Tate McRae Opens Up About Facing Scrutiny and Embracing Her Empowering Style

Tate McRae covers “Rolling Stone” as the January 2026 cover star.
Credit :

Carin Backoff

NEED TO KNOW

• Tate McRae discusses being “scrutinized” and “sexualized” in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
• The Canadian pop star expresses frustration over the disparity in judgment faced by women compared to men.
• Despite criticism, she remains resolute in her fashion choices.

The Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae, 22, recently shared her experiences with scrutiny regarding her fashion choices in an interview with Rolling Stone, where she graces the cover for January 2026. McRae highlighted her empowerment through “provocative” clothing, asserting the importance of self-expression despite societal backlash.

During the conversation, McRae elaborated on her song “Purple Lace Bra,” from her third studio album, So Close to What, which addresses the media’s tendency to shame women for their fashion choices. “People always want girls to put themselves out there. And the second they do, they get ripped apart for it,” she remarked in the article published on December 11.

Tate McRae is the January 2026 “Rolling Stone” cover star.

Carin Backoff

Despite enjoying a surge in confidence through her work, McRae expressed frustration with public perception. “I was feeling sexual and confident for the first time in my life, and then I would release something and feel sexualized, and feel like all of my work and effort was taken away from me,” she explained. “The scrutiny towards women is getting worse and worse.”

She elaborated, “It’s just wild that people pay so much attention to us girls for little things that a man wouldn’t be scrutinized for. They’re not thinking about the great things that are happening onstage.” This highlights the gender disparity in how artists are judged, with women often facing harsher judgments for their appearance.

Tate McCrae covers “Rolling Stone” for the January 2026 issue.

Carin Backoff

McRae noted that often, the focus shifts away from her musical skills. “They’re not thinking about their vocals or the way that they’re performing or being vulnerable, spreading a very specific message,” she continued. “They’re thinking about what shorts they’re wearing or what their makeup looks like, and that’s annoying.” Despite this, she remains unfazed by criticism and looks forward to performing songs like “Purple Lace Bra,” asserting that the shared experience of her fans gives her chills.

Tate McCrae on the cover of “Rolling Stone” for the January 2026 issue.

Carin Backoff

Looking ahead, McRae’s prospects remain bright. She is in the running for her first Grammy Award, having received a nomination for Best Dance Pop Recording for her hit “Just Keep Watching,” featured in the F1 movie soundtrack. This year has been pivotal for the artist, whose third studio album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and whose collaboration with Morgan Wallen topped the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, she recently headlined a sold-out Miss Possessive Tour, which included venues such as Madison Square Garden. McRae was recognized as Variety‘s 2025 “Powerhouse of the Year.”