Tate McRae came up on stage at Variety's 2025 Hitmakers Brunch on December 6, 2025, to accept the Powerhouse of the Year award. During her speech, she opened up about the difference between her version that fans around the world see and who she feels she is when the singer is not in the spotlight.Tate McRae shared:"This year, I turned 22 and the dichotomy between my internal self and my public persona became extremely drastic. I toured all year long and found myself so confused as to how two completely different people could exist in one body. I had this shy and awkward version of myself and then this super fearless, super confident person onstage. It really forced me to figure out what I value in who I am when I am alone."Netizens reacted to her statement, saying:"This is actually such a raw and relatable confession. A lot of artists never admit how heavy the gap between “who the world sees” and “who I really am” can feel. Tate putting words to that duality at 22 shows a level of maturity most people don’t reach until much later. It makes you wonder how many performers are carrying two versions of themselves just to survive the spotlight."Affiliate_stanley @Stanleyade01LINK@PopCrave This is actually such a raw and relatable confession. A lot of artists never admit how heavy the gap between “who the world sees” and “who I really am” can feel. Tate putting words to that duality at 22 shows a level of maturity most people don’t reach until much later. It makesInternet reactions to Tate McRae opening up about her "public persona" and "internal self"Pop Crave took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to post that:"Tate McRae talks about the contrast between her public persona and internal self while accepting Powerhouse of the Year at Variety’s Hitmakers event"Netizens soon gathered under the comments on the X post as they shared their opinions about Tate McRae's heartfelt speech. Below are some of their remarks:"I went through something similar traveling around the world to exhibit my art and it is just not easy to figure out. Still have a lot to work on because I am a private person, but people want to meet and talk to the artist.", shared an X user."Tate McRae spilling about living as two completely different people is wild but relatable, the shy, awkward one offstage versus the fearless performer is basically the celebrity starter pack. Touring all year at 22 and having to reconcile that? That’s peak identity crisis energy. Meanwhile, we are out here struggling to reconcile Monday mornings with Friday vibes.", commented another."That specific whiplash of commanding a stadium and then just being 22 and awkward in the quiet moments is so human. Admitting that gap does not dilute the star power, it actually makes the fearless version feel even braver. Does that honesty make you feel more connected to the person behind the hits? 🕯️", penned a third.Others also chimed in:"This hits because it's real ❤️ Being "on" for the world while quietly figuring yourself out bts is such a weird, heavy duality esp at 22. Respect for the self-awareness! Growth is not always loud, sometimes it's just you vs you in the quiet ❤️", lauded a netizen."kinda tired of these beautiful talented people who obviously have charisma to be successful be like “omg I’m so shy and awkward at home” honey no you are not, you are on the downswing from having to perform", commented another."That vulnerability is your superpower. Shy Tate and stage Tate are both unstoppable. Proud of you queen 🖤", added a third.Tate McRae's third and latest studio album, So Close To What, was officially released in February 2025. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She eventually kicked off her Miss Possessive Arena Tour that saw Tate McRae perform 83 shows across Europe, North America, and Latin America to support the record.Also Read: "This generation is so cooked": Netizens react as Ariana Grande addresses viral moment with Adam Sandler, saying "I'm scared what is 67"Why did India Love interrupt the Streamer Awards 2025? Real reason revealedThe Streamer Awards 2025: Complete list of winners and nominees explored