From her time spent on X-Factor to being a voice in the girl group Fifth Harmony, Normani’s talent has always preceded her. To be an entertainer who sings and dances requires a special kind of dedication. Even after going out on her own and releasing a solid debut single, she maintains a fanbase invested in her every move. This time around, fans don’t only want an album, they want the deets on her new beau.
Fans didn’t know who Normani was dating until 2022 – though she’d met that special someone as far back as 2020. Rumors and hearsay cumulated in the big reveal that she was linked with DK Metcalf. Fast-forward to 2025, and the pair are officially engaged. How did we get here? Here’s a look at who Normani is dating and the full timeline of their relationship, from getting set up by Ciara to ‘holding that rock up.’
Who Is Normani Dating?
Focus on her music has helped the singer-dancer to achieve a net worth of over $10 million through successful singles, brand deals and tours. And, while she plans to remain focused on her career with the drop of her debut album “Dopamine”, a romantic connection has gained her attention.
In 2018, Normani spoke to love in an interview saying that women must protect their hearts at all costs. She prefers to lay low and read people before falling, even with falling in love can be a beautiful experience if shared with someone who views it as such. Though Normani has been rumored to keep her love interests close, the secret about her and DK Metcalf is out – and we’re so excited.
Who Is DK Metcalf?
It was reported that Normani had previously dated artist Rameer Colon. The pair hit it off after meeting at a backup dancer audition. She even confirmed the details herself after announcing their relationship during an interview with 97.9 in Houston after the pair met at a backup dancer audition.
The initial spark did not last, but made room for her current beau, DeKaylin Zecharius also known as “DK” Metcalf. The Mississippi native is a second-generation footballer whose interests include his faith and philanthropy. He’s a played for the Seattle Seahawks, but was just recently traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a wide receiver, with one All-Pro selection and two Pro Bowl nods.
Ciara Set Them Up in 2020
Ciara and Russel Wilson were the instigators of this relationship, as Normani would later reveal in an interview with Apple Music. Ciara had apparently been trying to set Normani and DK Metcalf up for a while, finally getting the two to link at a party in 2020. “If you could trust a couple [to set you up], that would be the couple,” Normani recounted in the 2024 interview. “She was really adamant about coming [to the party]. I just knew it was something else because she was very adamant, and when I was on the way, she was like, ‘Oh yeah, your boy’s gonna be there.'”
“They was playing cupid,” she added, “but it worked.”
DK Metcalf would back this up: “We hit it off from day one.”
Though the pair proved to be a quick match, their fans wouldn’t know until a much later. Publicly, Normani and DK Metcalf first got the rumor mill churning when they were spotted at a Santa Monica, CA restaurant, Giorgio Baldi, in June of 2022. When asked about their status, they decided to keep their dealings to themselves.
The Couple Went Instagram Official
A year later, they were photographed at DK’s teammate Ty Lockett’s wedding. A capture of their embrace, him kissing her on the cheek and her smiling with her eyes closed, made it onto the couple’s Instagram stories creating frenzy amongst their fanbases.
After making their relationship Instagram official, the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver and “Motivation” singer were also captured (via photo) by former teammate Russel Wilson – part of the power couple that set them up in the first place. Normani was pictured in a floor-length dress and DK in a tux blazer, shorts and sneakers. Fans of the individual talents have expressed their excitement for this demonstration of Black love.
DK Inspired Tracks on “Dopamine”
In June 2024, Normani dropped her debut album, Dopamine. While she should have been excited about kicking off her career as a soloist after spending years in Fifth Harmony, her mother and father’s cancer diagnoses led to a creative block. She told Rolling Stone that she struggled and felt “tested” through the process. However, Normani had DK at her side.
She credited the football star for lending her artistry a much-needed boost during this otherwise rocky time in her life, even inspiring a few songs. On The Terrell Show, Normani said that “Lights On” was about DK Metcalf – which he was “hype” to learn.
Normani seems to be having fun with Dopamine’s release and DK’s involvement, calling DK Metcalf to recite some steamy lyrics from her song “Wild Side” as a prank during an interview with Elle.
Normani and DK Metcalf are Engaged
In a March 13th, 2025 press conference with the Steelers, DK Metcalf broke the big news: he and Normani are engaged. He encouraged her to “Hold that rock up, baby,” showing off her engagement ring.
He detailed that the proposal happened in Houston, with both families in attendance for his sister’s spring break weekend. The symbolism of joining the families with an engagement ring spoke to him, so he took the plunge – though it wasn’t the first time he’d tried to pop the question.
“I tried to [propose] last year, but she’s a singer, and her work kind of conflicted with the schedule.”
Through the Houston trip, he’d sent her flowers, each with a story attached. The final flower, of course, had the attached note of “Will you marry me?” Needless to say, Normani said yes.
With wedding bells certainly in the future, we’re excited to see what is to come for Normani and DK Metcalf, and wish them the very best.