If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or checking out the Billboard charts lately, you know Tate McRae doesn’t really miss. She’s currently in that rarified air where every single move feels like a calculated, high-octane event. But her latest drop, the music video for "Nobody’s Girl," hits a little different than the rubber-burning, choreography-heavy clips we’ve been getting since the So Close To What era kicked off.
It's ethereal. It's weirdly quiet. Honestly, it’s a total vibe shift.
Released as part of the deluxe edition of her third album, titled So Close To What???, the video for "Nobody’s Girl" is basically the "sad girl" version of a victory lap. After spending most of 2025 dominating the world with the Miss Possessive Tour—which, by the way, grossed over $111 million across 80+ shows—Tate seems to be stripping back the "pop star" armor.
Why "Nobody's Girl" actually matters right now
Most people look at a music video and see a three-minute marketing tool. With Tate, it's usually a dance masterclass. But Tate McRae's new video for "Nobody's Girl" replaces the intense "greedy" or "exes" style footwork with something way more atmospheric.
Directed by Bardia Zeinali—the same mind behind the high-gloss "Sports Car" and the F1 soundtrack hit "Just Keep Watching"—this one feels more like a fever dream. Tate is wearing these massive, oversized angel wings that look like they were ripped straight out of a 90s Baz Luhrmann flick.
It’s a specific look.
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She’s basically leaning into this "celestial" aesthetic she’s been obsessed with lately. In her recent cover story with Rolling Stone for the January 2026 issue, she mentioned that she spent her time on tour in Europe reading poetry and listening to Lana Del Rey on repeat. You can totally hear that influence here. The video isn't trying to sell you a dance trend; it's trying to sell you a feeling of being "untouchable" and "free."
The "Tit for Tat" connection and the Kid Laroi drama
You can't talk about the new video without talking about the song it’s paired with on the deluxe album: "Tit for Tat." That track is the spike; "Nobody's Girl" is the comedown.
There has been a ton of internet sleuthing regarding her breakup with the Kid Laroi back in June 2025. While "Tit for Tat" is the aggressive "fix your-self" anthem everyone was screaming at Madison Square Garden, the Tate McRae new video for "Nobody's Girl" feels like the final word on that chapter.
- The Lyrics: "Real love doesn't clip your wings."
- The Visuals: Literally wearing wings.
- The Vibe: Moving on.
It’s rare to see a pop star at the height of their "baddie" era—where everything is about power and control—suddenly pivot to something this vulnerable. She’s essentially telling her fans that she’s done with the "Miss Possessive" persona for a minute.
What the experts are saying about the "Nobody's Girl" aesthetic
Music critics and "stan" accounts have been arguing about whether this lo-fi approach is a step back. It’s not.
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Industry analysts at platforms like Zoeunlimited have pointed out that Tate’s "premium branding" relies on her being more than just a dancer. She’s trying to establish herself as a songwriter with longevity. By releasing a video that is essentially a high-fashion mood board, she’s following the blueprint of artists like Taylor Swift or Lorde—shifting the focus from the "performance" to the "person."
Also, let’s be real. The production on the deluxe tracks, handled by heavy hitters like Ryan Tedder and Amy Allen, is some of her most sophisticated work. "Nobody's Girl" uses these haunting violins and a slowed-down tempo that makes the "lo-fi" video feel like a necessity rather than a budget choice.
What most people get wrong about Tate's creative control
There’s a common misconception that major label pop stars just show up, put on the clothes, and do the dance.
Tate has been pretty vocal about the fact that she’s in every single creative meeting. She’s the one choosing the mahogany sarong for the album cover and the specific shade of lighting in the "Nobody’s Girl" video.
She wants the deluxe era to feel like "being pulled by the stars." If you watch the video closely, the camera work is intentionally shaky and "drifting," mimicking that feeling of being caught in an external force.
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Looking ahead to the 2026 Grammys
With her first-ever Grammy nomination for "Just Keep Watching" (Best Dance Pop Recording), Tate is officially a heavyweight. The Tate McRae new video acts as a bridge to whatever comes next.
Expect her to perform a medley of these deluxe tracks at the 2026 Grammys. There’s already talk of a "conceptual live medley" involving a marching band and a string section. It’s a far cry from the girl who started out making "I wrote a song" videos in her bedroom in Calgary, but the DNA is still there.
How to experience the new era
If you're trying to keep up with the rollout, don't just watch the video once and move on.
- Watch for the symbolism: The angel wings aren't just for show—they represent the "wings" she mentions in her poetry-inspired lyrics.
- Listen to the transition: Play "Tit for Tat" and then immediately go into "Nobody's Girl." It's a deliberate emotional arc.
- Check the credits: Notice how many of the same people from the F1 movie project are still in her inner circle.
Tate McRae is effectively closing the door on the So Close To What chapter. By the time the 2026-2027 tour cycle starts, we’ll likely be looking at a completely different version of her. For now, "Nobody's Girl" is a pretty perfect ending to a chaotic, record-breaking year.
The next move is yours—go back and watch the "Nobody's Girl" video on YouTube, but pay attention to the outro. It’s the clearest hint we’ve had yet that her next sound might be more "experimental" than "pop."
Check out the official So Close To What??? (Deluxe) streaming links on her website to see how the new tracks fit into the full narrative.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Deep Dive the Lyrics: Many of the lines in "Nobody's Girl" were pulled directly from Tate's personal tour journals from Prague and Zurich.
- Watch the Rolling Stone BTS: The January 2026 "On Set" video gives a much better look at the "Nobody's Girl" wing rig than the actual music video does.
- Monitor the Charts: Watch how the deluxe tracks perform on the Billboard Hot 100 compared to the lead singles; it usually dictates which direction the next album will take.