Normani Covers ‘Billboard,’ Talks Career Goals & Her Debut Album

Mike Nied | January 10, 2019 12:00 pm

2019 is shaping up to be a big year for Normani. The 22-year-old launched her solo career by teaming up with Khalid on “Love Lies,” which became one of the biggest songs of 2018. After breaking into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, the slinky R&B anthem climbed to the top spot on Top 40 radio. Since then she’s dropped a pair of bangers with Calvin Harris and collaborated with 6LACK on the slow-burner “Waves.” Now, the rising star is getting ready to kick off the new year by partnering with Sam Smith on “Dancing With A Stranger.” That drops tomorrow, but today (January 10) the focus is entirely on her Billboard cover story and its accompanying photoshoot. Posing for Alexandra Gavillet, the breakout star serves something fierce in the pictorial.

In the interview, she opens up about her experiences as a member of Fifth Harmony, reflects on gaining confidence in her capabilities and offers some tantalizing hints about her debut album. Although 5H became one of the most-recognizable girl groups in recent memory, Normani made it clear that she and her fellow members are ready to stretch their wings. “This was always the goal,” she explained. “For us to all be able to go out, create, pursue our own solo endeavors, which is what we had been trying to pursue since we were babies in diapers. The idea was always to be solo.” And she was quick to reiterate that there was no bad blood. The “He Like That” hitmaker gushed with pride over Camila Cabello’s Grammy nominations.

“And I know that all of us are more than capable of doing that,” she added. “I’ve come to believe that I am that talented. Before, I didn’t wholeheartedly believe that.” Ahead of the release of her forthcoming LP, the rising star reflected on her goals and dreams. “I see myself performing at the Grammys, traveling the world with my family. I want to meet all my fans across the world,” she said. She also mentioned crossover ventures including a clothing or fragrance line and acting work. But there’s one chief goal. “I don’t want to come and go. I want to be the one,” she added. “But through it all I want to make sure that I remember who Normani is.”

She also provided a brief update on said album. Describing it as “sultry” and “dominant,” it is easily one of our most anticipated for the year. But we won’t be getting it until sometime in the second half of 2019. It sounds like it will be well-worth the wait. In the meantime, scroll through a gallery of pics from the shoot up top and read the rest of the interview here!

Do you love the photos? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!

Tags: