Lizzo
{{Short description|American singer and rapper (born 1988)}}
{{Distinguish|text=Rizzo and the given name Lizo}}
{{Redirect|Melissa Jefferson|the American track and field sprinter|Melissa Jefferson-Wooden}}
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{{Use American English|date=November 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Lizzo
| image = Glasto2023 (181 of 468) (53009327490) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Lizzo at Glastonbury Festival 2023
| education = University of Houston
| birth_name = Melissa Viviane Jefferson
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|4|27}}
| birth_place = Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- rapper
- songwriter
- actress
}}
| years_active = 2011–present
| works = Discography
| awards = Full list
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instruments = {{flatlist|
}}
| origin = Houston, Texas, U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
- Ellypseas
- Lizzo & the Larva Ink
- The Chalice
- Grrrl Prty
}}
| website = {{URL|lizzomusic.com}}
| module = {{Infobox
| embed = yes|child=yes
| header = Logo
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| data2 = 150px
}}
}}
}}
Melissa Viviane Jefferson (born April 27, 1988),{{cite web |first=Reed |last=Fischer |title=Lizzo: All I knew was mainstream and 'hood |url=http://www.citypages.com/music/lizzo-all-i-knew-was-mainstream-and-hood-6625953 |work=City Pages |date=December 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301040210/http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/12/lizzo_interview.php |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |url-status=dead|access-date=August 1, 2019 }} known professionally as Lizzo ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɪ|z|oʊ}}), is an American singer and rapper. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she moved to Houston, Texas, with her family at the age of ten. After college, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she began her recording career in hip-hop. Prior to signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, Lizzo released two studio albums, Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015). Her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil, was released in 2016.
Lizzo attained mainstream success with the release of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You (2019), which peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200. The album spawned the singles "Juice" and "Tempo". The deluxe version of the album included Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts", which became a viral sleeper hit two years after its initial release. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the longest-leading solo song by a female rapper. Around this time, her 2016 single "Good as Hell" also climbed the charts, reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Lizzo received eight nominations at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards—the most for any artist that year—including nominations for each of the "Big Four" categories, and won the awards for Best Urban Contemporary Album, Best Pop Solo Performance for "Truth Hurts", and Best Traditional R&B Performance for the song "Jerome".
In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" (featuring Cardi B), which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. Her fourth studio album, Special (2022), was preceded by its lead single "About Damn Time", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Lizzo the first black female singer since Whitney Houston in 1994 to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Along with her recording career, Lizzo has also worked as an actress; she performed a voice role in the animated film UglyDolls (2019), and appeared in the crime comedy-drama film Hustlers (2019). She is also the host of the Amazon Prime Video reality television series Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Competition Program.{{Cite web |title=Lizzo |url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/lizzo-0 |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806015837/https://www.emmys.com/bios/lizzo-0 |url-status=live }} In 2019, Time named Lizzo "Entertainer of the Year" for her meteoric rise and contributions to music.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/entertainer-of-the-year-2019-lizzo/|title=Lizzo: Time's Entertainer of the Year 2019|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=2020-01-05|archive-date=January 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114100806/https://time.com/entertainer-of-the-year-2019-lizzo/|url-status=live|last1=Irby|first1=Samantha|date=2019}} In addition to four Grammy Awards, she has also won a Billboard Music Award, a BET Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards.
