
Normani and the members of her former group Fifth Harmony have always been huge fans of TLC, and they would always show them love, praising them as inspirations in interviews and covering their songs in various shows.
Normani has paid some more homage this week, when she deservedly was presented with the opportunity to perform her latest single, “Wild Side“, at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, and she did not disappoint!
Normani delivered the TV debut of “Wild Side” in a TLC inspired silver metallic outfit that drew from the group’s 1999 “No Scrubs” video. Normani was joined by a group of backup dancers in similar outfits that accompanied Normani as she danced across the stage.
Normani’s performance for the song, which samples Aaliyah’s “One in a Million”, also featured choreography very reminiscent of Aaliyah’s music video for the hit 1996 track.

She then gave us a raunchy dose of Janet Jackson inspired choreography, when she brought out singer Teyana Taylor out on stage, strapped to a human shaped platform, where she then seductively danced around and over Teyana, very much like Janet seduces a fan during the segment on her own tour.
Fans were also quick to point out the similarities and excitedly took to Twitter:
NORMANI GIVING TLC TEASE WITH THE OUTFIT #VMAS pic.twitter.com/aefaRNHWc5
— Kayla 🪐 (@KaylaOnShine) September 13, 2021
Normani’s VMA performance gave Aaliyah TLC vibes and she killed it
— ✨Jimmy Brooks✨ (@Tayweakley) September 14, 2021
Alright #Normani! You did the damn thang! You're giving the chil'ren Aaliyah, TLC, and The Empress of Pop #JanetJackson mixed with your own vibe! #VMAs 5th Harmony who?https://t.co/J2wigZ7jD6
— MrBrownRoyyal (@mrbrownroyyal) September 13, 2021
normani referenced both aaliyah and janet, YEA SHE KNOWS! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/QfI3BZlW7V
— ‘𝘮.☆ (@dlceszn) September 13, 2021
What were your thoughts on the Normani VMA performance?