Gracie Abrams Biography: The Rise of a Pop Star and Her Journey Beyond Fame (Updated 2025)
Gracie Abrams is an American singer-songwriter whose heartfelt music and authentic lyrics have won the hearts of millions worldwide. Born in Los Angeles to renowned filmmaker J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath, she has carved her own unique path in the music industry. From humble beginnings recording bedroom demos to sharing stages with Taylor Swift and touring large arenas, Gracie’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and personal growth. Her story is not only about her musical achievements but also about her dedication to using her platform to speak her truth and support important causes.
Summary:
- Born on September 7, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, Gracie Abrams discovered her love for writing and music at a very young age.
- Daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath, she grew up with art and storytelling all around her.
- Dropped out of Barnard College after her freshman year to focus on her music career, recording songs in her bedroom that later went viral.
- Debuted with her first EP “Minor” in 2020 and followed with “This Is What It Feels Like” in 2021, which captured her introspective style and emotional honesty.
- Released her debut album “Good Riddance” in 2023 and her breakthrough album “The Secret of Us” in 2024, featuring a collaboration with Taylor Swift on the track “Us.
- Toured as an opening act for major stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift before embarking on her own headlining tours, including The Secret of Us Tour.
- Known for songs that touch on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, her music resonates with a large and dedicated fanbase.
- Actively supports social causes, including reproductive rights and mental health awareness, using her music and public platform for advocacy.
- In 2024, she began dating actor Paul Mescal, adding another headline to her rising fame.
- Gracie’s journey from a private songwriter to a celebrated pop star is a testament to hard work, genuine creativity, and staying true to oneself.
- Her live performances, noted for their emotional intensity and authenticity, have helped her win multiple awards and nominations, including a Grammy nod for Best New Artist.
- Balancing fame and a private personal life, Gracie remains grounded and focused on her art despite her famous lineage.
- Continues to inspire young artists with her honest songwriting and dedication to her craft.
- Gracie’s music is celebrated for its simplicity, raw emotion, and the ability to connect deeply with listeners.
- She frequently collaborates with trusted producers like Aaron Dessner and co-writers such as Audrey Hobert to create music that feels both intimate and expansive.
- With millions of monthly listeners on Spotify and a strong social media following, she is one of the defining voices of her generation.
Early Life and Background
Gracie Abrams was born on September 7, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a creative household, she was surrounded by art and storytelling from an early age. Her father, J.J. Abrams, is a famous filmmaker known for projects such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Lost, while her mother, Katie McGrath, has made her mark as a film and television producer. Despite her famous parentage, Gracie has always strived to build her own identity in the music world.
As a child, Gracie was encouraged to write in a journal by her third-grade teacher. This practice sparked her interest in expressing herself through words. By the time she was eight, she began writing songs and recording simple demos in her bedroom. Her early experiments with songwriting laid the foundation for her future career. She attended The Archer School for Girls in West Los Angeles and later enrolled at Barnard College in New York. However, the call of music proved too strong, and after her freshman year, she made the bold decision to leave college to focus fully on her passion.
Musical Journey and Career Milestones
Gracie’s music career began humbly with bedroom recordings that she posted online. In October 2019, she released her debut single “Mean It” under Interscope Records, which quickly caught the attention of music lovers. Her sincere lyrics and soft, reflective voice stood out in a crowded field of emerging artists.
In July 2020, she released her first EP, “Minor”, which featured the popular single “I Miss You, I’m Sorry”. This project showcased her talent for capturing complex emotions in a simple and relatable way. Following the success of her debut EP, Gracie continued to build her repertoire with a second EP titled “This Is What It Feels Like”, released in November 2021. This project deepened her exploration of themes such as love, heartbreak, and the process of growing up.
Gracie’s breakthrough as a headlining artist came with the release of her debut album “Good Riddance” in February 2023. The album received positive reviews for its lyrical vulnerability and the growth it showed in her artistry. Critics praised how her music felt personal yet universal, a blend of intimate storytelling and catchy melodies.
In 2024, Gracie released her second studio album, “The Secret of Us”. This album marked a new chapter in her career, featuring a collaboration with pop icon Taylor Swift on the track “Us”. The album has been noted for its blend of indie pop, folk, and even hints of country pop, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift’s introspective work. The album quickly climbed the charts, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 in the United States and topping charts in several other countries.