Early life and education
Melissa Viviane Jefferson was born on April 27, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan.{{Cite web|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/2019/08/lizzo-real-name/|title=Lizzo's Real Name Is Melissa Viviane Jefferson|last=Sloan|first=Elizabeth|date=August 26, 2019|website=Heavy.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-07|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827011445/https://heavy.com/entertainment/2019/08/lizzo-real-name/|url-status=live}} When she was ten, her family relocated to Houston, Texas.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lizzo-drag-race-prince-interview-702804/|title=Lizzo on Judging 'Drag Race,' Working With Prince and Becoming Eternal|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|date=July 24, 2018|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-26|archive-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110154731/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/lizzo-drag-race-prince-interview-702804/|url-status=live}} She was classically trained as a flutist for eight years, from the age of ten until she graduated from Alief Elsik High School in 2006, where she had started rapping.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kiss.ie/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-lizzo/|title=10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Lizzo|last=Roantree|first=Megan|date=December 11, 2019|work=Kiss|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-02|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804155821/https://www.kiss.ie/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-lizzo/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/style/lizzo-truth-hurts.html |title=Lizzo Wants to Build You Up |last1=Garcia |first1=Sandra E. |last2=Lombard |first2=Amy |work=The New York Times |date=September 18, 2018 |url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125084332/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/style/lizzo-truth-hurts.html |url-status=live }} At age 14, she formed a musical group called Cornrow Clique with her friends. At this time, she acquired the nickname "Lizzo", a variant of "Lissa", inspired by Jay-Z's "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)".{{cite news|url=https://www.thecut.com/2019/02/lizzo-flute-pop-star.html|title=It's Just a Matter of Time Till Everybody Loves Lizzo|work=The Cut|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=March 23, 2023|last1=Davis|first1=Allison P.|archive-date=March 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322225449/https://www.thecut.com/2019/02/lizzo-flute-pop-star.html|url-status=live}} In college,{{cite news|url=https://www.sacurrent.com/sa-sound/archives/2020/02/04/lizzo-returning-home-to-texas-to-play-houston-rodeo-next-month|date=February 4, 2020|title=Lizzo Returning Home to Texas to Play Houston Rodeo Next Month|access-date=July 16, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717061952/https://www.sacurrent.com/sa-sound/archives/2020/02/04/lizzo-returning-home-to-texas-to-play-houston-rodeo-next-month|url-status=dead|work=San Antonio Current|first1=Sarah|last1=Martinez}} she studied classical music, concentrating on flute, at the University of Houston.{{Cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/lizzo-flute-haters-2619430172.html?rebelltitem=9|title=Lizzo Has Some Words For Haters Who Doubt Her Flute Skills|date=November 12, 2018|website=Paper|language=en|last1=Goldfine|first1=Jael|access-date=2019-06-24|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624060615/http://www.papermag.com/lizzo-flute-haters-2619430172.html?rebelltitem=9|url-status=live}} At age 21, after her father's death, she lived out of her car for a year as she tried to break into the music industry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/19/body-positive-rapper-lizzo-my-job-is-to-emote-and-communicate-and-bop|title=Body-positive rapper Lizzo: 'My job is to emote and communicate and bop'|date=October 19, 2018|newspaper=The Guardian|last1=Kale|first1=Sirin|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-date=August 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828124415/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/19/body-positive-rapper-lizzo-my-job-is-to-emote-and-communicate-and-bop|url-status=live}} In 2009 and 2010, she performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Nicholas L. |title=Ellypseas |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/ellypseas-6578194 |access-date=November 1, 2023 |work=Houston Free Press |date=July 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726054228/https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/ellypseas-6578194 |archive-date=July 26, 2021}} She dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2011.{{Cite news|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/lizzo-moving-to-minneapolis-one-of-best-decisions-ive-made|title=Lizzo: Moving to Minneapolis 'one of best decisions I've made'|last=Uren|first=Adam|date=August 1, 2018|newspaper=Bring Me the News|access-date=July 20, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427092445/https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/lizzo-moving-to-minneapolis-one-of-best-decisions-ive-made|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Stieg |first=Cory |date=January 24, 2020 |title=Lizzo dropped out of college and lived in her car before making it big |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/24/lizzo-dropped-out-of-college-and-lived-in-her-car-before-singing-fame.html |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712030902/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/24/lizzo-dropped-out-of-college-and-lived-in-her-car-before-singing-fame.html |url-status=live }}
Career
= 2011–2013: Career beginnings and ''Lizzobangers'' =
File:Lizzo live at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis, Dec 2013.jpg in 2013]]
