Are you a Tate McRae fan? Well, congratulations. Tate McRae is apparently a fan of you, too.
The Canadian singer and dancer has a message for her LGBTQ+ fans: you’re not just part of the audience. You’re her favorites.
And honestly, considering the gays’ track record with pop stars, we’re not surprised.
McRae has gone from a teenage dance-show standout to one of pop’s biggest young stars, with three studio albums and hits like “you broke me first,” “greedy,” “exes,” “Sports car,” and “It’s ok I’m ok.” Her latest album, So Close to What, continued that run while giving McRae even more room to combine her two biggest strengths: music and dance.
But behind all the choreography, chart success and increasingly huge stages, McRae still has plenty of love for the fans who have been there along the way — especially her LGBTQ+ supporters.
From “You Broke Me First” To “Greedy”
Long before “greedy” became one of her signature songs, McRae was already building a following. At just 13, she finished third on So You Think You Can Dance in 2016, showing off the dancing skills that would eventually become a defining part of her music career.
Then came “you broke me first,” which became her first single to reach the Billboard Hot 100 and helped turn McRae from promising young performer into a serious pop contender.
Her later hits, including “greedy,” “exes,” “Sports car,” and “It’s ok I’m ok,” cemented her reputation for pairing catchy pop with choreography that makes sitting still seem like a personal insult.
With So Close to What, McRae has leaned even further into that freedom.
“I like that! I’d definitely say liberation, feminine, bold, and maybe a little sexy. I would say there’s some sensual movement sprinkled throughout this campaign. I feel like the visuals have been the most exciting part for me. It’s been a dream!”
Tate McRae Feels Like Herself Again
Dance has always been a huge part of McRae’s identity, but she says stepping away from it for several years left her feeling disconnected from herself.
“It finally feels like I can be myself again. I trained in dance my whole life and then I lost it for five years. When I was 20, I was just like, ‘F*** this!’ I’ve trained for a reason. My dancing is from my soul. I can’t just cut that part of me off. It’s been so rejuvenating getting to bring it back into my art. I feel like myself again.”
That connection between dance and music has become especially important to her live performances.
“You are going to get a show! I will not go easy on the audience. I do the most at all times! The stories this year mean so much more to me than they have before. They’re really f***ing personal and it makes for a better performance. It’s going to be crazy!”
And apparently, the gays are very much here for it.
Related Post: Who Do You Think Should Play Britney Spears? Who Does Britney Want?
The Gays Are Tate McRae’s Favorite
When the conversation turned to her LGBTQ+ fans, McRae didn’t hesitate.
“Of course! They’re my favorite. No one beats them. Nobody is better than them. My whole team is gay! That’s the only opinion I really want when I’m releasing music. I feel lucky that I have their opinion. We want to do the most and push the boundaries, but it’s also the most brutally honest advice.”
Honestly, every pop star deserves a gay advisory board.
McRae clearly values that honesty. For her, having LGBTQ+ people around her isn’t just about enthusiastic cheering — it’s about getting opinions she trusts when she’s creating music and visuals.
And she’s experienced that enthusiasm firsthand.
She Still Remembers Her Gay Club Days
McRae performed at G-A-Y and Heaven Nightclub in London in 2023, and the intimate crowd made an especially strong impression on her.
Tate McRae performing “exes” at Heaven Nightclub in London.#TateMcRae pic.twitter.com/DWU9yjiqVe
— Billi Pop (@Billi_Pop) December 11, 2023
“That was one of my favorite performances ever! I ditched the mic and just started dancing. There was only like 150 people in the room and it was some of the craziest, loudest energy I’ve ever felt. I just wanted to whip my hair, do a kick, and leave! That’s all I wanted to do.”
A microphone apparently couldn’t compete with the energy in the room.
The moment is especially sweet considering how dramatically McRae’s career has grown. She once performed for crowds of around 100 people; now she’s headlining major venues and taking her music to fans around the world.
“It’s so crazy! I can’t believe this is my job. Five years ago, I played my first ever show at The Moroccan Lounge in front of 100 people in LA. It was the size of a shoebox, like it’s so small. I could see my grandma, my mom, and everybody that I knew. It’s the biggest dream of my life. It’s insane!”
And Her LGBTQ+ Fans Know She’s Riding For Them, Too
McRae’s connection with her LGBTQ+ fans isn’t just about them showing up for her. She says the feeling goes both ways.
“I love you guys so much. Y’all are my number ones. You know that as much as you guys ride for me, I ride for you. I feel very grateful to have you guys in my life and surrounding me.”
And honestly, that’s a pretty solid message to end on.
McRae has the hits, the dance moves, the giant stages and the pop-star ambition. But if there’s one thing she seems especially certain about, it’s who she wants in her corner.
The gays, apparently. And according to Tate McRae, nobody beats them.
Source: OUT