Pop sensation Reneé Rapp is known for her powerhouse vocals, bold lyrics, and magnetic stage presence. But according to the singer-actress herself, her journey to stardom might have started long before she ever picked up a microphone. In a candid conversation on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, Rapp revealed that her mother, Denise Rapp, may have manifested her music career from the very beginning—by choosing a name designed for stardom.
A Name Made for the Spotlight: Reneé Rapp’s Mom Had a Vision
Alliteration and Star Power
During the podcast, Reneé explained how her mother carefully selected her name with intentional alliteration—Reneé Rapp—to give her daughter a name that would “sound like a pop star.”
“My mom chose my first and last name to be… both have [two letter R’s],” Reneé said. “She was like, ‘Alliteration, just in case she wants to be a pop star’ before I was born.”
While Rapp admitted the move felt a bit “conceited,” she also enthusiastically embraced it, saying she was “obsessed” with her mom’s foresight and even thanked the universe for such a choice.
Amy Poehler Reacts
Podcast host and comedy legend Amy Poehler was clearly impressed. She noted that Reneé Rapp does indeed sound like the kind of name that belongs on the Billboard Hot 100 or glowing in lights on a theater marquee. Rapp couldn’t agree more, calling it “a really good one.”
Reneé Rapp’s Rise: From Broadway Starlet to Pop Icon
Broadway Beginnings: Regina George in Mean Girls
Rapp’s career first took off when she landed the coveted role of Regina George in the Broadway musical adaptation of Mean Girls. Her powerful stage presence and vocal range made her a standout, catching the attention of fans and critics alike.
She later reprised her role as the iconic queen bee in the 2024 movie musical adaptation, further cementing her status as both a talented actress and emerging cultural icon.
TV Stardom: The Sex Lives of College Girls
Reneé Rapp later transitioned to television, taking on a starring role in the hit HBO series The Sex Lives of College Girls. Her portrayal brought depth and charisma, helping the show attract a devoted fanbase. However, she exited the show during its third season—foreshadowing a shift back to her true passion: music.
Reneé Rapp’s Music Career Takes Center Stage
Debut Album: Snow Angel
In 2023, Rapp released her debut studio album, Snow Angel, which showcased her vocal prowess and emotional range. The album earned both critical acclaim and a strong commercial following, positioning her as one of pop music’s rising stars.
Upcoming Album: Bite Me
Rapp is now gearing up to release her sophomore album, Bite Me, in August 2025. Expectations are high, especially following the success of her debut and her increasing visibility in both pop culture and social media.
Latest Single: “Leave Me Alone”
Her new single, “Leave Me Alone,” was released just last week and has already sparked conversations—not just for its catchy melody but for its bold lyrics. In the second verse, Rapp appears to reference her departure from The Sex Lives of College Girls with the line:
“I took my sex life with me, now the show ain’t f*ing / Leave me alone, b**, I wanna have fun.”
While Rapp hasn’t confirmed whether this line directly criticizes the show, fans and critics alike see it as a defiant and personal statement—one that underlines her commitment to owning her narrative.
Manifestation, Motherhood, and Musical Success
Manifestation Through Naming
Denise Rapp’s intentional use of alliteration—Reneé Rapp—was more than just a stylistic choice. In today’s pop culture landscape, branding and name recognition are vital. Her foresight may have subconsciously planted the seed of ambition in her daughter, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that’s now being realized on global stages.
A Legacy in Progress
Now, with one album under her belt and another on the way, Reneé Rapp is quickly becoming a defining voice of her generation—all while paying tribute to the woman who helped shape her destiny long before the first note was ever sung.