While living in Minneapolis, Lizzo performed with groups including the electro soul-pop duo Lizzo & the Larva Ink.{{cite news |url=http://www.vita.mn/music/227142431.html |title=Lizzo: Like a boss |publisher=Star Tribune |work=Vita.mn |first=Michael |last=Rietmulder |date=October 9, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151127134824/http://www.vita.mn/music/227142431.html|archive-date=November 27, 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=January 22, 2023}} During this time she helped form a three-piece all-female rap/R&B group, the Chalice. In 2012, the Chalice released its first album, We Are the Chalice, which was locally successful.{{cite web |first=Reed |last=Fischer |url=http://www.citypages.com/2012-09-26/music/the-chalice-take-hold-of-hip-hop/ |title=The Chalice take hold of hip hop |work=City Pages |date=September 26, 2012 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529043652/http://www.citypages.com/2012-09-26/music/the-chalice-take-hold-of-hip-hop/ |archive-date=May 29, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/raising-the-chalice/171556941/|title=Raising the Chalice|date=September 29, 2012|work=Star Tribune|last1=Riemenschneider|first1=Chris|access-date=January 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328001455/https://www.startribune.com/raising-the-chalice/171556941/|archive-date=March 28, 2022}} In 2013, Lizzo was one of five artists to form the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, which released two EPs before playing its final show at Rock the Garden and disbanding in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Cecilia |title=Grrrl Prty to say goodbye at Rock the Garden |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2016/06/10/grrrl-prty-to-say-goodbye-at-rock-the-garden |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=89.3 The Current |date=June 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122172338/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2016/06/10/grrrl-prty-to-say-goodbye-at-rock-the-garden |archive-date=January 22, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Swensson |first1=Andrea |last2=Gabler |first2=Jay |title=Grrrl Prty Perform in The Current Studios |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2014/03/09/grrrl-prty-live |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=89.3 The Current |date=March 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623052045/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2014/03/09/grrrl-prty-live |archive-date=June 23, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Gore |first1=Sydney |title=Grrrl Prty Is the Most 'Poppin{{'}}' Group in Rap |url=https://www.nylon.com/articles/grrrl-prty-song-premiere |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=Nylon |date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819140832/https://www.nylon.com/articles/grrrl-prty-song-premiere |archive-date=August 19, 2022}} Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released on October 15, 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/04/lizzo |title=Lizzo (New band of the day No 1,611) |work=The Guardian |first=Paul |last=Lester |author-link=Paul Lester |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=December 15, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210164808/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/04/lizzo |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/our-five-faves-of-the-moment-lizzobangers-maple-and-vine-more/228252401/|title=Our five faves of the moment: 'Lizzobangers,' 'Maple and Vine,' more|website=Star Tribune|date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=2019-03-12|archive-date=February 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210142334/http://www.startribune.com/our-five-faves-of-the-moment-lizzobangers-maple-and-vine-more/228252401/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Keller |url=http://www.reviler.org/2013/10/15/lizzo-lizzobangers-review/ |title=Lizzo: Lizzobangers Review |work=Reviler |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228041130/http://www.reviler.org/2013/10/15/lizzo-lizzobangers-review/ |url-status=live }} Killian Fox of The Guardian gave the album 4 stars out of 5, saying: "At times joyfully nonsensical, Lizzo's stream-of-consciousness rhymes can also be lethally pointed."
The album topped Star Tribune
=2014–2018: ''Big Grrrl Small World'' and ''Coconut Oil''=
Following the release of her first album, Lizzo immediately began working on new music.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/10/lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world-interview|title=Lizzo: 'This time I tried to be more benevolent than belligerent'|last=Fox|first=Killian|date=January 10, 2016|newspaper=The Observer|access-date=March 21, 2019|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132642/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/10/lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world-interview|url-status=live}} In 2014, she participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project, where she removed her clothes as she talked about her relationships with her body.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/lizzo-goes-in-with-her-video-for-skin/|title='My Blackness Is My Largest Assumed "Accessory"': Lizzo Breaks Down Her Video for 'My Skin'|last=Bennett|first=Kim Taylor|date=December 1, 2015|work=Vice|access-date=March 21, 2019|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132643/https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/rmjxzq/lizzo-goes-in-with-her-video-for-skin|url-status=live}} Inspired by the experience, she wrote "My Skin", which she called "the thesis statement" of her forthcoming second album.{{cite web|url=https://bust.com/music/15550-wild-style-lizzo.html|title=Lizzo Goes Glam And Gets Real In Our Fashion Editorial And Interview|last=Carr|first=Maggie|date=February 24, 2016|work=Bust|access-date=March 21, 2019|archive-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322000020/https://bust.com/music/15550-wild-style-lizzo.html|url-status=live}} In an interview with Vice, regarding body image, she said:
You can wake up and change many things about your appearance, but the inevitability of waking up in your skin is what unifies us.
