Normani has carved out a chart-topping pop music career over the past decade-plus as a member of Fifth Harmony and on her own, but on the new cover of Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue, she’s representing a different part of her life: as one of the wives and girlfriends of the NFL.
Last March, Normani announced her engagement to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, after the couple had been set up two years prior by fellow NFL star Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara. Normani stars in the Swimsuit Issue alongside five fellow WAGs: Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany Mahomes, Jordan Love’s wife Ronika Love, George Kittle’s wife Claire Kittle, Jared Goff’s wife Christen Goff, and Jake Ferguson’s fiancée Haley Cavinder.
In her cover story, Normani confirmed that new music is “in the works” — the follow-up to her 2024 debut solo album Dopamine — and that she’s “excited” about it. She also confirmed that she’s paying attention to all the fans clamoring for music. “You know, I pay attention to my fans,” she said. “I might not be the best when it comes to social media, and I’ve made that vow to myself that I am going to be better at that — not only for myself, but also for the people who support me and my fans — but I pay close attention, and I see their responses. I see what they want and what their desires are for me. I’m taking it back to my roots a little bit as well.”
When asked about her dream musical partnership for a future album, Normani had to name-check her idol, Beyoncé. “She has been such an influential part of why I ended up falling in love with music, and not just music itself, but also entertainment,” Normani said. “Just the grace that she carries, the poise that she carries, her ability to continue to be innovative for decades and decades. That is difficult to do, but she’s mastered it, and, you know, she always, I feel like, competes against herself. She is her standard.”
Normani has scored four top 40 solo Billboard Hot 100 hits since 2018, including the top 10s “Dancing With a Stranger” (with Sam Smith) and “Love Lies” (with Khalid), which also spent two weeks atop the Pop Airplay chart.
Below, find photos and video of Normani’s Swimsuit Issue cover shoot.
