Normani is glowing, and it’s not just the California sun.
In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, the former Fifth Harmony star opened up about her relationship with NFL wide receiver DeKaylin “DK” Metcalf.
“I’m happy. I am very happy. Definitely an answered prayer,” Normani shared, revealing the depth of her feelings for Metcalf.
“I’ve experienced a lot with relationships,” she continued. “I’m a real lover, girl. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and finding space where that’s reciprocated feels good. I like to see myself happy. I really do.”
The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, 26, has even inspired a few tracks on the album, Normani gushed.
Normani and Metcalf were first spotted together at Seahawks player Tyler Lockett’s wedding before making everything Instagram official in July 2023.
And this match-made in heaven has a special cupid to thank – Normani’s good friend Ciara.
“She’s the one that did set me and my man up,” Normani revealed in a May interview with Essence about the fellow singer playing matchmaker.
Overcoming Past Struggles
However, Normani’s journey to this lover-girl renaissance wasn’t without its challenges.
She candidly admitted to suppressing painful memories from her Fifth Harmony days when she often felt “inadequate or less than.” The racism and microaggressions she faced took a heavy “toll” on her self-assurance.
“We were so innocent, and I think that is the struggle of just us having to face reality under very unrealistic circumstances. I always say we did the very best we could with what we had so that I’m proud of,” the singer reflected.
She added: “There’s so much that I don’t even remember because I suppressed it. That’s just my way of protecting myself from having to deal with everything. But what I do remember is that it wasn’t all bad. Like yeah, we struggled, but it was also really beautiful in what we accomplished together.”
Blooming Brighter Than Ever: Normani’s Artistic Evolution
As the release date for Dopamine (June 14, don’t forget it) approaches, the triple threat is filled with excitement and nerves.
“Honestly, just the pressures of the wait and hoping that everybody loves this body of work as much as I love it,” she shared.
She’s been meticulously fine-tuning every detail to ensure it’s perfect.
“I’m still listening to things again for the hundredth time to make sure there are no extra harmonies that I want to put in a section or a lyric that I might want to change. I want to know that I put in absolutely everything that I could, that I exhausted every possibility,” she added.
Ultimately, Normani hopes fans enjoy her music and recognize her unshakable inner strength.
“It’s a testament to my resilience and discipline… I’m f—ing strong despite everything I’ve endured.”
“I’m a lot more sure of myself, a lot more comfortable. I’ve done a really good job at navigating and getting back to who I am and recognizing the beauty. I’m trusting myself a lot more.”
This album is Normani’s long-awaited reintroduction as a solo force, liberated and trusting her artistry.
