Normani makes a splash in neon green bikini as she gets candid on gaining self-confidence

She was a member of one of the biggest girl groups in the music industry.  

But now Normani is finding herself outside of Fifth Harmony.

The singing sensation, 24, reflected on launching her own solo career and her newfound self-confidence in an interview with Women’s Health.

‘I now feel more connected to myself’: Normani reflected on launching her own solo career and her newfound self-confidence in an interview with Women’s Health

The accompanying photo shoot captures Normani showcasing her fabulous body in an array of vibrant bathing suits. 

The superstar looked incredibly working her gym-honed body on the sandy beaches of a sun-soaked beach.  

Normani catapulted to fame after competing on X-Factor with her bandmates in 2012 and officially forming Fifth Harmony that same year.

While the group has since spilt up, painful memories still linger. 

Soaking up the sun! In the accompanying photo shoot, Normani sizzled in an array of vibrant bathing suits

Soaking up the sun! In the accompanying photo shoot, Normani sizzled in an array of vibrant bathing suits 

Fun in the sun! The hit-maker beamed with joy as she worked a perforated black swimsuit

Fun in the sun! The hit-maker beamed with joy as she worked a perforated black swimsuit 

Cover girl: Normani appears on the December issue of Women's Health

Cover girl: Normani appears on the December issue of Women’s Health

Normani, who was the only Black member of the group, says her self-esteem plummeted after she was overlooked for opportunities as part of the band.

Being compared to her peers was also incredibly disheartening.

‘That alters the perception you have of yourself. Having certain things happen so blatantly while also feeling like the “other” and being so young and hearing the public compare [us] took a toll on my confidence. 

‘For a long time, I didn’t believe in myself because I didn’t feel like I was given the opportunity to.’

Nowadays she is busy working on her own solo career. 

Boat loads of fun! The singer cruised upon the high seas

Boat loads of fun! The singer cruised upon the high seas 

Making a run for it! The star jogged barefoot across the sandy beaches

Making a run for it! The star jogged barefoot across the sandy beaches

Catching rays: Normani relaxed upon a luxurious watercraft

Catching rays: Normani relaxed upon a luxurious watercraft 

Initially, Normani struggled to find her voice outside of the group, and worried more about fitting in rather then being herself.

However, that all changed once she embraced being authentic.

‘For a long time, I was stressed out about checking boxes like, “Is this Black enough? Is this pop enough?” But music started feeling way better when I just went into the studio with the mentality of being Normani. 

‘People will always remember how you made them feel and what a record did for them. My lyrics have more depth, and they’re more intentional and come from a more authentic place, because I now feel more connected to myself than before.’ 

'For a long time, I was stressed out about checking boxes': Normani has learned to find her own voice in her solo career

‘For a long time, I was stressed out about checking boxes’: Normani has learned to find her own voice in her solo career

Taking notice: What has also given her a boost in self-confidence are the music icons who also consider themselves Normani fans, with the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson taking notice of the rising star

Taking notice: What has also given her a boost in self-confidence are the music icons who also consider themselves Normani fans, with the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson taking notice of the rising star

What has also given her a boost in self-confidence are the music icons who also consider themselves Normani fans, with the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson taking notice of the rising star. 

‘It’s alarming when people you’ve looked up to, respect, and who kind of define who you are believe in you. But it definitely gives me confidence. I’m grateful to feel seen and heard and like I can be the voice for so many people. Being a Black woman, I feel we’re so multifaceted and have so much that we’re capable of. It’s really important to show Black girls and Black boys that can be anything they want to be.’ 

It’s no wonder Normani has caught the attention of such superstars.

Despite once being a part of a girl group, she has clearly has been shining bright all on her own.

Since the end of Fifth Harmony, Normani has collaborated with the likes of Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, and even has a ceritified-platinum single under her belt.

To the top! Since the end of Fifth Harmony, Normani has collaborated with the likes of Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, and even has a ceritified-platinum single under her belt

To the top! Since the end of Fifth Harmony, Normani has collaborated with the likes of Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, and even has a ceritified-platinum single under her belt