Normani feels inspired by Beyonce's "grace" and "poise"

Normani - who rose to fame in Fifth Harmony, the chart-topping girl group - told Sports Illustrated: "I have a handful of women who have been very influential to me from as early as I can remember falling in love with music in the early 2000s [and] late '90s. So there is definitely a list, but maybe to name one, I would definitely have to say Beyonce.

"She has been such an influential part of why I ended up falling in love with music, and not just music itself, but also entertainment."

Normani observed that at this stage of her career, Beyonce is only competing "against herself" in the music business.

Normani added: "Just the grace that she carries, the poise that she carries, her ability to continue to be innovative for decades and decades. That is difficult to do, but she's mastered it, and, you know, she always, I feel like, competes against herself. She is her standard."

Meanwhile, Normani previously hailed Ariana Grande's "incredible support".

The singer heaped praise on Ariana, 32, acknowledging that the award-winning star had helped her through some of the most difficult moments in her life.

Normani - who released her debut solo album, Dopamine, in 2024 - told E! News: "Ari has been such an incredible support system for me."

Normani delayed the release of her debut album after both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer. However, Ariana was a supportive presence throughout the difficult times in her life.

Normani - who is now engaged to NFL star DK Metcalf - said: "Even just when my album came out, whatever I have released she is always one of the first to text me and just let me know how proud she really is."