Canadian singer Tate McRae delivered a thoughtful speech while accepting the Powerhouse of the Year Award at Variety’s 2025 Hitmakers Brunch on 6 December. Speaking to representatives from the music and entertainment industry, she candidly reflected on how a year of touring reshaped her perspective as both an artist and a young woman.
Opening her speech, McRae said, “As a young woman in the music industry, I don’t always feel powerful and sometimes I don’t even know what power means.” Her experiences over the past year helped her understand where confidence comes from and how external expectations can influence it. She added, “The more I performed, the more I realised that power cannot simply be measured by applause or perfect performance.”
During the tour, she encountered a duality within herself. “I toured all year and found it confusing how two completely different people could exist in one body. On one hand, there was the shy and awkward me, and on the other, the fearless and confident me on stage. This contrast helped me reconcile with myself.” She continued, “It really made me focus on who I am when I’m alone and appreciate my own value.”
She explained that her understanding of power has evolved. “Power, to me, is not about perfection or success. It is about grit, authenticity, and the courage to put yourself out there even when unsure.”
Her speech came just weeks after completing her Miss Possessive Tour. The 22-year-old artist’s first arena tour spanned 83 shows and supported her third studio album, So Close to What. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts globally. The tour further established her commanding presence as a live performer.
AJ