Camila Cabello acknowledges that while her album C,XOXO may not have resonated with everyone, she is drawing inspiration from her personal idols, particularly Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Their influence has been pivotal in her artistic journey, guiding her through the ups and downs of her career. By focusing on the feedback and support from these influential figures, Cabello is reinforcing her commitment to authenticity and her craft, demonstrating that the opinions of those she respects carry immense weight, even amidst criticism.

In a revealing Nylon cover story that was published on Monday (Dec. 2), the 27-year-old singer, known for her hit “I Luv It,” candidly shared how the validation from icons like the Eras Tour headliner and the powerhouse behind “Break My Soul” has been a source of strength for her. Cabello expressed her emotional response to Beyoncé’s praise, stating, “Oh, f–k, now I’m going to sound name-drop-y,” acknowledging the impact of being recognized by such celebrated artists. “But Beyoncé told me she loved my album, OK? That’s the gold star.” This heartfelt acknowledgment reflects the profound influence that these artists have on her creative spirit.

Cabello shared an emotional moment, recalling how she left the encounter feeling overwhelmed with gratitude: “And I walked away fully, like, tears brimming in my eyes,” she revealed. “She’s somebody I’ve watched from my childhood. Her and Taylor saying nice things about the album really meant a lot to me.” The singer elaborated on how the encouragement from respected artists serves as a revitalizing force, stating, “Anytime an artist that I respect has said something to me like, ‘Hey, I really love what you’re doing,’ it recharges my battery.” Cabello has often felt that her artistic vision has been misunderstood, making these affirmations even more significant in her journey.

The Cinderella star also opened up about the challenges she faced during the C,XOXO rollout, particularly regarding doubts about her authenticity. She reflected on the scrutiny she endured, attributing some of it to her historically “good girl” image. “Being in the industry made me build that harder shell and harder exterior,” she explained. “Like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Taylor — this kind of bravado happens in their later work. It’s building an armor. My previous albums were more clean-cut.” This insight into her artistic evolution reveals the complexities of navigating fame and personal identity in the music industry.

Cabello’s highly anticipated fourth studio album was released in June, debuting impressively at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. However, from the onset of its rollout, she faced criticism over her venture into different musical genres, particularly the album’s hyper-pop elements that some detractors likened to Charli XCX’s style, viewing it as mere imitation rather than a genuine exploration of sound. This comparison highlights the challenges artists face when experimenting with their music, especially in a competitive and scrutinizing industry.

Addressing the comparisons to Charli XCX, Cabello expressed her frustration, stating, “People ran with this thing before the album was even out.” This remark underscores the premature judgments that artists often endure, which can overshadow their creative intentions and lead to misunderstandings about their work. The pressure to conform to industry expectations can be particularly daunting, especially for artists striving for originality.

Cabello also shared her admiration for Charli XCX, saying, “[Charli’s] one of my favorite artists, you know?” She added, “[But] I can tell that people saying this weren’t even listening to the music. They didn’t do the reading. They didn’t do the listening.” This highlights the importance of giving artists the benefit of the doubt and truly engaging with their work, rather than relying solely on surface-level comparisons that may not accurately reflect the artist’s intentions.

Moreover, the “Havana” artist provided an update on her relationship with former Fifth Harmony bandmate Normani, with whom she joyfully reunited during Paris Fashion Week in September. “With space, we can go back and tap into that,” Cabello mentioned, indicating a desire to rekindle their friendship. “The past couple of times I’ve seen her, I say something and she laughs really hard. It doesn’t feel like we’re strangers. We’re getting back to the times when we [were] really close.” This statement reflects the potential for healing and reconnection in personal relationships, especially after shared experiences in a high-pressure environment like the music industry.

Discover Cabello’s feature on the cover of Nylon and explore photos from the shoot below to gain insight into her latest artistic endeavors and personal reflections.