In a bold move signifying a new professional chapter, Addison Rae changes her stage name to Addison, streamlining her identity just as she launches her debut album on June 6. This change offers a fresh start and reflects a personal evolution for the singer and TikTok sensation, who first rose to stardom using her full name.
Addison’s Decision to Drop ‘Rae’ Marks a Transformative Moment
Addison Rae, known for tracks like “Diet Pepsi” and her rise via TikTok, has consciously chosen to shed the ‘Rae’ from her stage name as she releases her self-titled album, “Addison.” The 24-year-old artist cited growth as a key motivator for this change during a recent online interview, aiming to align her branding with her current self.
“I said it in an interview, I was just like, ‘Oh, I think I’ve grown past being called Addison Rae,’”
—Addison, Singer
“Then the album being named Addison kind of was a tie-in for that.”
—Addison, Singer
While Addison, whose full name is Addison Rae Easterling, steps into this updated persona, she acknowledges that long-time fans may still refer to her by her former moniker. This sentiment exemplifies her awareness of her roots, even as she embraces change.
“Whoever knows me as Addison Rae and knew me as Addison Rae,”
—Addison, Singer
“will always know me as that.”
—Addison, Singer
The singer joked about the convenience her new name provides, especially when signing autographs, quipping that her previous name made things unnecessarily lengthy.
“I just am really tired of signing ‘Addison Rae,’”
—Addison, Singer
“It’s really long, and I would just rather sign ‘Addison.’”
—Addison, Singer
For Addison, this adjustment feels natural and symbolic, representing a return to her personal foundation.
“It’s going back to the roots really.”
—Addison, Singer
A Deliberate Choice, Not Initially Planned
Interestingly, Addison did not originally intend to introduce her new stage name with her album debut. She considered other options, including naming the album after one of its tracks, but ultimately saw the self-titled approach as the most authentic representation of her music and self-image.
“Sometimes people will do a song on the album as the title, and I kinda played with that a little bit,”
—Addison, Singer
“But when you do hear all the music straight through, there’s not really a title that encompasses all of it.”
—Addison, Singer
The pivotal suggestion to adopt her first name alone came from close confidants who recognized the album‘s personal character.
“Everybody I played it to as well, they were just like ‘Oh, it just sounds like you, it sounds like music you would make,’”
—Addison, Singer
“So I was like, ‘So, maybe the album is just my name.’”
—Addison, Singer
High-Profile Celebrities Who Adopted Stage Names
Addison joins a lengthy list of artists and performers who have redefined themselves by adopting or changing their professional names. Altering one’s stage name is often an act of branding, personal reinvention, or honoring family heritage.
Sterling Kelby Brown’s Journey Back to His Roots
Sterling Kelby Brown shared his story of initially going by his middle name, Kelby, because he wanted to forge his own identity distinct from his father, Sterling Brown Jr., and grandfather, Sterling Brown Sr. However, the passing of his father when Sterling was young led him to reclaim his given name in tribute to his family legacy.
“My dad’s name is Sterling Brown Jr., my grandfather is Sterling Brown Sr.,”
—Sterling Kelby Brown, Actor
“I wanted my own name and it felt like Sterling was an old man’s name.”
—Sterling Kelby Brown, Actor
“Because he passed away when I was 10, by the time I turned 16 and I hadn’t heard his name for five, five-and-a-half years,”
—Sterling Kelby Brown, Actor
“I was like, ‘I kinda just want to hear that name again.’ So I asked people to call me Sterling.”
—Sterling Kelby Brown, Actor
The Lawrence Brothers’ Name Change for Showbiz
Andrew, Matthew, and Joey Lawrence, originally bearing the surname Mignogna, adopted ‘Lawrence’ (Joey’s middle name) as their joint stage name. The decision emerged after a talent agent advised Joey that his birth surname might hinder his career prospects, prompting a family-wide rebrand as they entered the entertainment industry together.
