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{{Short description|American singer (born 2000)}} | ||
{{redirect|WILLOW|other uses|Willow (disambiguation)}} | |||
{{Use American English|date=July 2022}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} | ||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = Willow Smith | | name = Willow Smith | ||
| image = |
| image = Willow Smith Black Shield Maiden 2024.png | ||
| |
| caption = Smith in 2024 | ||
| birth_name = <!-- Valid citation required for full name for BLP. (WP:BLPPRIVACY) --> | |||
| caption = Smith performing in 2015 in ] | |||
| birth_name = Willow Camille Reign Smith | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|10|31}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|10|31}} | ||
| birth_place = ], U.S. | | birth_place = ], ], U.S. | ||
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer |
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|actress}} | ||
| years_active = 2007–present | | years_active = 2007–present | ||
| mother = ] | | mother = ] | ||
| father = ] | | father = ] | ||
| relatives = ] (brother) | | relatives = ] (brother) | ||
| works = {{hlist| ]|]}} | |||
| module = {{Infobox musical artist | | module = {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| embed = yes | | embed = yes | ||
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]<ref>{{cite web |title=Willow Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/willow-mn0002577989/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=2022-03-05}}</ref>}} | |||
| genre = | |||
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|MSFTSMusic|]|]<ref>{{cite web |title=Gamma. Aligns With Three Six Zero |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=340169&title=GAMMA.-ALIGNS-WITH-THREE-SIX-ZERO |website=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures |access-date=8 May 2024}}</ref>|Three Six Zero<ref>{{cite web |title=Gamma. Aligns With Three Six Zero |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=340169&title=GAMMA.-ALIGNS-WITH-THREE-SIX-ZERO |website=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures |access-date=8 May 2024}}</ref>}} | |||
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|piano}} | |||
| |
| current_member_of = ] | ||
| associated_acts = {{hlist|The Anxiety|Jabs|]|]|Tyler Cole|]}} | |||
| website = {{URL|willowsmith.com}} | | website = {{URL|willowsmith.com}} | ||
{{Infobox | |||
| child=yes | |||
| header = Logo | |||
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de | |||
}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Willow |
'''Willow Smith''' (born October 31, 2000), also known ] as '''Willow''', is an American singer. The daughter of ] and ], she has received various accolades, including a ], an ], a ], and nominations for two ]s, a ], and a ]. | ||
Smith made her acting debut in the 2007 film '']'' alongside her father, and later appeared in '']'' with ]. She embarked on a musical career with her 2010 single "]", which peaked at number 11 on the ]. Prior, Smith signed with her mentor, ]'s record label ], becoming the label's youngest artist. The following year, she released the singles "]" and "]" (featuring ]). | |||
Smith later signed to her mentor ]'s record label ], becoming the youngest artist signed to the label, and released the single "]", the following year. In 2015, Smith released her debut album, ''],'' including the single "]", which was certified ] by the ]. Smith would later release her second album ] (2017), and her third album ] (2019). | |||
Smith's debut studio album, '']'' (2015) explored ]. It spawned the single "]", which received ] certification by the ] (RIAA). Her second and third albums, ] (2017) and ] (2019) followed after and were both met with positive reception. Her fourth album, '']'' (2021), marked her first entry on the ] and spawned the single "]", which received ] certification by the RIAA. Later that year, she earned her second top 40 entry on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 with her single "]", which she released as part of the duo ] with ]. Smith's fifth album, '']'' (2022) marked her final release with Roc Nation, after which she signed with ] to release her sixth album, '']'' (2024). | |||
In 2018, Smith began co-hosting the ] talk show '']'' with her mother Jada and grandmother Adrienne, which has earned two ] nominations. | |||
] magazine named her one of the ] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Red Table Talk' Hosts: TIME100 2021|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6095978/adrienne-banfield-norris-willow-jada-pinkett-smith/|access-date=2021-09-28|website=Time|language=en}}</ref> That same year, she won Entertainer of the Year for her work on ''Red Table Talk'' at the ] awards;<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-01|title=Ebony Announces The Return of ‘Ebony Power 100 Awards’ For Their 75th Anniversary|url=https://hellobeautiful.com/3472248/ebony-announces-the-return-of-ebony-power-100-awards-for-their-75th-anniversary/|access-date=2021-12-22|website=HelloBeautiful|language=en-US}}</ref> and was placed on '']'s'' 'Greatest Pop Stars of 2021' list, being named the 'Comeback Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jefferson|first=J'na|date=2021-12-09|title=Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2021: Comeback Artist of the Year — Willow|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/willow-comeback-artist-of-the-year-1235007451/|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref> Smith was also placed on the 2022 ] list.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith, Fletcher And More Join Forbes ’30 Under 30’ Class Of 2022|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/olivia-rodrigo-willow-smith-fletcher-213723352.html|access-date=2021-12-22|website=www.yahoo.com|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Smith was born on October 31, 2000, in ].<ref>Leone Shewfelt, Raechal (October 31, 2012). . '']''.</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125011555/http://www.biography.com/people/willow-smith-17176480#awesm=~oFY6lR6mHtuBS3 |date=January 25, 2016 }}. ]. Retrieved June 1, 2014.</ref> She is the daughter of the actress-musician ] and actor-musician ]. She has two older siblings: her brother ], an actor and musician, and her half-brother Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III, an actor and DJ. Smith and her siblings are youth ambassadors for Project Zambi, which, in conjunction with ],<ref>{{cite news|date=October 7, 2009 |title=Jaden and Willow Smith support Project Zambi |url=http://www.intouchweekly.com/2009/10/jaden_and_willow_smith_support.php |work=In Touch Weekly |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 7, 2009 |title=Actors Jaden and Willow Smith Join Hasbro, Inc.'s Project Zambi as Youth Ambassadors |url=http://www.projectzambi.org/zambi_news_events.html |publisher=Project Zambi |access-date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117095023/http://www.projectzambi.org/zambi_news_events.html |archive-date=January 17, 2010 }}</ref> provides assistance for ] children orphaned by ]. | |||
