Just the Start: Alex Warren's Real Climb to Hitmaker Status
Before topping the Billboard Global 200, Alex Warren was sleeping in his car.
Today, the former Hype House member turned pop powerhouse is in the middle of a sold-out global tour, while his breakout single 'Ordinary' soundtracks millions of TikToks. Even Lana Del Rey is a fan. 'Every time I hear it, I think, 'Why can't we hear more like this?' because it takes you to church,' she said.
More from Rolling Stone
Why the Evergreen Sound of New York City Hip Hop Will Always Stay True
David Shaw and Tarriona 'Tank' Ball Bring the Heat to New Orleans' Musicians on Musicians Event
Making Music and Memories in Myrtle Beach
With over 2.3 million TikTok videos featuring 'Ordinary' and 10.2 billion views on those videos alone, Warren's success is a masterclass in the new rules of the music business, where fan engagement fuels real-world impact.
'Hype House was like my college, but for social media,' he told Variety. 'It helped me learn how to create content that resonates with an audience and can captivate people. Also, being homeless was a great motivator.'
He understood TikTok's potential as a career-builder early on—and he knew how to use it. Warren, who is deeply embedded in the app's music ecosystem, doesn't stop at posting his own music. He leans into trends, responds to fans, and plays an active role in shaping the narrative around his songs.
And fans have responded—500M+ streams, #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the UK Singles Chart, and #5 on the Spotify Global Top 50 all speak to the massive cultural moment 'Ordinary' has become. He even broke a 70-year record held by Elvis Presley, as 'Ordinary' marked its ninth week at Number 1—the longest run by a U.S. male solo artist in decades.
But even more telling is the way the song has been adopted by TikTok creators: it's now a go-to soundtrack for wedding montages, emotional tributes, and relationship content.
TikTok's ability to turn passive listening into participation is what sets it apart. The scrolling video platform is transforming how artists connect with fans, build momentum, and break into the mainstream.Warren's story is highlighted in TikTok's new content series, Behind the Breakthrough—a docu-style spotlight on artists who first found their audiences on the platform and are now shaping the global charts. Like Gigi Perez and Malcolm Todd before him, Warren used TikTok not just as a launchpad, but as an incubator for creativity and authenticity. It's that honesty—his openness about mental health, heartbreak, and resilience—that makes him resonate so deeply.
Following the success of 'Ordinary,' Warren's full-length debut You'll Be Alright Kid (Chapter 1) cemented his standing as more than a viral artist. Songs like 'Carry You Home' (with nearly 500 million streams globally) showcase his emotional range and songwriting depth. He's not chasing trends—he's building a body of work.
And the industry is taking note. Named one of People Magazine's 'Talented Emerging Artists,' an iHeartRadio 'On The Verge' artist, and featured in Tidal and Amazon's artists-to-watch lists, Warren is positioning himself for long-term impact. His Cheaper Than Therapy Global Tour is hitting 47 cities, bringing the vulnerability and connection of his songs into the real world.
Still, he credits TikTok with giving him the tools and audience to launch his second act.
TikTok, for its part, continues to redefine how music is promoted, discovered, and loved. In 2024 alone, the platform drove over 200 million creations tied to the Global Top 10 Songs—resulting in over 8 billion Spotify streams. And with tools that blend organic reach with strategic promotion, it's helping artists build sustained momentum—beyond fleeting virality.
The takeaway? Artists today don't just release songs—they create moments. And TikTok is where those moments start.
For Alex Warren, what began as a personal outlet has evolved into a global stage. His story is proof that with vulnerability, vision, and the right platform, the ordinary can become extraordinary.
Watch Alex Warren reflect on how TikTok fueled his success by checking out 'Behind the Breakthrough' here.
