Niki and Gabi explained

Niki and Gabi
Birth Name:Nicola Teresa DeMartino
Gabriella Nelida DeMartino
Birth Date:5 May 1995
Birth Place:Pennsylvania, U.S.
Years Active:2010–2024
Awards:Full list
Module:
Embed:yes
Years Active:2014–2019
Module2:
Embed:yes
Channel Name:nikiandgabibeauty
Channel Display Name:Niki and Gabi
Views:
  • 1.3 billion
Subscribers:
  • 9.52 million
Silver Button:yes
Silver Year:
  • 2015
Gold Button:yes
Gold Year:
  • 2016
Diamond Button:no
Stats Update:December 7, 2021

Niki and Gabi (born May 5, 1995),[1] were an American duo composed of twin sisters Niki DeMar and Gabi DeMartino. They rose to fame following the creation of their YouTube channel, where they posted covers and vlogs. They partnered with Awesomeness to produce several web shows, including their self-titled reality series which has run for five seasons. They made their acting debut in the 2016 comedy-drama film Dance Camp, and their official debut single "First" was released in 2017.

In 2018, the duo won their first Streamy Award in the category of fashion. The same year, they released their debut extended play, Individual, which peaked at two Billboard charts. Their last single before starting their solo careers "Hair Tie" was released in 2019. Niki released two extended plays titled Nights Alone (2021) and Ruined My Life (2023), while Gabi released one studio album, Paintings of Me (2022) and one extended play, Gabroadway (2020).

Life and career

1995–2015: Early life and career beginnings

Nicola Teresa DeMartino and Gabriella Nelida DeMartino are twin sisters that were born on May 5, 1995. They attended Notre Dame High School in Easton, Pennsylvania, and then DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, where Niki majored in television and film and Gabi majored in musical theatre. They dropped out of college after their junior year.[2] They auditioned for the X Factor with their older sister Alex, performing "Telephone" by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.[3]

They initially produced comedy skits on their YouTube channel 00RemakeGirls. They later started a new channel, Niki and Gabi Beauty, for beauty, fashion and lifestyle themed videos. They signed with AwesomenessTV and StyleHaul in 2012. A parody of "Friday" by Rebecca Black in 2013 helped launch their YouTube career.[4] They released their first single "We're Not Over" on June 21, 2014, which however was taken down from streaming platforms along with their second single "It" that was released in June 2015.[5]

2016–2019: Reality shows and Individual

Niki and Gabi were cast in the YouTube Red comedy-drama web film Dance Camp as the characters of Mia and Mya respectively.[6] Gabi released her debut solo single "Ever After" in July 2016.[7] In January 2017, Niki and Gabi released their official debut single, "First".[8] In August 2017, they released a single titled "R U" which served as the lead single from their first extended play.[9] Niki was cast as Sadie in the second season of the Hulu horror web television series Freakish.[10] Blood Queens, a horror-comedy YouTube web series created by Gabi, which was also a spin-off of Scream Queens, premiered in October 2017 and has run for four seasons from 2017 to 2020.[11] On June 4, 2018, Wet Seal collaborated with Niki and Gabi and launched a limited edition clothing called "Niki + Gabi for Wet Seal".[12] The collection included accessories, tops and dresses.[13] The same month, they released "Sleep it Off" as the second single from their extended play. In July, they released their debut extended play, Individual, which charted at number 14 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and number 32 on the Independent Albums chart. The EP contained two solo singles from the duo which are "Let It Roar" and "Flowers".[14] In September, Gabi was featured on Mina Tobias' track "Another One" with Kai Lucas, the same month, she released a single titled "Yacht".[15] [16] In October, Gabi appeared in the music video for Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande.[17] Niki and Gabi signed to Abrams Artists Agency in 2019.[18] In February 2019, Gabi released "Cold Room", which was written in 2016.[19] In August 2019, Niki and Gabi released their final single, "Hair Tie".[20] In December 2019, Niki released a Christmas single titled "Sad Holiday".[21]

2020–present: Solo projects

In December 2019, it has been announced that Niki and Gabi would be focusing on their solo careers, and releasing their solo studio albums in 2020.[22] They also revealed plans of possibly touring together. While remaining independent, Gabi signed a management deal with Roc Nation, and her solo album, at the time called Beautiful Mess was set for release in spring.[23] [24] Gabi released an extended play in June, titled Gabroadway ahead of her studio album.[25] In July and October, Niki released the first singles from her solo project, "Alone in My Car" and "Bite of Me" respectively.[26] In September, Gabi released "Champagne Dreams", which has been marketed as the lead single from her album, but was later scrapped. Due to changes in plans and new songwriting sessions, Gabi's album has been renamed to Paintings of Me, with a new release date. The lead single "Pretty Little Mind" was released in October.

