meet Tate McRae, The Canadian Pop Star Your Kids Already Love

Praised for her "iconic" stage presence, energy and meaningful lyrics, Tate McRae has been called a modern-day Britney Spears.

She dances, writes and sings—truly encompassing the full package of a powerhouse performer. So if your kiddo considers themselves a "Tater Tot", we aren't surprised. But parents, how much do you know about this young superstar's music?

Despite her massive appeal to younger audiences, many of you may be unfamiliar with the content of McRae's songs, which these days, often consists of subjects and themes that may not be appropriate for kids.

Since the modern-day pop culture landscape is constantly growing and changing, it's important to keep up so you can help your children navigate it. If you feel you're behind, don't worry, that's what we're here for. This is everything you should know about the music by this Canadian pop princess.

Who is Tate McRae? Meet the Canadian teen sensation

From her early YouTube channel "Create With Tate" to headlining world tours, the singer/songwriter has been building a life and name on stage for the majority of her 21 years.

Tate Rosner McRae was born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta. She began recreational ballet classes at just six years old, moving up to a competitive level just two years later. McRae's first real shot at fame was in 2016 when she placed third on the American reality TV show "So You Think You Can Dance"—the first Canadian finalist in history.

In 2019, McRae began to emerge as a triple threat in the entertainment industry when her original song from 2017, "One Day" went viral on YouTube. She was signed by RCA Records. McRae released her first EP, "All the Things I Never Said," the following year.

In 2021, McRae released her song "You Broke Me First," which became a chart-topping international success. In 2022, her first studio album, "I Used to Think I Could Fly," debuted at number thirteen on the US Billboard 200. McRae's 2023 album "Think Later" was a segue from younger, more PG content to songs with more mature subject matter. This has expanded her reach to an older teen and young adult audience.

While "Think Later" hit number four on the US Billboard 200 and number three in Canada, her most recent album "So Close to What" (2025) allowed her to reach that number one spot—and her highest level of popularity yet.

Why is Tate McRae so popular with kids?

Atlanta Cobb, music consultant, keynote speaker and founder of Music Industry Mentor, describes McRae's success as a "perfect storm of Gen Z relatability, polished visual branding and emotional songwriting." She says that kids idolize her because she embodies the characteristics of an older sister they wish they had: Confidence, coolness and emotional independence.

New Level Radio CEO Nathan Green highlights the element of "realness" in McRae's music as a big part of her appeal. "There are a lot of themes that she covers that we all go through," he says, "the challenges of growing up, being a teenager, relationships, friendships, struggles, and the judgment we have on ourselves at that age."

Cobb describes McRae as not just a pop star, but a somewhat of a mirror for her audience. "She sings like she's reading from a teenager's diary, which makes young listeners feel seen and understood," she says.

On top of her singing and songwriting appeal, McRae's roots as a dancer enhance her overall pop star stage presence. "Her being a triple threat brings a lot of uniqueness to her performances," says Green.

Talent aside, McRae's personality has been reported as just as lovable and relatable as her music. In a blog post, the founder of ROARA Magazine, Darija Katolik, describes McRae as one of the "kindest and most genuine human beings" she has ever met.

Exploring Tate McRae's Hit Songs and Music Style: A Parent's Playlist Starter

While some of McRae's music includes explicit subject matter that may not be suitable for younger audiences, many songs can still be family-friendly, especially with clean versions available. Here are our top picks for your kid's playlist:

"greedy"

This 2023 hit shot to the top of the charts almost immediately after release, existing as the solo artist's most popular song today. This catchy tune about self-confidence and female empowerment definitely left fans greedy for more!

*Clean version available*

"We're not alike"

Friendship heartbreaks, perhaps more painful than those from relationships. If your kid has been wronged by a friend, guaranteed this is a song they'll be blasting (or screaming).

"She's all I wanna be"

Comparison may be the thief of joy, but this song isn't! For the kids experiencing crushes, heartache and jealousy, perhaps for the first time, this is a track they'll want to add to their playlist.

"That way"

It can be a fine—and sometimes pretty blurry—line between a friendship and a relationship. If your kid is walking that line, they'll probably be listening to this song while they do it.

"You broke me first"

Young love, oh, how it hurts. It's hard to let go of someone you know doesn't treat you right, but wants to work things out—especially if it's your first rodeo. This song does a great job of encompassing all those feelings.

*Clean version available*

"It's ok, I'm ok"

A song that is much more than just "ok."It's all about moving onwards and upwards, away from someone who isn't good for you, and finally being "ok" with it!

*clean version available*

"Rubberband"

Daring, uncertain and perhaps a little disastrous; many of us have experienced a relationship like this—likely one we had to try hard to forget about. Allow this song to be part of your kid's heartbreak remedy toolkit.

Is Tate McRae a positive role model for children?

Despite some more mature songs, McRae can be considered a positive role model for kids.

Green says that many established artists show the transition of their growth through their music, meaning that as McRae has grown, her music has become more adult in nature. "Some individual tracks may not be appropriate for a younger demographic, but the overall messages in her music are positive," he says.

On top of that, McRae's path to fame can also be seen as inspirational. Founder and president of SUDEN PR, Breanna Walther, says that McRae is someone fans can look up to, "Someone they can imagine becoming one day or that can inspire them to be their best selves." She highlights how McRae became famous through social media, where today's teens find new music.

With that said, Walther notes how the content and emotional intensity of McRae's songs can be overwhelming and confusing for younger audiences. "While they're easily able to sing along or copy a dance from TikTok, they may not understand or fully grasp the nuance behind those lyrics they're consuming," she says.

How to talk to your kids about Tate McRae and pop music

You might not want your kids listening to some of McRae's music, but with social media and tech being so common, it might be hard to stop—especially if they have their own devices.

Cobb says that McRae's music can be a great starting point for talking about relationships, feelings and self-expression. "I think it's less about shielding kids and more about guiding them, helping them process lyrics, ask questions, and feel empowered by the music. That's key to turning a passive listen into an active conversation," says Cobb.

Green says it's important for parents to have open conversations about the music their kids are listening to, especially since many modern-day pop artists are also creating songs that deal with mature themes. "Ask them what they like about the songs, what they find interesting about them," he says, "That conversation maybe gives them a little bit more freedom to be open about the music they like."

Walther says that parents should be aware that McRae does lean more toward the teen experience, but that doesn't mean that her music is harmful. "Her vulnerability and honesty are proof of what makes her so compelling and relatable to younger audiences," she says, "it may be worth listening to her music together and discussing some of the lyrics if your younger kids are tuning in regularly."

Experts

• Nathan Green, CEO of New Level Radio
• Atlanta Cobb, music consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of Music Industry Mentor
• Breanna Walther, Founder and CEO at SUDEN PR