Smith attended ] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiedeman |first1=Reeves |title=The Most Famous High School Basketball Team in the World |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/02/sierra-canyon-basketball-team.html |access-date=April 28, 2020 |work=Intelligencer |date=February 19, 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref> | Smith attended ] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiedeman |first1=Reeves |title=The Most Famous High School Basketball Team in the World |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/02/sierra-canyon-basketball-team.html |access-date=April 28, 2020 |work=Intelligencer |date=February 19, 2020 |language=en-us}}</ref> | ||
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==Career== | ==Career== | ||
===2007–2013: Acting and music endeavors=== | ===2007–2013: Acting and music endeavors=== | ||
] | ] | ||
Smith made her acting debut in '']'' alongside her father.<ref>{{cite news|date=December 2, 2007 |title=Will Smith: My Daughter Wants to Be Paris Hilton |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20163838,00.html |first1=Brian |last1=Orloff |first2=Lauren |last2=Lazaruk |work=People |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> Her next film, '']'',<ref>{{cite |
Smith made her acting debut in '']'' alongside her father.<ref>{{cite news|date=December 2, 2007 |title=Will Smith: My Daughter Wants to Be Paris Hilton |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20163838,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117052321/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20163838,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 17, 2008 |first1=Brian |last1=Orloff |first2=Lauren |last2=Lazaruk |work=People |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> Her next film, '']'',<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 2010 |title=Rising Son: The New Karate Kid |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/fanfair/2010/06/jaden-smith-201006 |first=Krista |last=Smith |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=June 8, 2010}}</ref> was released on July 2, 2008. In 2008, she voiced the character of young Gloria the hippo in '']'', alongside her mother as Gloria the hippo. | ||
In June 2009, Smith's mother Jada Pinkett Smith announced in an interview on '']'' that Smith would be releasing an album. Smith then released her first single, "]", which went platinum in the US and peaked at number |
In June 2009, Smith's mother Jada Pinkett Smith announced in an interview on '']'' that Smith would be releasing an album. Smith then released her first single, "]", which went platinum in the US and peaked at number 11 on the ]. In the UK, the single peaked at number two. Its video was nominated for Video of the Year at the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Video of the Year|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2011/nominees/video-of-the-year.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521185545/http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2011/nominees/video-of-the-year.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 21, 2011|access-date=November 21, 2011|publisher=Black Entertainment Television (BET)}}</ref> Smith soon after announced her next single, "]". After she performed the song on '']'', she released it the next day on February 3, 2011. The video was released March 9, 2011. On January 20, 2011, Will Smith announced he was planning to produce a ] of the Broadway musical '']'' starring Smith in the title role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/will-smith-annie-jay-z-sandy-97354/ |title=Will Smith Planning 'Annie' Remake With Jay-Z |website=Screen Rant |date=January 20, 2011 |access-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref> However, Smith was deemed too old and the title role was given to ] in February 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2013/02/24/quvenzhane-wallis-to-star-in-annie-musical/ |title=Beasts of the Southern Wild' breakout Quvenzhané Wallis to star in new big-screen 'Annie' |first=Josh |last=Rottenberg |date=February 24, 2013|work=]}}</ref> | ||
On October 6, 2011, "Fireball", a collaboration between Smith and rapper ], was released. "Fireball" was a commercial failure, failing to chart in any type of music market, except the US R&B chart, charting at 121. It was her first song to miss the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Smith's producer announced that she were almost finished working on her debut album, and that it would be done soon. He also said it has a similar style to "Whip My Hair". The title of the album was later announced to be ''Knees and Elbows''.<ref name=huffpo>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/willow-smith-wants-to-emp_0_n_1136308.html|title=Willow Smith Talks New Album 'Knees and Elbows' |work=]|last=Moody|first=Nekesa Mumbi|date=December 8, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2012}}</ref> It was scheduled to be released around April 2012, but was later announced that it would be postponed for release later in the year. On May 1, 2012, she released a music video for "Do it Like Me (Rockstar)",<ref name="FirstVideo">{{cite web|url=http://www.teen.com/2012/05/02/news/entertainment-news/willow-smith-do-it-like-me-rockstar-video/|title=Willow Smith Debuts Her First Ever Music Video for "Do It Like Me (Rockstar)"|last=Cubria|first=Kaitlin|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2013|publisher=Teen.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625120145/http://www.teen.com/2012/05/02/news/entertainment-news/willow-smith-do-it-like-me-rockstar-video/|archive-date=June 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> saying that it was her "first video ever".<ref name="FirstVideo"/> On July 2, 2012, Smith released the "I Am Me" music video at the ]. On July 17, she released her fourth single, "I Am Me" via ] and ]. | On October 6, 2011, "Fireball", a collaboration between Smith and rapper ], was released. "Fireball" was a commercial failure, failing to chart in any type of music market, except the US R&B chart, charting at 121. It was her first song to miss the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Smith's producer announced that she were almost finished working on her debut album, and that it would be done soon. He also said it has a similar style to "Whip My Hair". The title of the album was later announced to be ''Knees and Elbows''.<ref name=huffpo>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/willow-smith-wants-to-emp_0_n_1136308.html|title=Willow Smith Talks New Album 'Knees and Elbows' |work=]|last=Moody|first=Nekesa Mumbi|date=December 8, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2012}}</ref> It was scheduled to be released around April 2012, but was later announced that it would be postponed for release later in the year. On May 1, 2012, she released a music video for "Do it Like Me (Rockstar)",<ref name="FirstVideo">{{cite web|url=http://www.teen.com/2012/05/02/news/entertainment-news/willow-smith-do-it-like-me-rockstar-video/|title=Willow Smith Debuts Her First Ever Music Video for "Do It Like Me (Rockstar)"|last=Cubria|first=Kaitlin|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=July 13, 2013|publisher=Teen.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625120145/http://www.teen.com/2012/05/02/news/entertainment-news/willow-smith-do-it-like-me-rockstar-video/|archive-date=June 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> saying that it was her "first video ever".<ref name="FirstVideo"/> On July 2, 2012, Smith released the "I Am Me" music video at the ]. On July 17, she released her fourth single, "I Am Me" via ] and ]. | ||
