Normani teases new music in new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Normani is stepping into 2026 with momentum on multiple fronts.

According to Complex, the singer appears as one of the cover stars for the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, marking her first time fronting the iconic franchise while also hinting that new music is officially on the way.

The former Fifth Harmony member joins a diverse cover lineup that includes Brittany Mahomes and professional volleyball standout Ronika Love. The digital covers were photographed on Captiva Island in Florida, giving the annual issue a sun-soaked backdrop that fits the celebratory tone of this year’s release.

For Normani, the feature arrives during a creatively active period. Her solo debut album Dopamine dropped in 2024, and she confirmed that the follow-up chapter is already taking shape.

“New music is in the works, and I am excited about it,” she said in her interview with the magazine.

She added that while social media hasn’t always been her comfort zone, she’s paying close attention to her audience. “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.”

That renewed focus has translated into fresh energy in the studio. Normani shared that she feels “more motivated and inspired than ever” as she continues recording, pointing to a creative reset shaped by recent personal and professional changes.

Those changes have been visible over the past year. In 2025, she reunited onstage with her former Fifth Harmony bandmates—excluding Camila Cabello—for a one-off performance that reminded fans of the group’s lasting impact.

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round the same time, she appeared on the “Ecstacy” remix alongside Ciara and Teyana Taylor, adding another high-profile collaboration to her résumé.

Offstage, Normani has also been recognized for her influence. She was honored at the 2025 Give Her FlowHERS gala with the Femme It Forward Award, which celebrates her contributions to music and culture.

Reflecting on her current chapter, Normani described a sense of optimism fueled by transition. “I’ve been going through so many major life transitions that I’m really, really excited for,” she said. “I’m just enjoying the journey and the process… the sky really is the limit.”