ATLANTA — In less than a week, pop sensation Normani’s latest music video has been streamed more than 20 million times on YouTube.
The former Fifth Harmony singer debuted her first solo single “Motivation” last Friday and has gotten rave reviews by fans and artists like Bebe Rexha, Lil Nas X, and Chloe x Halle.
Featured as Pitchfork’s “Best New Track” following release, The FADER declared “Motivation’ is an instantly-loveable bop,” PAPER Magazine proclaimed “Normani proves she’s an absolute triple threat, as if it wasn’t obvious before,” and V Magazine said “Motivation” proves she’s destined for superstardom.”
In the clip, the singer lives out her dreams of becoming a superstar with a number one hit on BET’s hit music video countdown show “106 & Park”.
Normani reimagines herself in scenes made famous by her inspirations Britney Spears, Beyonce, Ciara, and Jennifer Lopez.
All-star choreographer and Atlanta resident Sean Bankhead, whose worked with the singer since her days in Fifth Harmony, worked with the “Dancing With The Stars” finalist on her jaw-dropping moves in the video.
"Growing up the music video culture of the early 2000s is literally what inspired me to get to the point in my life right now. I’m emotional bc i feel like I’m realizing how full circle things have been for me lately," Bankhead shared in an Instagram post.
Over the summer Normani, Bankhead, and the rest of her team, rehearsed for the music video while on Ariana Grande’s SWEETNER tour.
Normani, 22, was born in Atlanta and moved to New Orleans as a child. Following Hurricane Katrina, she and her family moved to Houston.
At 15, she auditioned for X-Factor and was handpicked by Simon Cowell, LA Reid, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to join Fifth Harmony. The girl band went on to become one of the biggest recording acts of the last decade with hits “Work From Home,” “Worth It,” and “Boss”.
The group announced their hiatus last year and Normani quickly began working on her solo career. She’s garnered two #1 smash hit collaborations “Love Lies” with Khalid and “Dancing With A Stranger” with Sam Smith.
On Tuesday, MTV announced Normani, Big Sean featuring A$AP Ferg, H.E.R., and Ozuna have been added to the lineup of performers at the 2019 MTV VMAs, airing live globally from Newark, N.J. on Monday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m.ET/PT.
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