File:2018 Lizzo (44617724361) (cropped).jpg in 2018|left|upright=0.6]]
In September 2014, Lizzo was featured alongside her Chalice bandmates Sophia Eris and Claire de Lune on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum.{{cite web |url=https://blog.thecurrent.org/2014/09/lizzo-sophia-eris-and-claire-de-lune-featured-on-prince-and-3rdeyegirl-album/ |title=Lizzo, Sophia Eris, and Claire de Lune featured on Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL album |last=Gabler |first=Jay |website=Local Current Blog {{!}} The Current from Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=2019-01-20 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210140534/https://blog.thecurrent.org/2014/09/lizzo-sophia-eris-and-claire-de-lune-featured-on-prince-and-3rdeyegirl-album/ |url-status=live }} On working with Prince, Lizzo called the experience "surreal{{nbsp}}... almost like a fairytale" and "something I will never actually get over."{{Cite web|title=Lizzo Calls Working With Prince "A Fairytale"| date=February 23, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrEM1xHBPM|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2019-01-20|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182455/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsrEM1xHBPM|url-status=live}} On October 7, 2014, Lizzo appeared as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/278268531.html|title=Lizzo to bang one out on Letterman's show Tuesday|last1=Riemenschneider|first1=Chris|date=October 6, 2014|work=Star Tribune|access-date=October 8, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013150733/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/blogs/278268531.html|url-status=live}} Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released on December 11, 2015.{{cite web|last1=Weiss|first1=Dan|title=Review: Lizzo Is Primed for WRRRLD Domination on 'Big GRRRL Small World'|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/12/review-lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world/|website=Spin|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=December 29, 2015|archive-date=January 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106205505/http://www.spin.com/2015/12/review-lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world/|url-status=live}} Spin placed the album at number 17 on the "50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015" list.{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/12/the-50-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2015/2/|title=The 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015 (page 2 of 2)|date=December 16, 2015|work=Spin|access-date=December 19, 2015|archive-date=October 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004082514/http://www.spin.com/2015/12/the-50-best-hip-hop-albums-of-2015/2/|url-status=live}} Hilary Saunders of Paste praised Lizzo's "ability to rap and sing with equal tenacity."{{cite web|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/12/lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world.html|title=Lizzo: Big GRRRL Small World Review|work=Paste|first=Hilary|last=Saunders|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=December 16, 2015|archive-date=December 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218004416/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/12/lizzo-big-grrrl-small-world.html|url-status=live}} Her collaboration with Your Smith (then Caroline Smith), "Let 'Em Say", was featured in the season three premiere of Broad City.{{Cite web|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/new-broad-city-season-kicks-off-with-lizzo-and-caroline-smith-song-8051057|title=New Broad City season kicks off with Lizzo and Caroline Smith song|last=Boller|first=Jay|website=City Pages|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703180220/http://www.citypages.com/music/new-broad-city-season-kicks-off-with-lizzo-and-caroline-smith-song-8051057|url-status=live}}
Lizzo was one of the hosts of MTV's short-lived 2016 live music performance series Wonderland. After signing with Atlantic Records that same year, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil, on October 7, 2016.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/lizzo-talks-self-carethemed-coconut-oil-ep-mtv-show-w443436|title=Lizzo Talks 'Self Care'–Themed Major-Label Debut, New MTV Show|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Brittany|last=Spanos|date=October 7, 2016|access-date=March 3, 2017|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309170700/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/lizzo-talks-self-carethemed-coconut-oil-ep-mtv-show-w443436|url-status=live}} "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from the Coconut Oil on March 8, 2016, as part of the soundtrack for the 2016 film Barbershop: The Next Cut.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/28/671236822/lizzo-good-as-hell-american-anthem|title=In Praise Of 'Good As Hell,' The Song That Believes In You Even When You Don't|newspaper=NPR|date=November 28, 2018|access-date=2019-01-16|last1=Abdurraqib|first1=Hanif|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713035253/https://www.npr.org/2018/11/28/671236822/lizzo-good-as-hell-american-anthem|url-status=live}} Lizzo co-wrote each song on the album, while enlisting Ricky Reed, Christian Rich, Dubbel Dutch, and Jesse Shatkin for the album's production. The result was a departure from Lizzo's previous alternative hip-hop releases. Lyrically, the extended play explores themes of body positivity, self-love, and the journey to those ideals.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22511-coconut-oil/|title=Lizzo: Coconut Oil|last=Okoth-Obbo|first=Vanessa|date=October 15, 2016|website=Pitchfork|access-date=December 1, 2016|archive-date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202040248/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22511-coconut-oil/|url-status=live}}
