Tai Verdes Takes Center Stage: From TikTok Sensation to Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Star

The year 2021 marked a grand return for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, restoring its cherished traditions to full, vibrant spectacle after a period of social distancing. Among the dazzling array of performers gracing this festive occasion, one rising star particularly captured attention: Tai Verdes. At 26 years old, Tai had already cultivated a significant following across social media platforms and captivated radio audiences, making his debut on the world-renowned parade stage a highly anticipated moment. He was scheduled to perform his widely popular hit, “A-O-K,” atop the whimsically designed Jennie-O float, shaped like a colossal turkey complete with a festive surprise concealed beneath its hat. Reflecting on the grand scale of the event, Tai shared his humble enthusiasm with ABC Audio, remarking, “Honestly, they could put me on any float, and I’d be happy.” This sentiment underscores his genuine excitement for the opportunity to connect with a massive, diverse audience and showcase his unique sound on such a prominent platform.

For Tai, this appearance on the Macy’s Day Parade represented a monumental leap, offering exposure far beyond the impressive 1.9 million followers he commanded on TikTok or the millions of streams his music accumulated on platforms like Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music. The California native conveyed his enthusiasm to ABC Audio, stating, “It’s always really awesome to see the different steps that you can take to be exposed to more people.” He elaborated on the unique thrill of participating in such an iconic event: “Especially with something like the Macy’s Day Parade, it’s kind of cool to see something that I’ve seen for like years and be a part of that.” Despite spending the cherished holiday away from his family and across the country, Tai expressed no significant regret. He explained his family’s relaxed Thanksgiving traditions, noting, “My family would usually just eat dinner together; we don’t have any crazy traditions, so it’s not like I’m missing out a lot.”

Furthermore, Tai confirmed that he wouldn’t completely miss out on the traditional feast, adding, “But I’m also going back and having, like, a ‘Thanksgiving dinner’ after — on, like, Saturday and Sunday.” As families across the nation prepared to gather for their turkey dinners and tune in to witness Tai Verdes’ captivating performance live from New York City, many were eager to learn more about the man behind the music. His journey from an aspiring artist to a mainstream success story is inspiring, marked by authenticity and a distinct sound. Here’s a closer look at the trajectory and unique appeal of this rising sensation, exploring the key moments and facets that define his burgeoning career.

1. Tai Verdes: A Musician & TikTok Star with Deep Roots

Born Tyler Colon, Tai Verdes’ journey into music began in the sun-drenched landscape of Southern California, where he spent his formative years. His passion for music was evident early on, as he diligently taught himself to play a variety of instruments, including the piano, guitar, and ukulele. This foundational musical education provided him with a versatile skill set that would later define his unique sound and innovative approach to pop music. Despite his budding musical interests, Tai initially pursued a different path, attending Babson College in Massachusetts, where he excelled in basketball. However, the undeniable allure of music proved stronger than his collegiate athletic ambitions. He ultimately made the difficult decision to drop out, choosing to fully commit to his artistic calling over the dream of becoming an NBA star – a pivotal choice influenced by both his undeniable love for music and, as he would later hint, additional factors that shaped his resolve and set him on his destined path in the entertainment world.

2. Tai Verdes’ Meteoric Rise: From Couch Surfing to Chart Dominance in 2020

Tai Verdes’ breakthrough arrived during the unprecedented lockdown period of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, a time when digital platforms became crucial for connection and discovery. His infectious track, “Stuck In The Middle,” quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, catalyzing a rapid surge in streams. By November 2021, the song had amassed a staggering 85 million plays on Spotify alone, a testament to its widespread appeal and his innate ability to craft relatable, upbeat anthems. This phenomenal success unfolded almost instantaneously, transforming Tai’s circumstances dramatically. At the onset of 2020, he was navigating the challenges of sleeping on a friend’s couch and working at a Verizon store, a humble beginning that sharply contrasts with his subsequent rapid ascent in the music industry, demonstrating a true rags-to-riches story fueled by talent and perseverance.

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Tai articulated his philosophy on music creation, emphasizing his diverse musical palette and experimental approach. “I’ve listened to a bunch of different types of music,” he shared, adding, “And I think that mixing my sound with a bunch of different types of sounds means — that’s how you get those interesting products. Because I want to make music where it’s a rare resource.” This eclectic listening habit and artistic blending are key to his distinctive sound, allowing him to infuse elements from various genres into his pop framework, creating something truly unique that stands out in a crowded landscape and appeals to a broad audience looking for fresh sounds.