In the summer of 2013, Smith and DJ Fabrega started a duo titled "Melodic Chaotic"."The Intro" was released as the first work, "Summer Fling" was released as the second work of the two on July 6, 2013. The music video was directed by Smith and Mike Vargas who previously directed her single "I Am Me". The song has been widely criticized for its mature tone, the use of the word "fling", and the fake English accent she incorporates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://de.eonline.com/news/437299/willow-smith-s-summer-fling-video-is-full-of-fake-accents-dancing-young-love-watch-now |title=Willow Smith's "Summer Fling" Video Is Full of Fake Accents, Dancing & Young Love—Watch Now! |publisher=de.eonline.com |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jezebel.com/willow-smith-and-her-fake-accent-have-a-blast-in-summe-698952750 |title=Willow Smith and Her Fake Accent Have a Blast in 'Summer Fling' Video |publisher=jezebel.com |access-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crushable.com/2013/07/08/entertainment/willow-smith-song-summer-fling-melodic-chaotic-video/ |title=Willow Smith's New Music Video Proves Whipping Your Hair Is Out, Faking A British Accent Is In |publisher=crushable.com |access-date=September 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120053356/http://www.crushable.com/2013/07/08/entertainment/willow-smith-song-summer-fling-melodic-chaotic-video/ |archive-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 16, 2013, Smith performed "Summer Fling" on the series premiere of '']''. During the performance, she said: "Just for clarity, the word ''fling'' means something that's short lived...And this song is dedicated to all the kids around the world whose summer is never long enough."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/09/16/willow-smith-performs-summer-fling-on-the-queen-latifah-show/|title=Willow Smith Performs 'Summer Fling' on 'The Queen Latifah Show'|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref> | In the summer of 2013, Smith and DJ Fabrega started a duo titled "Melodic Chaotic". "The Intro" was released as the first work, "Summer Fling" was released as the second work of the two on July 6, 2013. The music video was directed by Smith and Mike Vargas who previously directed her single "I Am Me". The song has been widely criticized for its mature tone, the use of the word "fling", and the fake English accent she incorporates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://de.eonline.com/news/437299/willow-smith-s-summer-fling-video-is-full-of-fake-accents-dancing-young-love-watch-now |title=Willow Smith's "Summer Fling" Video Is Full of Fake Accents, Dancing & Young Love—Watch Now! |publisher=de.eonline.com |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jezebel.com/willow-smith-and-her-fake-accent-have-a-blast-in-summe-698952750 |title=Willow Smith and Her Fake Accent Have a Blast in 'Summer Fling' Video |date=July 8, 2013 |publisher=jezebel.com |access-date=September 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crushable.com/2013/07/08/entertainment/willow-smith-song-summer-fling-melodic-chaotic-video/ |title=Willow Smith's New Music Video Proves Whipping Your Hair Is Out, Faking A British Accent Is In |publisher=crushable.com |access-date=September 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120053356/http://www.crushable.com/2013/07/08/entertainment/willow-smith-song-summer-fling-melodic-chaotic-video/ |archive-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 16, 2013, Smith performed "Summer Fling" on the series premiere of '']''. During the performance, she said: "Just for clarity, the word ''fling'' means something that's short lived...And this song is dedicated to all the kids around the world whose summer is never long enough."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/09/16/willow-smith-performs-summer-fling-on-the-queen-latifah-show/|title=Willow Smith Performs 'Summer Fling' on 'The Queen Latifah Show'|magazine=Rap-Up|access-date=June 1, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908134905/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/09/16/willow-smith-performs-summer-fling-on-the-queen-latifah-show/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===2014–2018: ''3 EP'', ''Ardipithecus'', and ''The 1st''=== | ===2014–2018: ''3 EP'', ''Ardipithecus'', and ''The 1st''=== | ||
On October 24, 2014, Smith and ] announced that Smith would be releasing her debut ], titled "3", on October 31, 2014 for free via ] for limited time and November 10, 2014, but it was later pushed to November 17, 2014 via iTunes. The same day, she held a concert in New York City at The FADER Fort, where she performed select tracks from her new EP with ]. She also performed the song "5" with her brother, as well as "Summer Fling" and a new rendition of her famous hit "Whip My Hair". | On October 24, 2014, Smith and ] announced that Smith would be releasing her debut ], titled "3", on October 31, 2014, for free via ] for limited time and November 10, 2014, but it was later pushed to November 17, 2014, via iTunes. The same day, she held a concert in New York City at The FADER Fort, where she performed select tracks from her new EP with ]. She also performed the song "5" with her brother, as well as "Summer Fling" and a new rendition of her famous hit "Whip My Hair". | ||
Smith released the single "F Q-C #7" on May 7, 2015.<ref name="F Q-C #7">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/f-q-c-7-single/id992263285 |title=F Q-C # 7 |
