When Did Tate Mcrae Blow Up

You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through your feed and a song just grabs you? That’s exactly how most of us met Tate McRae. One day she’s a familiar name in your recommended videos, and the next, your coworker is humming her chorus over the office coffee machine.

So, when did Tate McRae actually blow up? It wasn’t one single moment, but a perfect storm that started brewing around 2020. Think of it like your favorite cozy hoodie—you don’t remember the exact day you bought it, but suddenly it’s the only thing you wear.

The Spark on YouTube (and a Little Ballet Shoe)

Back in 2013, a ten-year-old Tate was just a kid from Calgary who loved dancing. She made it to the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, and honestly, that was cute but not exactly a global takeover.

Fast forward to 2017: she started posting original songs on YouTube, mostly bedroom recordings. It felt like watching a friend nervously share a diary entry—raw, real, and a little awkward in the best way.

Then came 2020’s “you broke me first.” That song was like that friend who shows up uninvited to a party but ends up being the life of it. It went viral on TikTok, and suddenly everyone—including your mom who swears she “doesn’t get TikTok”—was humming it.

The TikTok Tipping Point (and a Panic Attack)

If you’ve ever spent a Saturday night in a spiral of sad girl playlists, you know the exact vibe. Tate’s music became the soundtrack for that. “you broke me first” peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 2021. Not bad for a song she wrote at seventeen while supposedly procrastinating her homework.

But the real blow-up? That’s when her label said, “We need an album, stat.” And she dropped I used to think I could fly in 2022. It wasn’t just an album; it was a mood. Every track felt like a voice memo from your bestie after a breakup.

Tate McRae Talks New Album on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon'

Suddenly, she was headlining tours, and tickets sold out faster than you can say “greedy.” That single, released in 2023, was the final domino. It hit number one on global charts, and even your dad who only listens to classic rock asked, “Who is this girl with the raspy voice?”

Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Not a Teenager)

Look, I get it. You might think, “I’m too old for pop music,” or “I don’t follow Gen Z trends.” But here’s the thing: Tate McRae’s story is your story. Remember when you were trying to figure out your life and posted that cringey poem on Instagram? She did that, but with a microphone and millions of listeners.

Her music captures that awkward in-between—like when you’re at a party but feel totally alone, or when you overthink a text for three hours. It’s relatable in a way that makes you laugh and cry at the same time.

Also, she’s a dancer. So when you watch her music videos, you get a mini workout just by watching her move. It’s like a free gym session, minus the sweat.

Tate McRae - Music Evolution (2017 - 2025) - YouTube

The Everyday Tate Effect

Next time you’re stuck in traffic or folding laundry, put on “exes.” Notice how your shoulders drop. That’s the Tate Effect: making the mundane feel like a movie montage.

Even if you’re not a superfan, you’ve probably already heard her in a coffee shop, on a friend’s Story, or in a random meme. She’s everywhere, but not in an annoying, “please stop” way. More like a gentle rain you don’t mind.

So, when did Tate McRae blow up? Technically, 2020 to 2023. But for most of us, it was the moment we heard our own messy feelings echo back in a three-minute song. And honestly? That’s a kind of fame worth celebrating.

So go ahead. Add “greedy” to your playlist. Your inner teenager will thank you. And if anyone asks, just say you’re supporting real talent—even if you’re just vibing to the beat while making dinner. We all need a little Tate in our lives.