Normani Speaks Out After Not Being Asked to Perform at VMAs

Normani won’t be showing her “Wild Side” at the VMAs.

Despite calls from fans, the singer won’t be taking the stage at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards next month. In an interview with Q99.7 Atlanta, she shared her disappointment after not being invited back.

“I’m obviously 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.

Fans had petitioned MTV to let Normani perform and launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #LetNormaniPerform.

“Obviously I’m a human being, I feel things,” added Normani. “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 was just a decision that somebody else made that was out of my control. I’m focusing on redefining what success means to me, and focusing on the things that make me happy.”

She admits that she would have loved to get back on the VMA stage and deliver another memorable performance. “But I would love to perform. I think back to my favorite artist–Janet and Bey and Britney. All of those iconic moments, which I know that I’m capable of creating.”

Normani has previously performed at the VMAs, once with Fifth Harmony in 2017 and again as a solo artist in 2019 when she performed her single “Motivation.”

Earlier this month, Cardi B tweeted that she wanted to see Normani take the stage to perform their collaboration “Wild Side.”

While Normani may not be performing, MTV has announced a series of other performers including Camila Cabello, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, and Chlöe, who will make her solo debut with the TV premiere of her first single, “Have Mercy.”

Justin Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion lead the nominations for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which will air live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET.