8 months ago
Gen Z Pop Stars Embrace Britney Spears' Legacy
In 2025, three young pop stars—Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae—are making big waves in the music world.
They all look up to Britney Spears, even though they were born after her biggest hits.
These Gen Z artists are inspired by Spears' music and style, and they're not afraid to show it.
They've even been compared to her because of their performances and the way they present themselves.
But while they admire Spears, they're also carving out their own paths and standing up for themselves in an industry that can be tough on young women.
It's like they're saying, 'We love Britney, but we're our own people too.'
Gen Z pop stars Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae are drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' career and aesthetic.
Carpenter's Rolling Stone cover shoot and performances, like her MTV VMA show, pay homage to Spears' iconic looks and moves.
Rae's debut album 'Addison' and music videos feature direct influences from Spears' 'Blackout' era and early 2000s hits.
McRae's hit 'Sports Car' and album 'So Close to What' showcase Spears-inspired choreography and music style.
These artists are navigating the complexities of Spears' legacy, embracing her influence while asserting their own agency in the industry.
- Who
- Gen Z pop stars Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae
- What
- are embracing Britney Spears' legacy and influence in their music and performances
- Where
- in the mainstream pop music scene
- When
- in 2025
- Why
- to pay homage to Spears' aesthetic and career, and to assert their own agency in the industry
Key facts
- Sabrina Carpenter
- 26-year-old pop star, former Disney actress
- Tate McRae
- 22-year-old pop star, former 'So You Think You Can Dance' contestant
- Addison Rae
- 25-year-old pop star, former TikTok influencer
- Britney Spears
- 44-year-old pop icon, influential figure for Gen Z stars
- Rolling Stone Cover
- Sabrina Carpenter's cover shot by David LaChapelle
Quotes
Sabrina Carpenter
A 26-year-old pop star and actress known for her roles in Disney's 'Girl Meets World' and her music career.
“But those are the songs that you’ve made popular. Clearly you love sex. You’re obsessed with it.”
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“It’s not my fault that I got a job when I was 12 and you won’t let me evolve.”
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Tate McRae
A 22-year-old pop star and former contestant on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' known for her music and choreography.
“I’m going to be a dancing pop star.”
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“You only listen when I’m undressed.”
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Addison Rae
A 25-year-old TikTok influencer turned electro-pop artist, known for her music and public persona.
“It gave me a sense of this looming inspiration. Like, OK, she completely transformed her life, and she’s from this small town.”
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