Following their YouTube hiatus in November 2020, they returned to their collaborative channel in March 2021.[27] They also launched their Snapchat reality series, Twinning Out, in May 2021.[28] Niki gave an interview for Vanity Teen magazine in March, following the release of her single "Messy Room".[29] [30] It was shortly followed by "25", released in June.[31] In August, Gabi opened for German DJ and producer Zedd at his concert in Musikfest, performing songs from her album, and she also released Paintings of Me's second single "Not Today".[32] [33] [34] [35] The same month, she partnered with Pumpkin & Spice and launched their skincare line, and Niki announced her debut extended play.[36] Niki's debut extended play, Nights Alone, was released in September.[37] In October, Gabi released the third single from her album, "Immaculate", describing it as a 'cancel culture anthem'.[38] The fourth and final single "Broken Morning" was released in March 2022.[39] Gabi's debut studio album, Paintings of Me, was released in May.[40]

In October 2022, Niki released "Pregame" as the lead single from her second extended play Ruined My Life.[41] The second single "Love & Misery" was released in March 2023, the third single "Amnesia" was released in April,[42] and the final single "Sorry Than Safe" was released in May.[43] Niki's second extended play, Ruined My Life, was released in July.[44] The same month, Gabi released a single titled "Heaven".[45]

Controversies

In September 2019, Niki and Gabi released a video on their channel titled "Going to College Dressed as Celebrities Challenge" in which American singer Normani was portrayed by a man. The video was criticized for "furthering stereotypes about black women having masculine features".[46]

In March 2020, Niki posted a TikTok in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which showed her with an Asian manicurist, both masked, while the song "It's Corona Time" plays over the video. The TikTok was criticized as racist and insensitive due to the implication that the manicurist had COVID-19 amid the rising xenophobia and racism experienced by Asians in the United States during the pandemic. The video was deleted and she issued an apology.[46]

In September 2020, Gabi was criticized for a video titled "BFF Income Challenge" in which she was accused of flaunting her income. In the video, she compared her spending income with a friend revealing a "spending disparity of thousands of dollars per week". She later issued an apology.[47]

In December 2020, Gabi made a nude video of herself at the age of 3 available for sale for $3 on the content subscription platform OnlyFans.[48] [49] [50] [51] [47] She was accused of misleading her fans about the contents of her video which was teased with the caption "won't put my panties on", distributing child pornography and setting up unsuspecting purchasers for possession of child pornography.[48] [47] OnlyFans suspended her account for violating their terms of service.[48] Gabi initially attempted to downplay the incident as "trolling", stating to Insider, "Drama channels are trying to make something out of a childhood video of me, that's hilarious", and claiming her OnlyFans "was not a sexual page", though her previous posts were sexual in nature.[52] She later posted an apology video to her YouTube channel.[49] [51] [47]

Reality web series

The duo star in their own reality web series, Niki and Gabi, by AwesomenessTV. It has run for five seasons.[11]

Discography

Extended plays

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions
US
Heat.

[53]
US
Indie

[54]
Niki & Gabi
Individual 1432
Niki DeMar
Nights Alone
Ruined My Life
Gabi DeMartino
Gabroadway

Singles

TitleYearAlbum
Niki & Gabi
"We're Not Over"2014rowspan="3"
"It"2015
"First"2017
"RU"Individual
"Sleep It Off"2018
"Flowers" / "Let It Roar"
"Hair Tie"2019 rowspan=2
"Rise and Shine"
Niki DeMar
"Anthem for the Judged"2018rowspan=2
"Sad Holiday"2019
"Alone in My Car"2020Nights Alone
"Bite of Me"
"Messy Room"2021
"25"
"Stuck"
"9 Lives"2022rowspan=2
"When My High Wears Off"
"Pregame" Ruined My Life
"Love & Misery"2023
"Amnesia"
"Sorry Than Safe"
"Vegas"2024
Gabi DeMartino
"Ever After"2016rowspan=4
"Yacht"2018
"Cold Room"2019
"Champagne Dreams"2020
"Pretty Little Mind"Paintings of Me
"Not Today"2021
"Immaculate"
"Barbie and Ken"
"Broken Morning"2022Paintings of Me
"Heaven"2023

