Addison Rae found herself at the center of intense online debate following her performance at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, and now one of her closest creative collaborators is speaking out. Danielle Polanco, Rae’s longtime choreographer, released a pointed statement on Instagram Stories directly addressing the wave of criticism that followed the singer’s appearance on music’s biggest stage.
Rae, a first-time GRAMMY nominee, performed her single “Fame Is a Gun” as part of the Best New Artist segment during the February 2 broadcast. The performance leaned heavily into choreography and spectacle, reflecting the pop-forward direction of her debut album Addison. While the set was designed to emphasize movement and attitude, reactions online were sharply divided. Some viewers questioned Rae’s performance skills and reignited broader debates about her transition from social media stardom to a mainstream music career.
Polanco’s response did not attempt to soften the moment. Instead, she framed the backlash as a familiar reaction to rapid success. “I would be mad too if I saw her just rise while you’re all slaving for fame,” she wrote, adding that Rae “is the opposite of a hater.” Polanco dismissed critics as observers rather than participants, suggesting that Rae’s momentum has provoked resentment rather than objective critique. “You all are free to surpass her. She’s not stopping anyone,” she continued. The statement ended on a defiant note, emphasizing that Rae continues to “win with love” regardless of the noise surrounding her.
Rae arrived at the 2026 GRAMMYs amid a busy and largely successful touring cycle. The Addison Tour, her debut headlining run, launched in August 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in July 2026 after 45 dates across North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. The tour has seen strong ticket demand, multiple added dates, and venue upgrades in several markets. She has also drawn praise for her performances, following the widespread critical acclaim of her debut self-titled album, which spawned hits like “Headphones On” and “High Fashion.”
Photo by Getty Images for the Recording Academy®
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