How Ex Fifth Harmony Member, Normani, and Rihanna Are Connected
Normani may have started her career by rising through the ranks with the all-girl group, Fifth Harmony, on the X Factor USA, but the singer and dancer is making a name for herself as a solo artist. Since Fifth Harmony’s split, she’s released her own music, appeared on reality shows and has become one of the hottest young stars of today. She’s proved that she can stand alone, winning her first Video Music Award as a solo artist. While gearing up for her much anticipated solo album, she’s making history by teaming up with Rihanna on a groundbreaking project.
Normani during her time in Fifth Harmony
Normani auditioned for the second season of The X Factor USA in 2012. She chose Aretha Franklin’s classic “Chain of Fools” as her audition song and advanced to the next round with approval from all judges. She was eliminated from the competition during the second round of boot camp.
Though she was booted from the show as a solo competitor, Normani was brought back to the show and put into a group with four other girls – Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui, Dinah Jane, and Camila Cabello. They later became known as Fifth Harmony and they finished the competition in third place, landing a record deal and being mentored by Simon Cowell.
The group released their debut studio album, Reflection, in 2015. It was a moderate success and was certified gold by the RIAA. The following year, the group released the lead single from their sophomore album 7/27. The single, “Work from Home,” became the group’s first top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first top-five by a girl group in a decade on that chart. They released their self-titled third album in 2017. Despite their success, which included Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards, the group went on an indefinite hiatus beginning in 2018 with plans of pursuing solo endeavors.
Normani embarks on a solo career
Normani signed a solo management deal with S10 Entertainment in 2017. It was also reported that she signed a publishing deal to Stellar Songs.
In February 2018, she and Khalid were featured on a song for the film, Love Simon. The song, “Love Lies,” debuted at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In April 2018, it was announced that Normani signed to Keep Cool/RCA Records for her solo debut studio album. She confirmed that her upcoming music would feature a collaboration with Missy Elliott, Calvin Harris, and Kehlani.
Normani also competed on the 24th season of Dancing with the Stars in 2017. She made it to the final three, losing to Rashad Jennings and his partner Emma Slater.
Normani is the first brand ambassador for Rihanna’s lingerie line
Last year, People Magazine reported the launch of Rihanna’s size-inclusive lingerie line, Savage x Fenty lingerie, after the singer confirmed the move on her Instagram page. “We bout to light this up sis…introducing @SAVAGEXFENTY lingerie coming soon,” Rihanna captioned the video.
Rihanna has now enlisted the help of Normani, hiring her as the company’s first brand ambassador. Normani shared the news on her Instagram page while wearing the sultry negligee.
“I’m the first ever brand ambassador for @savagexfenty!!! I love you @badgalriri,” the former Fifth Harmony captioned with hearts.⠀
She continued: “I want all individuals to feel empowered and to embrace who they truly are. I don’t always wake up feeling the most confident and powerful, but trust and believe having my Savage X on always helps!!”
Rihanna hasn’t posted anything to her social media but she did make a formal announcement on the Savage x Fenty website. “Normani is the perfect choice for a Savage X Ambassador,” the announcement read. “She exudes confidence and power. Everything she does is executed with passion and the belief she’s going to kill it. That’s why people gravitate towards her.”
Judging by the number of likes and amount of support Normani’s announcement received, Rihanna was right about her star power. Mixed-ish star, Yara Shahidi chimed commented, “Yes yes yes.” Model Ashley Graham agreed and also commented “yes” following Shahidi’s congrats.
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