Normani opened up about not being asked to perform at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.
The pop star released her highly anticipated single “Wild Side” last month, her first new song since 2019’s “Motivation.” The sensual R&B track, which features a verse from Cardi B, dropped along with a music video showcasing stunning visuals and intense choreography. After the release, Normani’s fans were looking forward to a live performance at the VMAs, until the singer shared on Twitter that she had not been invited to perform.
On Monday, the 25-year-old shared in an interview with Atlanta radio station Q99.7 how she felt about the snub. “I’m honestly disappointed about it. This last week, I’ve just been in my head. But also I know that everything happens for a reason. With or without, I’m good,” she said.
Normani also mentioned that she has been reevaluating her feelings about how the producers’ decision relates to her own success, saying, “Obviously, I’m a human being, I feel things. I love to feel noticed and for my work to be validated, but it speaks for itself. It’s forcing me to validate myself. I’m talented. It has nothing to do with me. It’s just a decision that somebody else made, which was out of my control.”
She continued, “I’m focusing on redefining what success means to me, and focusing on the things that make me happy. … I would love to perform. You already know. I think back to my favorite artists, Janet, Bey, and Britney. All of those iconic moments, which I know that I’m capable of, you know?”
Normani’s fans know that the star has an iconic moment in her as well. Which might be why they started the #LetNormaniPerform social media campaign in the past week, with fans sharing her 2019 VMA performance of “Motivation.” As of August 23, though, the singer has not been confirmed to perform.
Watch the entire interview below.
Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.
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