How Addison Rae Went From Calvary Cheerleader to Grammy Contender

A graduate from Shreveport's Calvary Baptist Academy has officially been nominated for a Grammy Award. The former local student and social media star is now recognized in one of the music industry's most prestigious categories for her work.

Former Shreveport resident and Calvary Baptist Academy graduate Addison Rae has been nominated for a Grammy Award. The announcement places the social media star turned performer in one of the music industry's most prestigious categories for her work in music.

Shreveport High School Grad Nominated for Grammy Award

Rae is nominated in the Best New Artist category for the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards...a category that recognizes breakthrough artists. She joins fellow nominees in the running, including Leon Thomas, Lola Young, and Katseye. The nomination follows the eligibility period for the 2026 awards.

From Local Roots to Global Stardom

Before she was a globally recognized name, Addison Rae was a high school student in Shreveport, where she attended Calvary Baptist Academy.  This period was foundational to her life before fame, as she was an active and visible member of the school community. She completed her high school education, and graduated, from the Shreveport school, before heading off to LSU.

During her time at Calvary Baptist, Rae was heavily involved in school activities, most notably as a varsity cheerleader. She was part of the cheer squad, participating in school events and supporting the athletic teams.  This experience was part of her local life in the Shreveport area before her family eventually moved.

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Her Louisiana roots are a significant part of her story, with her high school years in Shreveport being a key chapter. After graduating from Calvary, she briefly attended LSU in Baton Rouge to study broadcast journalism. It was during her time at LSU in 2019 that she began posting the dance videos that would launch her into the global spotlight, ultimately leading her to leave Louisiana for Los Angeles.

Her initial rise to fame came from viral dance videos, which quickly led to mainstream media appearances, including a notable segment on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

A Career Pivot to Music

This nomination follows a strategic expansion of her career beyond her massive social media presence. Rae previously moved into acting, starring in the Netflix film He's All That and the horror movie Thanksgiving. She also caught attention this year in another Netflix production, Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Her recent focus on music, including the release of a well-received pop EP with various singles, has now earned her critical recognition from the Recording Academy...cementing her pivot to a serious musical artist.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The nomination signifies a major milestone in her professional trajectory. It represents a level of critical industry validation that is separate from her established online following.

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Regardless of the final award outcome, the honor solidifies Rae's transition from an internet influencer to a legitimate, multi-platform entertainer. This recognition marks a new chapter for the former Louisiana resident's career.