Normani Says Her Parents’ Cancer Diagnoses Stood in the Way of Her Creativity: ‘I’ve Definitely Been Tested’

It wasn’t easy for Normani to see both of her parents get diagnosed with cancer while she worked on her debut album, Dopamine.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the “Wild Side” singer opened up about how her mother Andrea and father Derrick’s respective cancer diagnoses impacted her creativity while she made the upcoming album.

“Finding out my mom was diagnosed and then the following year finding out that my dad was diagnosed was one of the greatest challenges,” Normani, 28, told the outlet.

“I’m a human being, and the pain that I experience takes away from me being able to be creative and having the motivation to get up and be productive,” she added. “That was something that I really struggled with. I’ve definitely been tested throughout this process, but there’s a beautiful side to it, too. I’ve given up a lot to be in the position I’m in.”

Andrea was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Normani, an only child, was 5 years old, and she was in remission for 19 years before the Fifth Harmony alum shared news of her mom’s illness returning in October 2020.

Derrick was also diagnosed with cancer about a year after Andrea entered treatment, Normani previously revealed to Bose last year.

The “Motivation” performer has been working on her debut album since 2018, and fans were awaiting a release while she was struggling with her parents’ illnesses in private.

At certain points, Normani felt like she needed to clue fans in on her situation. “I just felt like I’ve [faced] so much resistance. It hasn’t always been fun,” she said.

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“That’s one thing that I promised myself: I want to be intentional in making myself happier throughout the process. I’m never going to get my first album back,” she said of Dopamine. “I wish that I could look back and be like, ‘That was so fun.’ Next time around, I’m just going to make the process more enjoyable.”

Dopamine, preceded by the singles “1:59” with Gunna and “Candy Paint,” is set for a June 14 release — and Normani is excited for fans to hear the album and learn “that I’m f—ing strong despite everything that I’ve endured.”

“It’s a testament to my strength and my resilience and my discipline. I’m a lot more sure of myself, a lot more comfortable. I’ve done a really good job at navigating and getting back to who I am and recognizing the beauty. I’m trusting myself a lot more,” she added.