Notes

Filmography

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryResultRef.
Social Star Award [55]
Name a Better Duo [56]
YouTube Ensemble [57]
Fashion [58]
Lifestyle [59]
Fashion [60]
Lifestyle [61]
Choice Web Star: Fashion/Beauty [62]
Choice Female Web Star [63]
Choice YouTuber [64]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bain. Ellissa. 2020-12-04. What happened with Niki and Gabi? OnlyFans drama explained!. 2021-03-24. HITC. en-GB.
  2. News: Bethlehem teens hit it big on YouTube with fashion channel . June 15, 2014. Lehigh Valley Live . July 15, 2020.
  3. We Auditioned for X Factor (story time) + LIVE FOOTAGE Niki and Gabi . 2017-03-13 . Niki and Gabi . 2024-07-03 . YouTube.
  4. News: How Rebecca Black's Viral Song Friday Helped Launch the Niki and Gabi YouTube Channel . August 23, 2019. People . July 15, 2020.
  5. Web site: 2020-05-08. my first birthday without her. 2021-03-21. YouTube – Fancy Vlogs By Gab.
  6. News: YouTube, Awesomeness Films Announce First Movie: 'Dance Camp' . September 9, 2015. Variety . July 15, 2020.
  7. Web site: November 1, 2016. Ever After – by Gabriella DeMartino (original song). December 5, 2020. YouTube.
  8. Web site: Staff . A. O. L. . 2016-12-12 . Niki and Gabi DeMartino share what it's like to be social media mavens . 2024-06-12 . www.aol.com . en-US.
  9. Web site: 29 June 2018 . Social Media Stars Niki & Gabi DeMartino Deliver Sheer Pop Perfection On New Track 'Sleep It Off' . 2021-05-14 . Access . en.
  10. News: 'Freakish' Season 2 Spoilers: Meet The New Characters . October 17, 2017. International Business Times . July 15, 2020.
  11. News: Viral YouTuber Gabi DeMartino Approaches Music Industry With 'Champagne Dreams' . September 1, 2020. Forbes . December 5, 2020.
  12. Web site: Asch. Andrew. 2018-06-07. Wet Seal Plots Comeback For Social Media Age. 2021-03-21. www.apparelnews.net. en.
  13. Web site: Asch. Andrew. Wet Seal Back With New Fashion Line. 2018-05-17. 2021-03-21. www.apparelnews.net. en.
  14. Web site: Niki & Gabi DeMartino Drop Two Songs Off Upcoming EP 'Individual' TigerBeat. 16 July 2018. 2020-12-10. en-US.
  15. Web site: September 7, 2018. Another One – song by Mina Tobias, Gabi DeMartino, Kai Lucas. December 10, 2018. Spotify.
  16. Web site: 2018-10-04. Who Is Gabi DeMartino? New Details About The YouTuber Called Out For Impersonating Ariana Grande. 2020-12-10. YourTango. en.
  17. News: All of the incredible people who star in Ariana Grande's 'thank u, next' video . November 30, 2018. Cosmopolitan . July 15, 2020.
  18. News: Rep Sheet Roundup: Jamie-Lynn Sigler Signs With Abrams . April 29, 2019. Cosmopolitan . July 15, 2020.
  19. Web site: 2019-02-15. Gabi DeMartino Debuts "Cold Room". 2020-12-05. The Daily Shuffle. en-US.
  20. Web site: 2019-08-01. Niki and Gabi – Hair Tie – Exclusive Video Premiere. 2021-05-14. 1883 Magazine. en-US.
  21. Web site: December 6, 2019. Review: Niki DeMar Releases The Brand New Single "Sad Holiday"!. December 10, 2020. Fierce Fabulous Revolution.
  22. Web site: Stivale . Shelby . 2020-04-19 . Niki And Gabi DeMartino Tease Upcoming 'Individual' New Albums . 2024-07-03 . J-14 . en-US.
  23. i have something to tell you + please dont hate me for it! . 2020-01-16 . fancy vlogs by gab . 2024-07-03 . YouTube.
  24. Web site: Staff . J.-14 . 2020-09-30 . Upcoming Music Release Dates: New Albums Coming In 2020 . 2024-07-03 . J-14 . en-US.
  25. Web site: June 16, 2020. Gabroadway – EP by Gabi DeMartino on Apple Music. December 10, 2020. Apple Music.
  26. News: YouTuber Niki DeMar's New Single Honors Creativity In Isolation . October 23, 2020. Forbes . December 5, 2020.
  27. We're Back & Where We've Been.. Niki and Gabi . 2021-03-21 . Niki and Gabi . 2024-07-04 . YouTube.
  28. Web site: Varina . Rachel . 12 May 2021 . YouTubers Niki & Gabi Have Their Own Snapchat Show & It Looks Wild . 2021-05-14 . Elite Daily . en.
  29. Web site: 2021-03-08 . Niki DeMar Discusses Mental Health With Powerful New Song, "Messy Room" . 2021-05-14 . American Songwriter . en-US.
  30. https://www.vanityteen.com/niki-demar-welcome-to-my-messy-room/ Niki DeMar: welcome to my Messy Room
  31. Web site: 26 July 2021 . "You're not alone, ever!", Niki Demar premieres Hyundai Promoted Track on SoundCloud . 2021-08-14 . French Fries Magazine – FF . en-US.
