Willow Smith

Willow Smith is a singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion icon. Raised in a highly artistic and creative family, Smith's exposure to the entertainment industry began at an early age. Her acting debut occurred in 2007 with the film "I Am Legend," where she appeared alongside her father, Will Smith. This early exposure helped shape her artistic journey, but her true passion for music became evident when she transitioned into the world of pop and alternative music.

Smith rose to stardom in 2010 with her debut single, "Whip My Hair," which became a viral sensation and earned her significant recognition at just 10. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, rather than conforming to mainstream pop, Smith took a bold turn toward more experimental and alternative sounds. Her debut studio album "Ardipithecus" explored neo-soul and included the double platinum-certified single "Wait a Minute!". Her subsequent albums, including "The 1st," "Willow," "Lately I Feel Everything," "Coping Mechanism," and "Empathogen," showcased her evolution as an artist and her ability to fuse genres like R&B, rock, and indie into her unique style. Notably, "Lately I Feel Everything" marked her first entry on the Billboard 200, including the gold-certified single "Transparent Soul". Also, the song "Meet Me at Our Spot" from The Anxiety reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021.

In addition to her music career, Smith has co-hosted the popular Facebook Watch talk show "Red Table Talk" alongside her mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, and grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, since 2018. The show has received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations and has seen Smith win Entertainer of the Year for her work on "Red Table Talk" at the EBONY Power 100 awards in 2021. The show delves into deep and often challenging conversations on personal issues, family dynamics, and social topics, earning praise for candid and emotional discussions. Smith's presence on the show allowed her to share her perspective on mental health, identity, and generational trauma, further establishing her as a thoughtful and articulate voice for her generation. Additionally, Smith's debut novel, "Black Shield Maiden," which she co-authored with Jess Hendel, was released in 2024. The book is a historical saga about an African warrior in the world of the Vikings.

Throughout her career, Smith has become influential in her music, acting, and advocacy of self-love, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her androgynous fashion sense and refusal to conform to traditional norms have earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the music and fashion worlds. She has received various accolades, including a Young Artist Award, an NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, and nominations for two Daytime Emmy Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and an iHeartRadio Music Award. In 2021, Time named Smith one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and Billboard named her the 'Comeback Artist of the Year' in their 'Greatest Pop Stars of 2021' list. She also made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022.