Social media has not been able to stop talking about Fifth Harmony's surprise reunion this week. On August 31, 2025, serving as the surprise guests for the Jonas Brothers' Greetings From Your Hometown concert in Dallas, Texas, Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane, and Lauren Jauregui reunited on stage for the first time since their unexpected 2018 split.
Singing hits like "Worth It" and "Work From Home" with choreography and matching leather looks, fans were immediately transported to simpler times when Fifth Harmony was on top. One of the best-selling girl groups of all time, they defined the 2010s and sold over 33 million records, continuing to maintain a devout fandom. There is speculation that this may be the spark that ignites a 2026 reunion tour, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
However, Camila Cabello's notable absence from the reunion highlighted just how solidified her solo career is, and how returning to Fifth Harmony would ultimately be a step backwards for the artist. So why isn't the same true for Normani?
Fifth Harmony Solo Careers
Following the demise of Fifth Harmony, each member of the group found their footing and redefined who they were as artists. Dinah Jane went on to explore a more R&B-leaning sound, with her 2019 EP Dinah Jane 1 featuring artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Marc E. Bassy. Lauren Jauregui, who recently announced she'll be joining this new season's cast of "Dancing With The Stars," also leaned more towards alternative R&B on her own solo work. Ally Brooke opted to tap into the Latin market with Spanish-language releases and collaborations with artists like Messiah. Though supported by the fans that stayed loyal, these ventures weren't exactly massive.
However, no one was quite as polished nor deeply invested in this next chapter of their careers as Camila Cabello and Normani were. Cabello single-handedly fortified herself as a pop superstar, with her debut solo single "Havana" topping charts globally. She earned two Latin Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award, among many more accolades. Things up-leveled even further when her Shawn Mendes-assisted single "Señorita" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Seamlessly, her name became a household one. Yet, Normani's solo venture didn't generate that same success.
Normani's Solo Career
Normani launched her solo career in 2018 with the Khalid duet "Love Lies," which went multi-platinum. She captivated audiences with viral live performances, including the 2019 MTV VMAs, while singles like "Motivation" and "Wild Side" quickly became fan favorites. This should have been set up for a skyrocket to the top, though that momentum wasn't able to be maintained.
Normani is a case where the talent and potential are undeniable, yet the rollout somehow hasn't matched the hype. She was positioned to be the group's breakout superstar thanks to her stage presence, dancing ability, and star power, yet Cabello was ultimately the star to rise to the occasion.
Normani's debut album was inexplicably delayed and once it finally arrived, it fell by the wayside. Fans argue that Normani has been sabotaged by her own team behind the scenes. They've noted that not enough intention has been poured into her marketing and album campaigns, only receiving a sliver of the push, budget, or promotional support that her peers do. Notably, her label, RCA Records, has often been criticized for poorly managing Black female artists in pop/R&B.
What's worth noting is that Normani's career hasn't flopped; it's stalled. While she's fallen victim to label politics, album delays, high expectations, and branding struggles, the fire still burns within her. Normani's talent is undeniable, and she could always be one hit away from claiming her rightful throne.