Normani pays tribute to 2000s pop stars in 'Motivation' music video
Some of the singer's outfits are inspired by iconic music videos
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Your support makes all the difference.Normani is bringing fans down memory lane with the music video for her new single Motivation.
The former Fifth Harmony singer released the track and the accompanying video on Friday, and it’s filled with throwbacks to pop culture fashion moments and tributes to other artists, from Beyoncé to Jennifer Lopez.
The video begins with Normani as a young girl watching BET’s 106 and Park and dreaming of becoming a star herself.
As the clip progresses, the singer morphs into her adult self, and can be seen wearing a white tank top, jeans and gold accessories that closely resemble the outfit worn by Beyoncé in the 2003 Crazy in Love music video.
Viewers on Twitter pointed out that the scene in which the singer dances on the street in a white top and white slit bottoms with 1996 written in hot pink graffiti letters can be considered a nod to Jennifer Lopez’s Jenny from the Block video as well as the singer's I'm Real video, while the school yard dance scene is likely a reference to Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time video.
Later, Normani dances in the rain wearing a crystal-encrusted bodysuit, in what appears to be a throwback to Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love album cover and a scene from Ciara’s Gimmie Dat music video.
Normani’s references to popular music videos of the past also include apparent tributes to Kelly Rowland, Ashanti, Omarion, Janet Jackson, and Usher, according to i-D.
The singer ends the video dancing in a sequined black top and leather jogger pants, which she accessorised with diamond hoops and white sneakers.
On social media, fans have praised the singer for including the subtle throwbacks.
“Holy sh*t Normani’s ‘Motivation’ video is one of the sickest things I’ve seen from a solo pop girl in years,” one person tweeted. “The INFLUENCES were so present, she is absolutely astounding. The tribute to the 00s video countdown show/ all-or-nothing aesthetic we NEED right now!”
Another wrote: “Normani gave us looks, energy and creativity while paying tribute to all the icons before her @beyonce @ciara @jlo @britneyspears @janetjackson !!”
Also among those expressing their support for the singer was Ariana Grande, who helped co-write the song.
Revealing that her "cheeks hurt from smiling,” Grande tweeted: “Enjoy this special moment. My heart is so full for you!!!
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