Camila Cabello reflects on Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's support amid misunderstood new album 'C,XOXO'

In a candid Nylon cover story, Camila Cabello shared how the support of her personal heroes, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, helped her navigate the criticism surrounding her latest album C,XOXO. The 27-year-old singer revealed that hearing praise from the two global icons was an emotional moment for her.

Beyoncé’s endorsement of Cabello’s work left the “Havana” singer nearly in tears. “Beyoncé told me she loved my album, OK? That’s the gold star,” Cabello said. “I walked away fully, like, tears brimming in my eyes.” She added that Swift’s positive feedback also meant a great deal, as both artists have been a huge source of inspiration for her. “Anytime an artist that I respect has said something to me, it recharges my battery.”

Cabello discussed the challenges she faced while working on C,XOXO, particularly the perception that her authenticity was being questioned. The album, which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 in June, blends hyper-pop elements with Cabello’s signature sound, leading some critics to accuse her of copying Charli XCX. Cabello rejected these comparisons, saying, “People ran with this thing before the album was even out,” and emphasized that she respects Charli as one of her favorite artists.

Throughout her journey, Cabello has cultivated a tougher exterior, something she attributes to her time in the industry. Reflecting on her past albums, she noted, “My previous albums were more clean-cut,” while her current work, like Beyoncé and Taylor’s later albums, represents a kind of armor she has built over time.

Cabello also updated fans on her relationship with former Fifth Harmony bandmate Normani, noting that their recent reunion in Paris was filled with laughter, showing that their bond remains strong.