Addison Rae's Major Label Debut Goes Down Smoother Than "Diet Pepsi"


Photo: Carin Backoff

Addison Rae was already poised to emerge as a 2024 pop music it girl, all without releasing a single of her own this year. However, today the influencer turned pop princess cements that fact with her major label debut “Diet Pepsi.” The dark, synth-pop track goes down sweet but marks a new sound for the budding superstar. Her long-awaited AR EP, which was released last summer, was a bubblegum buffet that solidified her as a pop star to watch. “Diet Pepsi” is a successful follow-up that displays Rae's impressive range of taste as she dips into deeper waters and expands musically.

Over a soft beat and a shimmery synth, “Diet Pepsi” highlights Rae’s mesmerizing lower register. The lyrics evoke potent visuals of cheeks like cherries and lipstick on bare chests, representing the flirtatious loss of innocence. In “Diet Pepsi” Rae draws clear inspiration from icons who came before her. From Lana to Madonna, Rae’s obvious love for pop and its history is clearer than ever as she embarks on this new journey of musical self-discovery.

The accompanying music video matches its energy to perfection, leveling up Rae’s artistic vision for her return to music and captivating the audience with her natural ability to command the camera. It’s dirty, grimy, and glamorous, showing the inevitable pop star's playful personality and building on her style that celebrates both more experimental and recognizable, classic visuals.

“Diet Pepsi” confirms that Rae's rise is far from its peak and proves to those fans that she’s here to stay. While we wait for the next single (that she’s already begun teasing), we’ll be drinking more than our fair share of “Diet Pepsi.”

Watch the "Diet Pepsi" video below:


Related Articles

Couch’s Big Talk Is An Album of ‘Good Listens’

Couch’s Big Talk Is An Album of ‘Good Listens’

December 20, 2025 With Big Talk, Couch nailed their most ambitious assignment yet, and use their live show to embolden these songs, and themselves, further.
Author: Noah Wade
pop
Elkan Wants to Make the World Dance

Elkan Wants to Make the World Dance

December 17, 2025 Meet elkan, the 22-year-old Sierra Leonean artist, songwriter, and producer coming off a career-defining year.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
Evann McIntosh Recommends Driving in Convertibles with Your Friends [Q&A]

Evann McIntosh Recommends Driving in Convertibles with Your Friends [Q&A]

December 15, 2025 The rising alt-pop artist took time to chat with us about their time away, their approach to creating music, and book recommendations.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
Q&A