Kat Dennings’ Inspiration from Film and Friendship
Katherine Victoria Litwack became Kat Dennings at the age of nine, drawing on influences both cinematic and personal. The name “Kat” was inspired by Christina Ricci’s character in the movie “Casper.” Meanwhile, “Dennings” originated from Janine Denni, a friend of her mother‘s, further connecting her stage identity to meaningful relationships and creative muses.
Cher’s Surprising Birth Name Discovery
The world has known Cher as an icon for decades, but her legal name at birth came as a revelation even to the star. While she believed she was registered as Cherilyn for much of her life, it was only in the late 1970s, upon requesting her birth certificate to legally change her name, that she found her name was officially Cheryl. This discovery prompted a candid reaction from her mother, Georgia Holt.
“I was only a teenager, and I was in a lot of pain. Give me a break.”
—Georgia Holt, Mother of Cher
Shaboozey’s Serendipitous Stage Name
Collins Obinna Chibueze, now professionally known as Shaboozey, received his nickname when his Virginia high school accidentally misspelled his surname. The unique identity stuck and paved the way for his music artist persona, connecting his roots to his career.
From Post to Post Malone: A Name That Stuck
Austin Richard Post selected the stage name Post Malone for his entertainment career, with his real surname serving as a foundation for his public identity. Despite this successful rebrand, Post Malone’s inner circle, including high-profile collaborators like Taylor Swift, often address him using his given name. For instance, at the 2024 MTV VMAs, Swift called him Austin while they celebrated their win for Best Collaboration with “Fortnight.”
Katy Perry’s New Identity to Reach Pop Audiences
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson debuted as a Christian artist under her real name in 2001, but she shifted to “Katy Perry,” a name inspired by her mother’s maiden name, as she transitioned to mainstream pop. The new identity helped her carve out a distinct presence among pop fans and set the stage for her global superstardom.
Cardi B’s Name Origin and Its Evolution
Belcalis Almanzar, now globally recognized as Cardi B, began using the nickname “Bacardi”—playing off the alcohol brand after her sister was nicknamed Hennessy. Over time, she shortened the stage name to Cardi B, making it one of today’s most memorable in the music industry.
Meghan Markle’s Early Use of Her First Name
Rachel Meghan Markle, known worldwide as the Duchess of Sussex, was for a time referred to by her first name, Rachel, before adopting Meghan as her given name for her public and professional life. This change proved fitting as she gained fame as an actress and then as a royal figure.
Shania Twain’s Tribute to Family and a Fresh Persona
Eilleen Regina Edwards, later known as Shania Twain, recounted how her desire to step away from a stage name reminiscent of her grandmothers led her to seek a fresher, more marketable identity. Inspired by someone she met named Shania and combining it with “Twain,” the surname of her adoptive family, her globally recognized stage name emerged.
“In short, I was born, Eilleen Regina Edwards, and then I was adopted and I became Eilleen Regina Twain. Then I became a professional singer and I needed a stage name that sounded a little less like my grandmother’s name, because I’m named after my grandmother, both my grandmothers, Eilleen and Regina. I think, in my mind, I was just not really wanting to be called my grandmother’s name onstage, so I decided to change it to Shania Twain. I met somebody with the name Shania, thought it was beautiful, and Shania Twain was born.”
—Shania Twain, Singer
Chappell Roan as a Stage Persona for Boundaries
Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known in the music world as Chappell Roan, has described her stage identity as a drag project—an intentional creation to maintain professional boundaries and safeguard her personal self in the industry. This persona separates her private experiences from her public artistic expression.
Gigi Hadid’s Childhood Nickname Became Her Brand
Jelena Noura Hadid became “Gigi” after a school teacher sought to differentiate her from another student named Helena. Because her mother already used the nickname at home, “Gigi” was adopted in class and subsequently became her signature identity as a global supermodel.
Vin Diesel’s Creation of an Action Hero Name
Mark Vincent reinvented himself with a name fit for an action star—Vin Diesel—a decision that played a key part as he carved out his legacy in Hollywood’s blockbuster franchises.