Smith released the single "F Q-C #7" on May 7, 2015.<ref name="F Q-C #7">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/f-q-c-7-single/id992263285 |title=F Q-C # 7 – Single by Willow |website=Itunes.apple.com |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=December 8, 2015}}</ref> An accompanying music video was released the same day on ].<ref name="F Q-C #7 video">{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcvjHpDMNoI |title= Willow – F Q-C #7| publisher= WillowSmithVEVO | date= May 7, 2015| website= YouTube.com | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150527142536/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcvjHpDMNoI| archive-date= May 27, 2015 |access-date=December 8, 2015}}</ref> After release, on September, a video to the track "Why Don't You Cry" on i-D,<ref name="Why Don't You Cry premiere">{{cite web |url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/world-premiere-watch-willow-smiths-new-video-why-dont-you-cry |title=world premiere: watch willow smith's new video 'why don't you cry' |website=i–d.vice.com/ |date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093956/https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/world-premiere-watch-willow-smiths-new-video-why-dont-you-cry |url-status=dead }}</ref> Willow released her first album '']'' on December 11.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ardipithecus/id1066074941 |title=ARDIPITHECUS by Willow |website= itunes.apple.com/ |date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015}}</ref> About her debut album's title, Willow said "] {{sic}} ] is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth. I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs, I was in such a transitional state. Digging deep in the soil of my heart and finding bits and pieces of my ancient self that tell stories, which end up being the lyrics to the songs."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/willow-smith/90285 |title=Willow Smith surprise-releases debut album 'Ardipithecus' |website= NME.com |date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015}}</ref> | ||
On her birthday, October 31, 2017, she released her second album '']'' which is praised for its musical development, particularly Willow's ability to create music following her 1990s R&B predecessors, despite not having been alive during the time.<ref>Cook, Cameron (November 9, 2017). ''Pitchfork.com''. Retrieved September 25, 2018.</ref> She toured the album with ] alongside St. Beauty, Kodie Shane, and Kitty Cash through the end of 2017.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/11/jhene-aiko-trip-tour-dates/ |title= Jhené Aiko Announces 'Trip' Tour with Willow Smith| date= October 11, 2017| website= Rap-Up.com| access-date= September 25, 2018}}</ref> | On her birthday, October 31, 2017, she released her second album '']'' which is praised for its musical development, particularly Willow's ability to create music following her 1990s R&B predecessors, despite not having been alive during the time.<ref>Cook, Cameron (November 9, 2017). ''Pitchfork.com''. Retrieved September 25, 2018.</ref> She toured the album with ] alongside St. Beauty, Kodie Shane, and Kitty Cash through the end of 2017.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.rap-up.com/2017/10/11/jhene-aiko-trip-tour-dates/ |title= Jhené Aiko Announces 'Trip' Tour with Willow Smith| date= October 11, 2017| website= Rap-Up.com| access-date= September 25, 2018}}</ref> | ||
Along with her mother and grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Smith hosts '']'', a web talk show for which she received a ] nomination.<ref>{{Cite |
Along with her mother and grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Smith hosts '']'', a web talk show for which she received a ] nomination.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2018/10/29/understated-genius-jada-pinkett-smiths-red-table-talk/|title=The understated genius of Jada Pinkett-Smith's Red Table Talk| last= Butler |first= Bethonie| newspaper= ]}}</ref><ref name="emmys">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/daytime-emmy-awards-2020-full-list-nominees-1289414| title=Daytime Emmy Awards: 'General Hospital' Tops Nominations|date=May 22, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|website=]| last1= Nordyke|first1=Kimberly|last2=Howard|first2=Annie}}</ref> | ||
=== |
===2019–2021: ''Willow'', ''The Anxiety'', and ''Lately I Feel Everything''=== | ||
On June 24, 2019, Smith announced her third studio album, '']''. It was released on July 19, 2019, and was co-produced by herself and Tyler Cole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defpen.com/willow-smith-announces-new-album-mini-tour/|title=Willow Smith Announces New Album and Mini-Tour|last=Barrie|first=Fatima|date=June 25, 2019|website=Def Pen}}</ref> The duo later released a collaborative album titled ''The Anxiety'' in 2020. On April 27, 2021, Smith released "]" featuring ], a ] song that was her first foray into that genre.<ref name="Rolling Stone Pop-Punk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/willow-smith-transparent-soul-1161620/|title=Willow Smith Goes Full Pop-Punk on New Track 'Transparent Soul'|first1=Claire|last1=Shaffer|publisher=]|date=April 27, 2021}}</ref><ref name="GW pop-punk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/willow-smith-unleashes-her-inner-pop-punk-in-guitar-centric-new-single-transparent-soul|title=Willow Smith unleashes her inner pop-punk in guitar-centric new single, Transparent Soul|first1=Matt|last1=Owen|date=April 27, 2021|publisher=]}}</ref> Smith released her fourth album '']'' on July 16, featuring guests artists including ] and ].<ref>{{cite |
Willow was managed by Will Smith's management company, Westbrook Entertainment, until March 2019 when Three Six Zero, an established management firm acquired Westbrook.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/management/read/will-smith-s-management-company-westbrook-entertainment-acquired-by-three-six-zero/075671|title=Will Smith's management company Westbrook Entertainment acquired by Three Six Zero|last=Garner|first=George|date=March 19, 2019|website=Music Week|access-date=August 17, 2023}}</ref> Following the acquisition. On June 24, 2019, Smith announced her third studio album, '']''. It was released on July 19, 2019, and was co-produced by herself and Tyler Cole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defpen.com/willow-smith-announces-new-album-mini-tour/|title=Willow Smith Announces New Album and Mini-Tour|last=Barrie|first=Fatima|date=June 25, 2019|website=Def Pen}}</ref> The duo later released a collaborative album titled '']'' in 2020. On April 27, 2021, Smith released "]" featuring ], a ] song that was her first foray into that genre.<ref name="Rolling Stone Pop-Punk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/willow-smith-transparent-soul-1161620/|title=Willow Smith Goes Full Pop-Punk on New Track 'Transparent Soul'|first1=Claire|last1=Shaffer|publisher=]|date=April 27, 2021}}</ref><ref name="GW pop-punk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/willow-smith-unleashes-her-inner-pop-punk-in-guitar-centric-new-single-transparent-soul|title=Willow Smith unleashes her inner pop-punk in guitar-centric new single, Transparent Soul|first1=Matt|last1=Owen|date=April 27, 2021|publisher=]}}</ref> Smith released her fourth album '']'' on July 16, featuring guests artists including ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Mamo |first1=Heran |title=Inside Willow's Mission To Change the Face of Punk – And What To Expect From Her Upcoming Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9591965/willow-lately-i-feel-everything-new-album-interview/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=11 July 2021 |date=25 June 2021}}</ref> In late 2021, "]" from ''The Anxiety'' reached the ], peaking at number 21.