Normani Graces Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Alongside NFL WAGs

The pop star discusses her dream Beyoncé collaboration and new music in the works.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Normani has been featured on the cover of the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, posing alongside several NFL wives and girlfriends including Brittany Mahomes. In the cover story, the pop star discussed her upcoming new music, her desire to collaborate with Beyoncé, and the influence the iconic singer has had on her career.

Why it matters

Normani's appearance on the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover further cements her status as a rising pop star, while her comments about Beyoncé and new music provide insight into her creative process and aspirations. The feature also highlights the growing crossover between the worlds of sports and entertainment.

The details

Normani, who got engaged to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf last year, is one of six NFL WAGs featured on the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. The other women included are Brittany Mahomes, Ronika Love, Claire Kittle, Christen Goff, and Haley Cavinder. In the cover story, Normani confirmed that she has new music "in the works" following her 2024 debut solo album Dopamine. She also expressed her desire to collaborate with her idol, Beyoncé, praising the iconic singer's longevity and influence on her own career.

  • Normani announced her engagement to DK Metcalf in March 2025.
  • Normani's debut solo album Dopamine was released in 2024.
  • The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue featuring Normani was published on February 6, 2026.

The players

Normani

A pop singer who rose to fame as a member of the group Fifth Harmony and has since launched a successful solo career, scoring several top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

DK Metcalf

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who got engaged to Normani in 2025.

Beyoncé

A legendary singer, songwriter, and performer who Normani cites as a major influence and her dream collaboration.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Normani

“You know, I pay attention to my fans. I might not be the best when it comes to social media, and I've made that vow to myself that I am going to be better at that — not only for myself, but also for the people who support me and my fans — but I pay close attention, and 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.”

— Normani

What’s next

Normani is expected to release new music in the coming months, following up on the success of her 2024 debut solo album Dopamine.

The takeaway

Normani's appearance on the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, alongside her comments about new music and her admiration for Beyoncé, solidify her status as a rising pop star who is poised for continued success and influence in the entertainment industry.