Pop Princess Rising: Addison Rae’s Dazzling Album Debut Turns The Box Into a Fever Dream

Addison Rae isn’t just dipping her toes into pop stardom—she’s diving headfirst into it, bedazzled and body-rolling all the way. To celebrate the release of her debut album, Addison, the multi-hyphenate starlet hosted a sultry, exclusive listening party and live performance on June 5 at The Box, New York City’s notorious haven for the theatrical, the edgy, and the unforgettable. Co-hosted by Spotify, the night was a glittering affirmation that Rae isn’t just playing pop star—she is one.

The performance began with a wink to drama and fantasy: Rae emerged from a bed placed center-stage, rising from the sheets like a pop phoenix to perform seven tracks off her new record. Between seductive lighting, cheeky stage setups, and a fervent crowd, Rae delivered the kind of debut performance that felt less like an introduction and more like a coming-of-age coronation.

But before the mic and movement, there was the look—a moment in itself. Rae appeared on stage (before the live set) wearing a custom minidress hand-painted by fashion visionary Dara Allen, Interview Magazine’s fashion director. The dress was a collaboration between Allen and designer Matthew Neff, who constructed the dreamy silhouette, while Allen brought it to life with whirling hues of yellow, green, and orange, directly inspired by the Addison album cover.

Swirling with psychedelic charm and a vintage-pop palette, the dress was pure pop art in motion. Rae styled it with white slip-on Louboutins, letting the piece sing, and finished the look with long, tousled waves and a striking bold lip that pulled the whole aesthetic together—part ingénue, part icon.

Though she changed outfits to perform, Rae gave the custom piece its moment with a series of theatrical photos—including a playful shot from behind The Box’s velvet-red curtains, only her leg cheekily peeking out. It was performance art meets pop promo in the most Addison way.

The event drew a tight crowd of fans, industry insiders, and creatives who came not just to hear Addison, but to witness a transformation in real time. As Teen Vogue editor P. Claire Dodson aptly wrote, the performance had “the deliciously sweaty atmosphere of naughty pop music, of witnessing a star come into her power… Addison, fully in her body, digging her hips into the beat like she owned it, grinning and winking all the while.”

From the breathy beat of “Diet Pepsi” to the anthemic “Headphones,” Rae is shaping her identity as a full-fledged pop artist—bold, self-aware, and unapologetically in control. With co-signs from Charli XCX and Troye Sivan, a set at Coachella, and now a headline-grabbing album debut at one of NYC’s most infamous venues, Addison Rae is no longer an influencer-turned-artist. She’s simply an artist.