Tate McRae recently shared her thoughts on being compared to Britney Spears, describing the experience as both “flattering and scary.” The 21-year-old singer, known for hits like “Sports Car,” discussed the comparisons in an interview with The Independent coinciding with the release of her latest album, “So Close to What,” which dropped on February 21st.
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In the interview, McRae acknowledged the uniqueness of Britney Spears’ iconic status, remarking that “no one can compare” to the pop legend. Drawing parallels, she likened the comparison to trying to measure up to a legend like Michael Jackson, emphasizing the monumental impact that Spears has had on the music industry.
A multi-talented artist, McRae first gained recognition as a dancer and made a splash on the music scene with her appearances on “So You Think You Can Dance” at just 13 years old. Since then, she has amassed an impressive repertoire, with five Billboard Hot 100 singles to her name and a memorable performance on Saturday Night Live in 2023.
Notably, McRae revealed in a previous exclusive interview with PEOPLE that her music video for the single “Exes” drew inspiration from the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Describing her admiration for these music icons, McRae expressed her long-standing dream of creating a dance-centric music video, highlighting the influence of her idols on her artistic journey.
Acknowledging the honour of being compared to Britney Spears, McRae expressed gratitude for the recognition, underscoring Spears’ status as the queen of pop. The singer recognised that comparisons to established artists are inevitable in the industry and conveyed her appreciation for the nod to Spears’ legacy in comments made by fans and critics alike.
With the recent leak of her newest album before its official launch, McRae faced unexpected challenges leading up to the release. Addressing the leak at an album listening event in Los Angeles, she candidly shared her feelings of devastation upon discovering that her work had been prematurely shared online. Despite the setback, McRae resolved to take control of the situation by producing additional songs for the album.
Looking ahead, McRae is set to return to the Saturday Night Live stage on March 1st, marking another milestone in her burgeoning career. As she navigates the complexities of the music industry, the young artist continues to draw inspiration from her predecessors while carving out her unique path in the world of pop music.