The TikTok star to Grammy pipeline and how they did it

Summary:
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The Hype House alumni Addison Rae and Alex Warren surprise with Grammy nominations for Best New Artist.
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Their success showcases the power of TikTok fame in transitioning to mainstream music careers.
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Influencer culture continues to shape the music industry, with traditional celebrities adapting to the creator energy trend.
The Hype House, once a chaotic TikTok mansion full of viral dances and COVID-era nostalgia, has unexpectedly become a Grammy launchpad. In the 2026 nominations, two former members—Addison Rae and Alex Warren—landed spots in the Best New Artist category, showing how TikTok fame can translate into mainstream music success. While some fans questioned the nominations, both artists turned fleeting social media attention into lasting careers with critically recognized music.
Their success wasn’t accidental: by being authentic and understanding TikTok’s algorithm, they built loyal audiences and anticipated what fans wanted before labels did. Meanwhile, traditional celebrities like Justin Bieber and Jason Derulo are now chasing this creator energy, using social media and livestreaming to connect with fans. Addison and Alex’s Grammy nods prove the influencer era hasn’t faded—it’s evolving into the new definition of fame.



