Addison Rae Emphasizes Her Ambition is Bigger than Just a Pop Star

JAKARTA - American singer and actress Addison Rae has confirmed that she does not want to be pigeonholed in the "pop star" label.

The singer of the hit "Diet Pepsi" admitted that his ambition was bigger to become a star figure in general without having to be tied to one genre or medium identity.

This statement comes after the praise from musician Rosalia who said Addison had managed to bring back the feel of American pop stars in the 2000s to the present.

But for Addison, his musical identity is far more complex than nostalgia. He feels his work is a mix of personal instincts and the influences of the era when he grew up.

"I don't know - it's a bit confusing. I think my music is very representative of the present, as well as a collection of my life," Rae said, quoting The Los Angeles Times, Sunday, December 21.

He explained that although his music feels very contemporary, the influence of the 2000s is indeed ingrained because he grew up watching MTV.

"I was a baby in the 2000s and grew up watching everything in that era, so naturally that was the basis of my education. My mom always turned on MTV," said the 25-year-old soloist.

"But I think the 2000s were a pop era that will never be repeated. Everything felt so new. It was an era of undeniable innocence - where pop was not afraid to be provocative and risky," he continued.

Rae also responded to public views that often consider his career moves as something very strategic. However, he emphasized that his ambition is not merely to pursue the title of pop singer like his predecessors.

"I appreciate people saying I'm wise or strategic - that actually gives me a lot of appreciation, because I don't think it's always like that," Rae said.

"When you say you want to be a pop star, people refer to someone like Britney or Gaga or Rihanna - there's an idea of what a pop star means. I don't really care to be a pop star. I just want to be a star," he said.

Rae also referred to iconic figures such as Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe as her main inspiration in careers in various fields at once.

"I don't think it will ever narrow. I don't know why it has to be like that. Someone like Barbra Streisand is someone I've always loved and admired, as is Judy Garland, even Marilyn Monroe. I mean, she did everything. I just think: Why don't you want to do everything?" he concluded.