Miley Cyrus and the Power of a Childhood Nickname
Destiny Hope Cyrus was affectionately called “Smiley” as a child due to her ever-present grin. Later, the nickname was shortened to “Miley,” which ultimately became both her real and stage name as she rose to pop stardom.
Bruno Mars: From a Father’s Joke to an International Star
Peter Gene Hernandez became Bruno Mars after his father decided that “Bruno” suited him better. Since then, the name has become synonymous with dynamic performances and chart-topping success.
Lady Gaga’s Transformation from Stefani Germanotta
Before adopting one of pop’s most iconic personas, Lady Gaga was known as Stefani Germanotta. The transition to her stage name marked the beginning of her genre-defying artistry and enduring individuality.
Jason Sudeikis’ Shift Stemming from Family Confusion
Daniel Sudeikis changed to Jason Sudeikis after his mother sought to avoid confusion in the family, ultimately giving rise to the name the world now associates with comedic stardom.
Emma Stone and the Rules of the Screen Actors Guild
Emily Stone took on the stage name Emma Stone after learning another member with her real name was already registered at the Screen Actors Guild, necessitating a switch for her career in film and television.
Reese Witherspoon’s Nod to Her Mother’s Maiden Name
Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, whose iconic stage name honors her mother’s maiden name, found both success and a unique brand in Reese Witherspoon.
Lana Del Rey’s Artistic Reinvention
Elizabeth Woolridge Grant transformed into Lana Del Rey, embodying her musical alter ego. This reinvention provided the singer with creative freedom and helped define her signature aesthetic.
Frank Ocean’s Legal Name Change for Artistic Freedom
Christopher Edwin Breaux opted to legally become Frank Ocean in 2014. The reason behind the transformation was simply personal preference and a desire for a new identity to match his evolving artistry.
Tina Fey’s Hidden Tribute in Comedy
Elizabeth Stamatina Fey chose the professional name Tina Fey, paying subtle tribute to her given name via her beloved “30 Rock” character, Liz Lemon.
Snoop Dogg: The Evolution of a Hip-Hop Pioneer
Calvin Broadus became Snoop Dogg, a moniker now synonymous with West Coast rap and hip-hop culture. The catchy pseudonym helped establish his brand in music history.
Lorde’s Royal Inspiration for a Distinct Persona
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor adopted the stage name Lorde after her deep interest in aristocracy. Adding an “e” gave her identity a feminine distinction and international allure.
Ricky Martin’s Transition from Enrique Morales
Enrique Morales, now globally recognized as Ricky Martin, made the switch for a name that would resonate more as he became an international star and performer.
Iggy Azalea: From Amethyst Kelly to Hip-Hop Fame
Amethyst Kelly became Iggy Azalea, adopting a stage name that captured her persona and gave her a unique presence in the rap music world.
Calvin Harris and a Name for Crossover Appeal
Adam Richard Wiles crafted the identity of Calvin Harris to match the soulful, racially ambiguous image he envisioned for his chart-topping performances. The name allowed him to transcend genre expectations and connect with a global audience.
Jennifer Aniston’s Name Streamlined for Stardom
Jennifer Anastassakis became Jennifer Aniston, adopting a simplified surname more suited for Hollywood recognition as she pursued her illustrious acting career.
Alicia Keys and the Creation of a Musical Identity
Alicia Augello Cook forged her now-household stage name, Alicia Keys, to match the musical themes of her soulful artistry and distinguish herself in the music industry.
Tom Cruise’s Shift from Thomas Mapother IV
Before becoming a global movie star, Thomas Mapother IV changed his name to Tom Cruise, making his mark as one of Hollywood’s most enduring action heroes.
The Impact of Stage Name Changes in Entertainment
Addison Rae’s transition to “Addison” places her among many artists who have rebranded themselves, often to reflect personal growth or connect more closely with their audiences. These choices can mark new professional beginnings or solidify legacy, as seen across music, television, and film. As Addison forges ahead with her debut album and a revitalized public image, her journey highlights the ongoing importance of identity and reinvention in entertainment. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching to see how this new era unfolds, expecting future milestones from both Addison and other stars facing similar crossroads in their careers.
