Star’s raunchy performance sparks frenzy

US singer Normani vaulted ahead as one of the highlight performances from today’s MTV VMAs, with fans convinced it was a cryptic coming out move.

The 25-year-old former Fifth Harmony band member turned soloist triggered a wave of social media commentary after performing her new single, Wild Side.

In the final seconds of her high-energy set, Normani paid homage to Janet Jackson as she grinded on singer and dancer, Teyana Taylor, who was fixed to a pole.

And this was just the beginning. Normani appeared to simulate sex acts with Taylor.
 

The raunchy moment sparked widespread speculation the singer was trying to tell us all something.
 

YALL IS THIS NORMANI COMING OUT ????? #VMAs

— anna margaretha marina astrid miedema 100 gs era (@williamsonleahh) September 13, 2021

Is Normani lowkey coming out of the closet? Work it gurl.

— naturistfred (@naturistfred) September 13, 2021

Is Normani lowkey coming out of the closet? Work it gurl.

— naturistfred (@naturistfred) September 13, 2021

had to stop the car for this performance. no matter how you look at it she's truly the next black pop icon. the performer of our generation. NORMANI WE NEED YOU #VMAs pic.twitter.com/7tXl8o9xyj

— imani NORMANI DAY (@hoseokordei) September 13, 2021

Normani has never performed like that before……… pic.twitter.com/uBQde4MYfI

— D-DAY?? (@solodownotr) September 13, 2021

Normani is gonna have the girlies mad. pic.twitter.com/YuqDdEXudb

— BaileyGurls (@BaileyGurls) September 13, 2021

Normani is yet to comment on the reaction to her performance.

The VMAs took place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre today, with Justin Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo cleaning up a sweep of awards.

Bieber won Artist of the Year, eclipsing a strong field including Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, as well as the Best Pop award for Peaches.

Lil Nas X took out the top honour – Video of the Year – for MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).