Building on the momentum of his debut hit, Tai continued to release a string of tracks that further showcased his distinctive, multifaceted approach to pop music. Songs such as “Drugs,” “Bad Bad News,” and “We Would Have Some Cute Kids” solidified his reputation for crafting compelling narratives set to catchy melodies that resonate deeply with listeners. However, his most significant achievement to date came with the release of “A-O-K.” This vibrant anthem not only climbed to an impressive No. 34 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart but also secured a remarkable No. 4 spot on the US Rock Charts, highlighting its broad crossover appeal and undeniable energy. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) further acknowledged its impact by certifying “A-O-K” Gold, a significant milestone that many believe is just the beginning of a long and illustrious career for this exceptional talent, proving his potential to become a lasting force in contemporary music.

3. A Past Brush with Fame: Tai Verdes’ Unconventional Path

Long before his mainstream success and TikTok fame, Tai Verdes had several intriguing encounters with the entertainment industry, offering a unique perspective on his unconventional journey. In an exclusive July interview with HollywoodLife, coinciding with the release of his acclaimed debut album, TV, Tai candidly revealed a surprising chapter of his past: “I just signed up for a random reality TV show and won fifty grand to live in LA for two years.” While he prefers to steer the narrative towards his flourishing present and promising future, rather than dwelling on his reality TV stint, he harbors no shame about his previous attempts to break into the music scene through more traditional avenues. He openly admitted to unsuccessfully auditioning for major singing competitions such as American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. With a good-natured smile, he recounted his experience with humble honesty, stating, “I wouldn’t even go past the first producer.” These early rejections, far from deterring him, seem to have fueled his independent spirit and determination to succeed on his own terms, ultimately contributing to his distinctive approach to music and career building.

4. Tai Verdes: Charting His Own Course in the Music Industry

Tai Verdes stands firm in his commitment to operate on his own terms, a philosophy that deeply influences every aspect of his musical career and brand. Discussing the realities of being a musician, Tai acknowledged, “There is some stuff that is inevitable that you have to do,” referring to the standard requirements of the industry. However, he quickly clarified his stance on creative control: “but in terms of overall important things — I’m not making songs I don’t like.” This unwavering dedication to artistic integrity extends to his entire creative and business process: “I’m writing my music. I’m promoting the way that I want to promote. I’m marketing the way that I want to market.” He emphasizes the importance of his chosen collaborators, noting, “My team is full of people that I choose because I’m curating good people. So that’s my vibe.” This independent ethos ensures that his music and brand remain authentically his, truly reflective of his vision and personality, fostering a loyal connection with his audience.

A cornerstone of Tai’s remarkable ascent and his ability to maintain creative control has been his masterful utilization of TikTok. With nearly two million followers as of November 2021, the platform has become an indispensable tool for connecting directly with his burgeoning fanbase and democratizing his music’s reach. Tai leverages TikTok not just to showcase new music, offering snippets and behind-the-scenes glimpses, but also, crucially, to let his genuine personality shine through. This transparency fosters a deep and personal connection with his audience, making them feel part of his journey. He explained his authentic approach to HollywoodLife, stating, “It’s not like I’m pretending to do anything. This is what I actually like to do. This is what I actually like to wear. It’s what I actually like to sing. I honestly think that just because I’m doing me, and in all the songs, it’s genuinely the essence of me.” This raw authenticity is undoubtedly a major factor in his widespread appeal and enduring success on social media, proving that being true to oneself is a powerful marketing strategy.

5. Tai Verdes: A True Southern California Native at Heart

It’s no secret that Tai Verdes harbors a distinct aversion to cold weather, a preference deeply rooted in his Southern California upbringing. He candidly expressed his discomfort with chilly climates during his interview with HollywoodLife, stating, “If I go to New York, I’m too cold.” He even attributed his departure from Babson College partly to the harsh New England winters, recounting, “I dropped out of school partly because it was too cold and miserable out in Boston.” This deep-seated preference for warmth made the weather forecast for his 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance a pleasant surprise. On Thursday, November 25th, New York City experienced what was, for Tai, a welcomed “heatwave,” with temperatures predicted to reach a comfortable high of 53 degrees Fahrenheit, a stark contrast to the typical biting cold of a late November in New York. While temperatures were expected to dip into the low 40s later in the week, that particular parade day offered a rare slice of California comfort, ensuring Tai could fully enjoy his momentous performance without battling the chill. This small comfort undoubtedly allowed him to focus entirely on his performance, creating an unforgettable experience for both himself and the millions watching.