Best of Rolling Stone
The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs
All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mother Mother refuse to 'pander to the TikTok era' after going viral
Mother Mother will never "pander to the TikTok era" with their songwriting. The Canadian rockers - who have exceeded nine billion streams globally - found themselves going viral on the video-sharing platform in 2020, after their 2008 song Hayloft was used in edits, cosplay, and creative transitions. As a result, the group dropped Hayloft II, which also became a hit. Frontman Ryan Guldemond subsequently noticed on Reddit that some people were critcising them for going after commercial success with their music - but he insists that couldn't be farther from the truth. He told "I was reading people saying, 'Oh, they pander to the TikTok era with their new writing.' ADVERTISEMENT And it's like, Huh? I don't think that's true. If anything, it's the opposite, like, yeah, you know, the TikTok thing came along and made a bunch of songs that were really unviable, commercially famous, and that was to us that sent a message like, Oh, just be yourself. Like, just write from the heart and follow your whims. And that's the best thing you can do, is to be just totally authentic. And if that means you're writing kind of weird, unconventional songs, then so be it." The 'Finger' singer insists the whole TikTok viral experience taught them to "reject writing strategically for anything". He continued: "And so I've sort of taken that message and really ran with it, because I agree. I think the best thing anybody can do, whether you're writing a song or just, I don't know, whatever in life, just to be who you are. So I'm grateful for the TikTok thing, for sending that message, and if anything, yeah, like I said, it has made us reject writing strategically for anything." Mother Mother returned on June 6 with their new album 'Nostalgia', comprised of songs old and new to mark their 20th anniversary. Stream 'Nostalgia' now on all major streaming platforms.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Olivia Culpo Says Husband Christian McCaffrey Will Be Hiding If She's Matching Their Baby
A 'very pregnant' Olivia Culpo is sharing how she's preparing to welcome her first child with husband Christian McCaffrey into the world. As she anxiously awaits the end of her third trimester, Culpo, who announced her pregnancy in March took to TikTok on Friday, June 6, to share some of her baby must-haves with other soon-to-be moms. From her favorite style of onesies to her stroller and the highchair she grabbed, purely for "esthetic" reasons, Culpo, 33, seemingly has everything she needs for her little one's arrival. 'Everything that I have for my baby, is green or beige,' Culpo, who still hasn't publicly shared the sex of her unborn child yet, explained. As she showed off the gender-neutral 'Little Sleepies' onesies she purchased, she also shared how excited she is to match with her little one while holding up the matching robe she got for herself. 'You can match with your baby,' Culpo continued, admitting she's 'a sucker for that.' Olivia Culpo Shares New Bump Pic 1 Week After Announcing Pregnancy 'I will be matching with my child, girl or boy,' the excited mom-to-be said. 'If you ever see all three of us matching, me, Oliver, and my baby, there's a chance Christian's hiding somewhere in the background, also matching.' Culpo admitted that she was 'stuck' and 'about to cry' while initially filling out her baby registry, before she used other moms' BabyList registries as 'a resource.' 'It helped take out so much of the guess work,' the new mom shared. 'You can list, categorize, figure out what you're missing and need to supplement. It really brought me peace knowing that I could use other people's suggestions as a guideline so if you feel stuck, and you are about to cry the way that I was, take my registry, and just copy it.' Sophia Culpo Pokes Fun at Olivia Culpo Using Her Dog to Hide Her Baby Bump In the comment section, Culpo's mother-in-law sent a message of encouragement and thanks. 'Can't wait! Love you. You are doing great,' Lisa McCaffrey wrote. 'Thanks for carrying my grandchild!' And other moms shared their own suggestions and praised Culpo for not finding out the sex of their unborn child, calling it 'the best surprise in the world.' In a video from her baby shower, Culpo, Christian, and other members of their family shared their guesses. 'I am your mom, and I have no idea who you are. I thought you were a boy. Now everyone says you're a girl. So I think you're a girl, but watch you be a boy.'