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2013-01-02|title=The Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/|access-date=2021-11-30|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref> That same year, ] named her one of the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title='Red Table Talk' Hosts: TIME100 2021|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2021/6095978/adrienne-banfield-norris-willow-jada-pinkett-smith/|access-date=2021-09-28|magazine=Time|language=en}}</ref> Also in 2021, she won Entertainer of the Year for her work on ''Red Table Talk'' at the ] awards,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-01|title=Ebony Announces The Return of 'Ebony Power 100 Awards' For Their 75th Anniversary|url=https://hellobeautiful.com/3472248/ebony-announces-the-return-of-ebony-power-100-awards-for-their-75th-anniversary/|access-date=2021-12-22|website=HelloBeautiful|language=en-US}}</ref> and was placed on '']'s'' 'Greatest Pop Stars of 2021' list, being named the 'Comeback Artist of the Year'.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Jefferson|first=J'na|date=2021-12-09|title=Billboard's Greatest Pop Stars of 2021: Comeback Artist of the Year — Willow|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/willow-comeback-artist-of-the-year-1235007451/|access-date=2021-12-22|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref> Smith was also placed on the 2022 ] list.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith, Fletcher And More Join Forbes '30 Under 30' Class Of 2022|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/olivia-rodrigo-willow-smith-fletcher-213723352.html|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Yahoo!|language=en-US|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222055120/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/olivia-rodrigo-willow-smith-fletcher-213723352.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===2022–present: ''Coping Mechanism'', ''Empathogen''=== | |||
In February 2022, a preview from Willow Smith's book '']'', co-written with Jess Hendel and set to be published through ], was shared on social media and criticized by users for depicting the ], an ethnic group indigenous to ], as "thieves and slavers".<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Mounir |first=Ghufrane |date=21 February 2022 |title=Black Shield Maiden: Willow Smith's new book lambasted over representation of Muslims |work=Middle East Eye |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/black-shield-maiden-willow-smith-book-lambasted-muslim-representation}}</ref> Others have also critiqued the book for adopting a colonialist view of ] people.<ref name=":1" /> Critics and users have condemned Smith for the use of harmful racist as well as Islamophobic stereotypes in her novel, and have labelled the book as being orientalist.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Omar |first=Idman |date=15 March 2022 |title=Why Willow Smith's New Book Deserves to Be Cancelled |work=Amaliah |url=https://www.amaliah.com/post/64253/amazigh-muslims-willow-smith}}</ref> | |||
In February 2022, Smith pulled out of ]'s ] due to production limitations.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Willow Exits Billie Eilish Tour Due to 'Production Limitations' |url=https://www.billboard.com/video/willow-exits-billie-eilish-tour-due-to-production-limitations-billboard-news/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> On April 8, 2022, Smith featured on ]'s track "]" from Cabello's third studio album '']''. A music video for the song was released on the same day,<ref>{{Citation |title=Camila Cabello – psychofreak (Official Music Video) ft. WILLOW | date=April 8, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXDjVHgeZ3A |language=en |access-date=2022-04-08}}</ref> followed by a live performance on '']''.<ref></ref> | |||
'']'' is the fifth studio album by Smith. The album was released on October 7, 2022, through ] and ], and features ].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/willow-smith-interview-coping-mechanism-kerrang-cover-story-i-feel-like-the-biggest-pressure-is-the-pressure-to-just-be-authentic/|title=WILLOW: "I feel like the biggest pressure is the pressure to just be…|website=Kerrang!|date=September 21, 2022 }}</ref> | |||
In June 2022, Smith released "]", the first single from her fifth studio album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/willow-maybe-its-my-fault-metalcore-breakdown-ending/|title=WILLOW's New Song 'Maybe It's My Fault' Has a Wicked Metalcore Breakdown|first=Philip|last=Trapp|website=Loudwire|date=June 24, 2022 }}</ref> | |||
In July 2022, Smith published the album art as well as the release date for the album. The following month, the singer put out "Hover Like a Goddess".<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/willow-coping-mechanism-album-release-date-features|title=Willow Announces New Album 'CopingMechanism'|first=Steffanee|last=Wang|website=Nylon|date=August 4, 2022 }}</ref> | |||
In October 2022, Smith made her official musical guest debut on '']'' on October 8, 2022, the second episode of ], hosted by Irish actor ], where she performed "Curious/Furious" and "Ur a Stranger". | |||
Her first single since ''Coping Mechanism'', "Alone", was released in November 2023. Her next single, "]", was released in March 2024, followed by "]" in April. The same day as the single's release, Smith announced her sixth studio album '']'', which was released May 4, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/willow-returns-with-new-album-empathogen/ar-AA1o6ZrZ|title=Willow Returns With New Album 'Empathogen'|website=Microsoft Start|date=May 4, 2024}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
In May 2014, ], who was 20 at the time, was photographed shirtless in a bed with then-13-year-old Smith.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Macatee|first=Rebecca|title=Willow Smith, 13, in Bed With Shirtless Actor Moisés Arias, 20|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/539430/willow-smith-13-in-bed-with-shirtless-actor-mois-eacute-s-arias-20|date=May 7, 2014|work=]}}</ref> The photo triggered an investigation into the family by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thegrio.com/2019/12/12/jada-pinkett-smith-willow-2014-investigation-children-family-services/|website=]|title=Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow talk 2014 investigation on their family|last=Onley|first=Dawn|date=December 12, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In June 2019, Smith came out as ], stating "I love men and women equally". She also mentioned her support of ] relationships and her desire to be in one.<ref name="WScomingOut">{{cite news|url=https://www.pride.com/comingout/2019/6/25/willow-smith-comes-out-i-love-men-and-women-equally|title=Willow Smith Comes Out: 'I Love Men and Women Equally'|last1=Henderson|first1=Taylor|date=June 25, 2019|work=Pride.com|access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In June 2019, Smith revealed that she is ], stating: "I love men and women equally". She also mentioned her support of ] relationships and her desire to be in one.<ref name="WScomingOut">{{cite news|url=https://www.pride.com/comingout/2019/6/25/willow-smith-comes-out-i-love-men-and-women-equally|title=Willow Smith Comes Out: 'I Love Men and Women Equally'|last1=Henderson|first1=Taylor|date=June 25, 2019|work=Pride.com|access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> She is a practicing Hindu and has been actively seen following ], which follows the doctrine of ] with a tradition which believes ] as the Supreme Lord.<ref name="WSReligion">{{cite news|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Iav1yOFo6/?igsh=ZjBzaTJocmUxcjEx|title=Willow Smith Religion|date=January 6, 2023|access-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref> | |||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
