Addison Rae made a striking entrance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, capturing attention with a bold fashion statement that fused old Hollywood glamour with modern flair. Known for her evolving music career, Rae arrived at the ceremony wearing an Addison Rae Grammy gown that instantly reminded onlookers of Marilyn Monroe’s legendary style, marking a memorable moment on one of the biggest nights of her professional journey.
A Modern Homage to Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Look
Rae’s custom white gown, designed by Alaïa, featured a daring ultra-plunging V-neckline and a high-low silhouette that showcased layers of light, airy tulle cascading elegantly at the front. The back of the dress revealed a playful, tutu-inspired bustle that added texture and movement, enhancing the vintage-inspired appearance with a contemporary twist. Complementing the look with sleek white heels and delicate belly jewelry, Rae balanced the classic homage with fresh, youthful details.
Her glowing skin and softly styled blonde hair amplified the nostalgic aura, paying tribute to the timeless allure of Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress scene from The Seven Year Itch. Rae fully embraced this nod, striking a pose reminiscent of Monroe’s iconic subway grate moment as photographers’ flashes lit up the red carpet.
First Live Grammy Performance Debut
Beyond her red carpet appearance, Addison Rae took a significant leap in her music career by performing live at the Grammys for the first time. Rae’s performance of her track “Fame is a Gun” was staged outdoors on the studio backlot and was streamed live into the ceremony itself. Starting atop the back of a truck and cloaked in a flowing purple trench coat, she soon revealed a shimmering purple bra top and matching shorts as she delivered a powerful rendition of her moody pop anthem.
Competition and Outcome in Best New Artist Category
Despite the dynamic performance and high-profile presence, Rae did not win the Best New Artist award. The coveted accolade was awarded to Olivia Dean, who prevailed over a competitive field that included KATSEYE, The Marías, sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young, and Rae herself. Although Rae left the night without a trophy, the nomination marked her first major recognition at the Grammy Awards, underscoring her rising status within the music industry.
From Social Media Star to Music Artist
This Grammy moment arrives amidst an important shift in Addison Rae’s artistic identity. Having initially gained fame on TikTok, the Louisiana-born singer—born Addison Rae Easterling—has begun a rebranding process, moving towards using just “Addison” professionally. This change reflects her desire to embrace a more authentic and mature phase in her career following the release of her debut, self-titled album earlier this year.
Rae has shared that the decision to drop “Rae” felt natural and instinctive.
“I didn’t really know what else to call it,”
she revealed in a recent interview, explaining that everyone who heard her new music felt it simply sounded like her. In conversations with Zane Lowe, she expressed that making music reconnects her with her core, saying,
“Addison Rae will always be a part of who I am. But this feels like coming back to the center—which is just Addison.”
A Look Back at Rae’s Past Grammy Appearances
While this is Rae’s first nomination and live performance at the Grammys, she is no stranger to the event. She made her red carpet debut in 2022 alongside then-boyfriend Omer Fedi. At that time, she chose a soft pale-pink silk gown by Nili Lotan, signaling her early steps into the music world. Since then, Rae’s aesthetic and artistic ambitions have evolved, culminating in this year’s striking homage to old Hollywood elegance.
Winners and Highlights from the 2026 Grammy Awards
The 2026 Grammys celebrated a wide range of artists and genres, honoring both established stars and emerging talents. Among the top winners:
- Album of the Year: Bad Bunny took home the night’s top prize for DeBI TiRAR MaS FOToS, solidifying his place as a global music icon.
- Song of the Year: Billie Eilish was honored for “WILDFLOWER,” a win she accepted alongside brother FINNEAS.
- Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young secured the award for “Messy.”
- Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won with “Defying Gravity.”
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga received the award for MAYHEM, adding to her Grammy collection with three wins this night.
- Best Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala won for “End Of Summer.”
- Best Dance Pop Recording: Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” was recognized.
- Best Rock Performance: YUNGBLUD featuring Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, and Adam Wakeman triumphed with “Changes (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning.”
- Best Metal Performance: Turnstile received the honor for “BIRDS.”
- Best Rap Performance: Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice featuring Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams won for “Chains & Whips.”
- Best Alternative Music Album: The Cure’s Songs Of A Lost World was awarded.
- Best Traditional R&B Performance: Leon Thomas won for “VIBES DON’T LIE.”
- Best Gospel Performance/Song: CeCe Winans featuring Shirley Caesar triumphed with “Come Jesus Come.”
- Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Shaboozey and Jelly Roll won for “Amen.”
These awards represent just a selection of a broad and vibrant night that highlighted talent across a spectrum of musical styles, from hip-hop to jazz and global music.
The Significance of Addison Rae’s Grammy Night
Addison Rae’s daring gown and Grammy debut performance symbolize her ongoing transformation from social media star to serious recording artist. By channeling Marilyn Monroe’s glamor while embracing a fresh pop sound, Rae positioned herself as an artist eager to be taken seriously in a competitive industry. Though she did not win an award this year, her nomination and live performance indicate a growing presence on the music scene and foreshadow further artistic development.
As Rae continues refining her music and public image, her distinct blend of Hollywood-inspired fashion and pop artistry may pave the way for more significant recognition. The Grammy stage served as a pivotal platform—highlighting her potential to merge visual spectacle with musical substance in coming years.