Buzz Feed
6 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Cheap Yet Decadent Products
Moroccanoil's Mini Must-Haves Sampler, which is so affordable that I'm not not pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Reviewers especially love these teensy versions for traveling in ~luxury~ on the cheap, and for trying these beloved splurge-worthy products without committing to the whole price first! A cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the pricey Sol de Janeiro version. 👀☀️ This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents! A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. Sally Hansen's iconic Insta-Dri nail polish perfect for anyone who wants quick touch-ups on their fingers and toes but has ZERO time to spare. If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting, fast-drying polish to save not just time, but big bucks at the salon, I cannot recommend these enough! A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits! Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. A wildly popular floral print sheer cover up for the perfect finishing touch to all your spring and summer outfits that won't make you swelter in the heat. Reviewers especially love how easily this packs (and photographs!!) for travel. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so moisturizing, gentle, and decadently-scented that you're going to feel fully transported to your ~happy place~ every time you lather it on. This is especially lovely for sensitive skin, since the plant milk base is nutrient-rich and sulfate-free to keep your skin feeling eeextra soft and loved. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.) A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. Olay's Firming Body Lotion full of collagen peptides and a Vitamin B3 complex for *ultra* hydration designed to visibly plump, firm, and moisturize your skin — all at a fraction of the price of other firming lotions, like the internet's beloved $48 Elasti-Cream. A pair of elevated faux leather sandals as the ultimate "what on earth will make my feet match this outfit??" shoe for all your warm weather shenanigans. These pair just as beautifully with a cocktail dress as they do with a swimsuit or jeans, like that one really chill kid in high school who hung out with people in every clique. Tree Hut Vanilla Hand Wash infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate and restore skin health so your hands can be super clean *and* super nourished. Now all you have to do is prepare to have the link to this handy whenever guests come over and are like, "WHERE DID YOU GET THIS DELECTABLE SOAP??" A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. An affordable sleeveless exercise romper you will be SO glad you bought on days when the sun is trying to bake you like cookie dough. These are medium-compressive, soft, breezy, and SUPER easy to throw on when your brain is too fried to match a top and a bottom in the heat. Bonus — these are comparable to Aerie, Abercrombie, and Hollister versions that can go for three times this price! A pair of luxe retro-style oval sunglasses giving Miu Miu vibes without the $489 price tag. The devil's in the chic details on this one, including the little gold embellishments on the sides and the nostalgic shape of the lenses, which are softer than the typical skinny oval lens. A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time. A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. A set of sophisticated cylindrical wineglasses to rival Crate & Barrel's, and to elevate your Friday wine-cheese-and-Netflix nights so instantaneously that you'll feel like an extra in one of those Shows About Rich Families Who Fight All The Time. A square neck "going out" top that isn't NOT a near perfect lookalike for the $38 Skims and $40 Abercrombie versions. This is an excellent find for anyone who is ~choosy~ about colors, because this comes in a whole rainbow's worth of them. A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning — reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping. A ribbed button up tank top with some real Abercrombie & Fitch energy to perfectly straddle that line of "professional" and "I am 100000% going out after work today, and a martini glass will be involved." A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one? And a dainty gold-plated station necklace, another home run from jewelry brand Pavoi so close to the real diamond versions from Quince and Dorsey that run $400+ that it'll turn all your everyday looks into ~quietly expensive~ looks. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, aka the more affordable version of the beloved $39 Drunk Elephant version. This buildable, hydrating formula is an easy way to add a ~sunkissed touch~ to your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!). An oh-so-luxe set of tie-front satin PJs you will be SO glad you purchased when you're about to sweat bullets on humid nights and this cooling, breathable set is like, "Hey — I got you." These sets are so chic and affordable that a lot of friend groups get them to match for events, and even wear the tie-string top as a going-out top! A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. A set of dainty but surprisingly strong bow-shaped hair clips to pair with all your frilliest dresses or to add a soft touch your more structured work outfits. A Skims-inspired square-neck compressive body suit that's basically 10 outfits in one — you can rock it solo, wear it as a bodysuit tucked into jeans, or pair it with a hoodie or a jacket. Go, little base layer, gooooo!