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* '']'' (2019) | * '']'' (2019) | ||
* '']'' (2021) | * '']'' (2021) | ||
* '']'' (2022) | |||
* '']'' (2024) | |||
'''Collaborative albums''' | '''Collaborative albums''' | ||
* ''The Anxiety'' (2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/entertainment/willow-smith-tyler-cole-the-anxiety-trnd/index.html|title=Willow Smith and Tyler Cole release new album 'The Anxiety' after spending 24 hours in a museum|first=Leah|last=Asmelash|website=CNN}}</ref> {{small|(with Tyler Cole)}} | * '']'' (2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/14/entertainment/willow-smith-tyler-cole-the-anxiety-trnd/index.html|title=Willow Smith and Tyler Cole release new album 'The Anxiety' after spending 24 hours in a museum|first=Leah|last=Asmelash|website=CNN|date=March 14, 2020 }}</ref> {{small|(with Tyler Cole)}} | ||
==Filmography== | ==Filmography== | ||
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| rowspan=2|2008 || '']'' || Countee Garby || | | rowspan=2|2008 || '']'' || Countee Garby || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '']'' || ] (voice) || | | '']'' || ] (voice) || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2009 ||'']'' || Abby (voice) || TV movie | | 2009 ||'']'' || Abby (voice) || TV movie | ||
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| Episode: "]" | | Episode: "]" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2018–2023 | |||
| 2018–present | |||
|'']'' | |'']'' | ||
| Herself | | Herself | ||
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| '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| Herself | | Herself | ||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 2022 | | rowspan=2|2022 | ||
|'']'' | |'']'' | ||
| Unica (voice) | | Unica (voice) | ||
| Recurring: Season 1 and 2 | |||
| Episode: "Unica" | |||
|- | |- | ||
|'']'' | |||
| Herself; musical guest | |||
| 2 episodes: "]/]", "]/Willow" | |||
|} | |} | ||
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| '']'' | | '']'' | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| rowspan=4| {{ |
| rowspan=4| {{citation needed|date=October 2021}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2009 | | 2009 | ||
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| Most Viral Video | | Most Viral Video | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| rowspan=9| {{ |
| rowspan=9| {{citation needed|date=October 2021}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan=4|] | | rowspan=4|] | ||
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| Herself | | Herself | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/Queerties2020/vote-2013|title |
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/Queerties2020/vote-2013|title=The QUEERTIES 2020 / Closet Door Bustdown Winners|website=Queerty.com|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214194736/https://www.queerty.com/Queerties2020/vote-2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan= |
| rowspan=4|2021 | ||
|Daytime Emmy Awards | |Daytime Emmy Awards | ||
|Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host | |Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host | ||
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| Celebrity | | Celebrity | ||
| Herself | | Herself | ||
| {{ |
| {{nom}} | ||
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishlgbtawards.com/top-10-celebrities-2021/|title=Top 10 Celebrities 2021 – British LGBT Awards|website=Britishlgbtawards.com|accessdate=September 8, 2021}}</ref> | | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishlgbtawards.com/top-10-celebrities-2021/|title=Top 10 Celebrities 2021 – British LGBT Awards|website=Britishlgbtawards.com|date=April 20, 2021 |accessdate=September 8, 2021}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| "Transparent Soul" (featuring ]) | |||
| {{Nom}} | |||
|<ref>{{Cite web|title= THE 2021 VMA NOMINATIONS ARE HEE: JUSTIN BIEBER, MEGAN THEE STALLION, AND MORE |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3179856/vma-nominees-2021-justin-bieber-megan-thee-stallion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811160224/http://www.mtv.com/news/3179856/vma-nominees-2021-justin-bieber-megan-thee-stallion/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=MTV}}</ref> | |||
|- | |- | ||
| ] | |||
| rowspan=2|2022 | |||
| Best Alternative | |||
| "Transparent Soul" (featuring ]) | |||
| {{Nom}} | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="3"|2022 | |||
| ] | | ] | ||
|Best New Alternative Artist | | Best New Alternative Artist | ||
|Herself | | Herself | ||
| {{Nom}} | |||
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See The Full List Of Winners|url=https://news.iheart.com/featured/iheartradio-music-awards/content/2022-03-22-2022-iheartradio-music-awards-see-the-full-list-of-winners/|access-date= March 22, 2022|website=news.iheart.com}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="2"|] | |||
| rowspan="2"|Best Alternative Video | |||
| "]" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your 2022 VMA Nominations Are Here: Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X Lead The Pack |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/hwekgl/vmas-2022-nominees-lil-nas-x-jack-harlow-kendrick-lamar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726133318/https://www.mtv.com/news/hwekgl/vmas-2022-nominees-lil-nas-x-jack-harlow-kendrick-lamar |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| "Grow" | |||
| {{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
| Rowspan=2|2025 | |||
| rowspan=2| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| “]” | |||
| {{pending}} | | {{pending}} | ||
| |
|<ref>{{Cite web |title= Grammy Nominations 2025: Beyonce Leads With 11 Nods as Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX Are Among Top Nominees |url= https://variety.com/2024/music/news/grammy-nominations-2025-beyonce-taylor-swift-chappell-roan-complete-list-1236204610/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Variety |language=en}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| “]” | |||
| {{pending}} | |||
|<ref>{{Cite web |title= Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Full List Here |url= https://pitchfork.com/news/grammy-nominations-2025-see-the-full-list-here/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Pitchfork|language=en}}</ref> | |||
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|} | |} | ||
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Latest revision as of 22:53, 18 December 2024
American singer (born 2000) "WILLOW" redirects here. For other uses, see Willow (disambiguation).