  32. Web site: Reid . Ali . 11 August 2021 . WATCH: Interview with Gabi DeMartino ahead of her Musikfest performance . 2021-08-14 . WFMZ.com . en.
  33. Web site: 2021-08-12 . YouTube Star Gabi DeMartino Signs On to Open for Zedd at Musikfest . 2021-08-14 . The Blast . en-US.
  34. Web site: lehighvalleylive.com . Rudy Miller For . 2021-08-14 . Genre-bending Zedd brings his unique brand of pop to Musikfest (PHOTOS) . 2021-08-14 . lehighvalleylive . en.
  35. Web site: Singer & Influencer, Gabi DeMartino Opens up for Zedd at Musikest . 2021-08-17 . The Nazareth Times . en-US.
  36. Gabi DeMartino Partners With Viral Pumpkin Spice Skincare Line For Fall 2021 . 2022-03-06 . abnewswire.com . 16 August 2021 . en.
  37. Web site: 2021-09-03 . Niki DeMar's Debut EP 'Nights Alone' Out Now! . 2021-09-03 . Nerds and Beyond . en-US.
  38. Web site: 27 October 2021 . Nobody's "Immaculate" – Gabi DeMartino premieres new Music Video . 2021-10-28 . Rival Magazine . en-US.
  39. Web site: 2022-04-20 . Gabi DeMartino Shares "Broken Morning" Official Music Video . 2024-07-04 . Mundane . en-US.
  40. Web site: 2022-05-06 . Gabi DeMartino Paintings Of Me . 2024-07-04 . en-US.
  41. Web site: Niki Demar Channels the Early 2000's Disney Channel Star Era With "Pregame" . 2024-07-04 . Ones to Watch . en.
  42. Web site: 2023-04-07 . Niki DeMar Releases New Single "AMNESIA" . 2024-07-04 . Nerds and Beyond . en.
  43. Web site: 2023-05-26 . New Music Friday: Taylor Swift Releases "Midnights (The Til Dawn Edition)," Featuring an Unexpected Collaboration With Rapper Ice Spice . 2024-07-04 . Celeb Secrets . en-US.
  44. Web site: 2023-08-21 . Niki DeMar Celebrates Ruining Her Life . 2024-07-04 . Hypebae.
  45. Web site: Gabi DeMartino Tells The Truth Through Music . 2024-07-04 . Popdustroar . en.
  46. News: Influencer Sorry About That Racist Coronavirus TikTok . March 18, 2020. Vulture . July 15, 2020.
  47. News: The Latest OnlyFans Drama Involves a YouTuber Posting a Video of Herself As a Toddler . December 3, 2020. Vulture . December 5, 2020.
  48. News: OnlyFans Suspended YouTuber Gabi DeMartino's Account After She Sold A Video Of Herself As A Toddler Flashing The Camera . December 2, 2020. BuzzFeed News . December 5, 2020.
  49. News: YouTube star Gabi DeMartino apologizes for a second time over OnlyFans controversy: 'A huge wake-up call' . December 3, 2020. Fox News . December 5, 2020.
  50. News: YouTube Star Gabi DeMartino Accused of Selling 'Child Porn' Video of Herself on OnlyFans for $3 . December 1, 2020. The Daily Beast . December 5, 2020.
  51. News: YouTube star Gabi DeMartino apologises for selling nude childhood video to fans . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/gabi-demartino-youtube-onlyfans-b1766166.html . 21 June 2022 . subscription . live. December 4, 2020. The Independent . December 5, 2020.
  52. News: An influencer's OnlyFans account was deleted after she sold a naked childhood video of herself . December 3, 2020. Insider . December 5, 2020.
  53. Peaks on the US Heatseekers Albums Chart:
  54. Peaks on the US Independent Albums Chart:
  55. News: iHeartRadio Music Awards: Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Jonas Brothers Among Nominees . January 8, 2020 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  56. News: 2019 Premios Juventud: Complete List of Winners . July 18, 2019 . Entertainment Tonight . July 15, 2020.
  57. News: From the 10th Annual Shorty Awards Niki and Gabi Finalist in YouTube Ensemble . Shorty Awards . July 15, 2020.
  58. News: Streamy Winners 2016: Complete List . October 1, 2016 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  59. News: Streamy Awards 2017: Winners List . September 25, 2017 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  60. News: Streamy Awards 2018: Winners List . October 22, 2018 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  61. News: Streamy Awards 2019: Full List of Winners . December 13, 2019 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  62. News: Teen Choice Awards: Winners List . July 31, 2016 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  63. News: Teen Choice Awards: Complete Winners List . August 13, 2017 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.
  64. News: Teen Choice Awards: Full List of Winners . August 11, 2019 . Hollywood Reporter . July 15, 2020.