Her live performances have also played a significant role in her rise to fame. Gracie has opened for major artists like Olivia Rodrigo during the Sour Tour and for Taylor Swift on her celebrated Eras Tour. These opportunities not only expanded her audience but also honed her skills as a live performer. Later, she embarked on her own headlining tour, The Secret of Us Tour, which has been well received by fans and critics alike.
Personal Life and Relationships
While Gracie’s music is deeply personal, she has managed to keep her private life relatively low-key. In 2024, reports emerged that she began dating actor Paul Mescal. The couple was first seen together in London and later in New York, displaying a natural and affectionate bond that has captured the attention of fans and the media. Despite the public interest, Gracie has remained focused on her music, and both she and Paul have worked hard to keep their relationship private and genuine.
Gracie has also spoken about the influence of her family on her career. Although many have labeled her as a “nepobaby” because of her famous father, she has consistently emphasized that her success is the result of hard work and genuine talent. Her parents, while initially surprised by her rapid rise to stardom, have been supportive every step of the way. In interviews, Gracie has mentioned that her mother’s strength and her father’s storytelling have both inspired her approach to songwriting.
Discography Overview
Below is a table summarizing Gracie Abrams’ major releases up to 2025:
| Release Type | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EP | Minor | 2020 |
| EP | This Is What It Feels Like | 2021 |
| Studio Album | Good Riddance | 2023 |
| Studio Album | The Secret of Us | 2024 |
Her music is known for its clear, honest lyrics and simple melodies. Songs like “I Miss You, I’m Sorry”, “Feels Like”, and “That’s So True” have resonated deeply with fans. Gracie writes from a place of raw emotion, turning personal experiences into universal stories that many find comforting and relatable.
@tehegracietehe 💙
Touring and Live Performances
Gracie’s live shows are celebrated for their emotional intensity and the way they create an intimate atmosphere even in large venues. She began by performing in small, local spaces and gradually moved to headlining tours that cover major cities across the globe. The following table provides an overview of her touring history:
| Tour Name | Year(s) | Regions Covered |
|---|---|---|
| I’ve Missed You, I’m Sorry Tour | 2021 | United States |
| This Is What It Feels Like Tour | 2022 | United States, Europe |
| Good Riddance Tour | 2023–2024 | North America, Europe, Australia |
| The Secret of Us Tour | 2024–2025 | Worldwide (including Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania) |
Her tours have not only boosted her popularity but also provided her with valuable experience performing live. Fans appreciate her down-to-earth stage presence and her willingness to share personal stories during her performances.
Activism and Social Influence
Beyond her music, Gracie Abrams is known for her commitment to social causes. She has used her platform to support reproductive rights and mental health awareness. In 2022, she signed a full-page advertisement in The New York Times urging support for abortion rights, and she has released merchandise with proceeds donated to the National Network of Abortion Funds. Gracie believes that her music and public voice can be powerful tools for change, and she often speaks about the importance of using her success to support causes she cares about.
Her genuine commitment to activism has earned her praise from fans and fellow artists alike. She continues to advocate for issues that are close to her heart, inspiring her audience to become more socially aware and active.
View this post on Instagram
Fun Facts
- Early Start: Gracie began writing songs at the age of eight after being inspired by a teacher who encouraged her to keep a journal.
- Bedroom Pop Roots: She started her career by recording demos in her bedroom, a style that later defined her early sound.
- Famous Family: Although she is the daughter of J.J. Abrams, she has worked hard to create her own identity in the music industry.
- Touring with Stars: Gracie has opened for big names such as Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, which helped her gain a larger following.
- Relationship Spotlight: Since 2024, she has been in a relationship with actor Paul Mescal, known for his role in Gladiator 2 and Normal People.
- Award Nominations: Gracie has received multiple nominations, including a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
- Chart Success: Her single “That’s So True” has topped charts in several countries, including the UK and Australia.
- Collaboration with Taylor Swift: Her collaboration with Taylor Swift on the song “Us” brought her even more international recognition.
- Social Media Impact: With over 51 million monthly listeners on Spotify, her music resonates with a global audience.
- Advocate for Change: Gracie actively uses her music and public appearances to promote important social causes.