Willow Smith | |
---|---|
Smith in 2024 | |
Born | (2000-10-31) October 31, 2000 (age 24) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2007–present |
Works | |
Parents |
|
Relatives | Jaden Smith (brother) |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Labels |
|
Member of | The Anxiety |
Website | willowsmith |
Musical artist |
Willow Smith (born October 31, 2000), also known mononymously as Willow, is an American singer. The daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, she has received various accolades, including a Young Artist Award, an NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, and nominations for two Daytime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a MTV Video Music Award.
Smith made her acting debut in the 2007 film I Am Legend alongside her father, and later appeared in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl with Abigail Breslin. She embarked on a musical career with her 2010 single "Whip My Hair", which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Prior, Smith signed with her mentor, Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation, becoming the label's youngest artist. The following year, she released the singles "21st Century Girl" and "Fireball" (featuring Nicki Minaj).
Smith's debut studio album, Ardipithecus (2015) explored neo soul. It spawned the single "Wait a Minute!", which received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her second and third albums, The 1st (2017) and Willow (2019) followed after and were both met with positive reception. Her fourth album, Lately I Feel Everything (2021), marked her first entry on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "Transparent Soul", which received gold certification by the RIAA. Later that year, she earned her second top 40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single "Meet Me at Our Spot", which she released as part of the duo The Anxiety with Tyler Cole. Smith's fifth album, Coping Mechanism (2022) marked her final release with Roc Nation, after which she signed with gamma. to release her sixth album, Empathogen (2024).
In 2018, Smith began co-hosting the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk with her mother Jada and grandmother Adrienne, which has earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
Early life
Smith was born on October 31, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of the actress-musician Jada Pinkett Smith and actor-musician Will Smith. She has two older siblings: her brother Jaden Smith, an actor and musician, and her half-brother Willard Carroll "Trey" Smith III, an actor and DJ. Smith and her siblings are youth ambassadors for Project Zambi, which, in conjunction with Hasbro, provides assistance for Zambian children orphaned by AIDS.
Smith attended Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles.
Career
2007–2013: Acting and music endeavors
Smith made her acting debut in I Am Legend alongside her father. Her next film, Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, was released on July 2, 2008. In 2008, she voiced the character of young Gloria the hippo in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, alongside her mother as Gloria the hippo.
In June 2009, Smith's mother Jada Pinkett Smith announced in an interview on Lopez Tonight that Smith would be releasing an album. Smith then released her first single, "Whip My Hair", which went platinum in the US and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the single peaked at number two. Its video was nominated for Video of the Year at the BET Awards of 2011. Smith soon after announced her next single, "21st Century Girl". After she performed the song on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she released it the next day on February 3, 2011. The video was released March 9, 2011. On January 20, 2011, Will Smith announced he was planning to produce a contemporary remake of the Broadway musical Annie starring Smith in the title role. However, Smith was deemed too old and the title role was given to Quvenzhané Wallis in February 2013.
On October 6, 2011, "Fireball", a collaboration between Smith and rapper Nicki Minaj, was released. "Fireball" was a commercial failure, failing to chart in any type of music market, except the US R&B chart, charting at 121. It was her first song to miss the Billboard Hot 100. Smith's producer announced that she were almost finished working on her debut album, and that it would be done soon. He also said it has a similar style to "Whip My Hair". The title of the album was later announced to be Knees and Elbows. It was scheduled to be released around April 2012, but was later announced that it would be postponed for release later in the year. On May 1, 2012, she released a music video for "Do it Like Me (Rockstar)", saying that it was her "first video ever". On July 2, 2012, Smith released the "I Am Me" music video at the BET Awards. On July 17, she released her fourth single, "I Am Me" via iTunes and Amazon.
In the summer of 2013, Smith and DJ Fabrega started a duo titled "Melodic Chaotic". "The Intro" was released as the first work, "Summer Fling" was released as the second work of the two on July 6, 2013. The music video was directed by Smith and Mike Vargas who previously directed her single "I Am Me". The song has been widely criticized for its mature tone, the use of the word "fling", and the fake English accent she incorporates. On September 16, 2013, Smith performed "Summer Fling" on the series premiere of The Queen Latifah Show. During the performance, she said: "Just for clarity, the word fling means something that's short lived...And this song is dedicated to all the kids around the world whose summer is never long enough."
2014–2018: 3 EP, Ardipithecus, and The 1st
On October 24, 2014, Smith and FADER announced that Smith would be releasing her debut EP, titled "3", on October 31, 2014, for free via Google Play for limited time and November 10, 2014, but it was later pushed to November 17, 2014, via iTunes. The same day, she held a concert in New York City at The FADER Fort, where she performed select tracks from her new EP with SZA. She also performed the song "5" with her brother, as well as "Summer Fling" and a new rendition of her famous hit "Whip My Hair".
Smith released the single "F Q-C #7" on May 7, 2015. An accompanying music video was released the same day on Vevo. After release, on September, a video to the track "Why Don't You Cry" on i-D, Willow released her first album Ardipithecus on December 11. About her debut album's title, Willow said "Ardipithecus Ramidus [sic] Sahelanthropus tchadensis is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth. I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs, I was in such a transitional state. Digging deep in the soil of my heart and finding bits and pieces of my ancient self that tell stories, which end up being the lyrics to the songs."
On her birthday, October 31, 2017, she released her second album The 1st which is praised for its musical development, particularly Willow's ability to create music following her 1990s R&B predecessors, despite not having been alive during the time. She toured the album with Jhene Aiko alongside St. Beauty, Kodie Shane, and Kitty Cash through the end of 2017.
Along with her mother and grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Smith hosts Red Table Talk, a web talk show for which she received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination.
2019–2021: Willow, The Anxiety, and Lately I Feel Everything
Willow was managed by Will Smith's management company, Westbrook Entertainment, until March 2019 when Three Six Zero, an established management firm acquired Westbrook. Following the acquisition. On June 24, 2019, Smith announced her third studio album, Willow. It was released on July 19, 2019, and was co-produced by herself and Tyler Cole. The duo later released a collaborative album titled The Anxiety in 2020. On April 27, 2021, Smith released "Transparent Soul" featuring Travis Barker, a pop-punk song that was her first foray into that genre. Smith released her fourth album Lately I Feel Everything on July 16, featuring guests artists including Tierra Whack and Avril Lavigne. In late 2021, "Meet Me at Our Spot" from The Anxiety reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 21. That same year, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Also in 2021, she won Entertainer of the Year for her work on Red Table Talk at the EBONY Power 100 awards, and was placed on Billboard's 'Greatest Pop Stars of 2021' list, being named the 'Comeback Artist of the Year'. Smith was also placed on the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
2022–present: Coping Mechanism, Empathogen
In February 2022, a preview from Willow Smith's book Black Shield Maiden, co-written with Jess Hendel and set to be published through Penguin Random House, was shared on social media and criticized by users for depicting the Amazigh, an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa, as "thieves and slavers". Others have also critiqued the book for adopting a colonialist view of Muslim people. Critics and users have condemned Smith for the use of harmful racist as well as Islamophobic stereotypes in her novel, and have labelled the book as being orientalist.
In February 2022, Smith pulled out of Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever, The World Tour due to production limitations. On April 8, 2022, Smith featured on Camila Cabello's track "Psychofreak" from Cabello's third studio album Familia. A music video for the song was released on the same day, followed by a live performance on Saturday Night Live.
Coping Mechanism is the fifth studio album by Smith. The album was released on October 7, 2022, through Roc Nation and Polydor, and features Yves Tumor.
In June 2022, Smith released "Maybe It's My Fault", the first single from her fifth studio album.
In July 2022, Smith published the album art as well as the release date for the album. The following month, the singer put out "Hover Like a Goddess".
In October 2022, Smith made her official musical guest debut on Saturday Night Live on October 8, 2022, the second episode of Season 48, hosted by Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, where she performed "Curious/Furious" and "Ur a Stranger".
Her first single since Coping Mechanism, "Alone", was released in November 2023. Her next single, "Symptom of Life", was released in March 2024, followed by "Big Feelings" in April. The same day as the single's release, Smith announced her sixth studio album Empathogen, which was released May 4, 2024.
Personal life
In May 2014, Moisés Arias, who was 20 at the time, was photographed shirtless in a bed with then-13-year-old Smith. The photo triggered an investigation into the family by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
In June 2019, Smith revealed that she is bisexual, stating: "I love men and women equally". She also mentioned her support of polyamorous relationships and her desire to be in one. She is a practicing Hindu and has been actively seen following ISKCON, which follows the doctrine of Gaudiya Vaishnavism with a tradition which believes Krishna as the Supreme Lord.
Discography
Main article: Willow Smith discography- Ardipithecus (2015)
- The 1st (2017)
- Willow (2019)
- Lately I Feel Everything (2021)
- Coping Mechanism (2022)
- Empathogen (2024)
Collaborative albums
- The Anxiety (2020) (with Tyler Cole)
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | I Am Legend | Marley Neville | |
2008 | Kit Kittredge: An American Girl | Countee Garby | |
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa | Baby Gloria (voice) | ||
2009 | Merry Madagascar | Abby (voice) | TV movie |
2009–2010 | True Jackson, VP | Young True | 2 episodes |
2017 | Neo Yokio | Helenist (voice) | Episode: "O, the Helenists" |
2018 | Adventure Time | Beth the Pup Princess (voice) | Episode: "Come Along with Me" |
2018–2023 | Red Table Talk | Herself | Co-host; 37 episodes |
2021 | A Man Named Scott | Herself | |
2022 | We Baby Bears | Unica (voice) | Recurring: Season 1 and 2 |
Saturday Night Live | Herself; musical guest | 2 episodes: "Jake Gyllenhaal/Camila Cabello", "Brendan Gleeson/Willow" |
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Results | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Feature Film (Young Actress Age Ten or Younger) | I Am Legend | Nominated | |
2009 | Best Performance in a Feature Film (Young Ensemble Cast) | Kit Kittredge: An American Girl | Won | ||
2010 | Annie Award | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Merry Madagascar | Nominated | |
2011 | VirtuaMagazine Awards | Best New Artist | Herself | Won | |
NAACP Image Award | Outstanding New Artist | Won | |||
Outstanding Music Video | "Whip My Hair" | Nominated | |||
O Music Awards | Most Viral Video | Won | |||
BET Awards | Video of the Year | Nominated | |||
Best New Artist | Nominated | ||||
YoungStar Award | Herself (tied with Jaden Smith) | Won | |||
2012 | Herself | Nominated | |||
MP3 Music Awards | The BTM Award | "Fireball" (featuring Nicki Minaj) | Nominated | ||
2013 | "I Am Me" | Won | |||
2014 | VEVOCertifiedAwards | 100,000,000 views | "Whip My Hair" | Won | |
2016 | The 2016 Fashion Awards | New Fashion Icons | Herself (tied with Jaden Smith) | Won | |
2020 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host | Red Table Talk | Nominated | |
Queerty Awards | Closet Door Bustdown | Herself | Nominated | ||
2021 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host | Red Table Talk | Nominated | |
British LGBT Awards | Celebrity | Herself | Nominated | ||
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Alternative Video | "Transparent Soul" (featuring Travis Barker) | Nominated | ||
MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Alternative | "Transparent Soul" (featuring Travis Barker) | Nominated | ||
2022 | iHeartRadio Music Awards | Best New Alternative Artist | Herself | Nominated | |
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Alternative Video | "Emo Girl" | Nominated | ||
"Grow" | Nominated | ||||
2025 | Grammy Awards | Best Arrangement, Instrumental, and Vocals | “Big Feelings” | Pending | |
Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical | “Empathogen” | Pending |
References
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- don't forget "testing true"! :). Ashley Argota, YouTube, a.k.a. ashargota (official YouTube channel). 1:42 minutes in. "Willow Smith, who is Will Smith's daughter, is going to be playing Young True."
- D'Zurilla, Christie (March 7, 2011). "'21st Century Girl' Willow Smith wins new-artist NAACP Image Award". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
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External links
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