Coconut Oil received positive reviews from music critics. Syra Aburto, writing for Nylon, wrote that "like the product it's named after, [Lizzo's] latest project, Coconut Oil, is essential for healthy living."{{Cite web|url=https://nylon.com/articles/lizzo-coconut-oil-ep|title=Let Lizzo Rub Your Soul Down With Her 'Coconut Oil' EP|date=October 31, 2016|website=Nylon|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024513/https://nylon.com/articles/lizzo-coconut-oil-ep|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone placed it at No. 14 on the list of the "20 Best Pop Albums of 2016".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-best-pop-albums-of-2016-w455459/lizzo-coconut-oil-w455637|title=20 Best Pop Albums of 2016: 14. Lizzo, 'Coconut Oil'|date=December 19, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 1, 2017|archive-date=September 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901201446/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-best-pop-albums-of-2016-w455459/lizzo-coconut-oil-w455637|url-status=live}} Commercially, Coconut Oil peaked at number 44 on US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, making it Lizzo's first release to chart. To promote the extended play, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour in 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/May-2017/Lizzo-wants-to-make-Detroit-feel-Good-As-Hell/|title=Lizzo wants to make Detroit feel 'Good As Hell'|website=Blacdetroit.com|date=June 2017|access-date=2019-01-20|archive-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723122508/http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/May-2017/Lizzo-wants-to-make-Detroit-feel-Good-As-Hell/|url-status=live}} In May she headlined The Infatuation's annual food festival, EEEEEATSCON,{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/blog/the-infatuation-launches-eeeeeatscon-possibly-the-coolest-food-fest-yet-031517|title=The Infatuation launches EEEEEATSCON, possibly the coolest food fest yet|website=Time Out Los Angeles|date=March 15, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2020-02-12|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515105748/https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/blog/the-infatuation-launches-eeeeeatscon-possibly-the-coolest-food-fest-yet-031517|url-status=live}} and also appeared as a guest judge on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/rupauls-drag-race-season-10-judges-trailer/03/2018/|title=Shania Twain, "Broad City" Stars And More Join The Judges' Panel On "Drag Race" Season 10 – NewNowNext|website=Newnownext.com|access-date=March 8, 2018|archive-date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308230729/http://www.newnownext.com/rupauls-drag-race-season-10-judges-trailer/03/2018/|url-status=live}} In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine.
After struggling with body issues at an early age, Lizzo became an advocate for body positivity and self-love as she attracted more mainstream attention, while making diversity the focus of her music, in regards to one's body, sexuality, race, and more. Her group of back-up dancers, the Big Grrrls, consists of all plus-size dancers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/lizzo-coconut-oil-ep-body-positivity-self-care|title=Meet the Rising Musician Who's Starting a Body-Confidence Revolution|website=Vogue|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=2018-12-11|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304204534/https://www.vogue.com/article/lizzo-coconut-oil-ep-body-positivity-self-care|url-status=live}} Highlighting body inclusivity and celebrating individuality, Lizzo appeared in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign, which launched on June 11, 2018.{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/modcloth-says-it-louder-300664084.html|title=ModCloth Says It Louder|website=PR Newswire|access-date=June 15, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001904/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/modcloth-says-it-louder-300664084.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/walmart-s-watch-modcloth-debuts-digital-campaign/313802/|title=Under Walmart's watch, ModCloth debuts digital campaign|website=Adage.com|date=June 11, 2018|access-date=2019-01-06|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106224339/https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/walmart-s-watch-modcloth-debuts-digital-campaign/313802/|url-status=live}} In the same month, she sported the first plus-size outfit made for FIT's Future of Fashion runway show by Grace Insogna for her performance at NYC Pride's Pride Island event.{{Cite web|url=https://news.fitnyc.edu/2018/06/28/lizzo-performs-at-pride-island-in-fit-graduates-design/|title=Lizzo Performs at Pride Island in FIT Graduate's Design|last=Alexandra Mann|date=June 28, 2018|website=FIT Newsroom|access-date=2018-12-11|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215224355/https://news.fitnyc.edu/2018/06/28/lizzo-performs-at-pride-island-in-fit-graduates-design/|url-status=live}} Lizzo was profiled in the June 2018 Teen Vogue Music Issue.{{Cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lizzo-music-issue|title=Why Lizzo Is the Sex-Positive, Twerking, Gospel-Singing Artist the World Needs|last=Picardi|first=Phillip|date=June 15, 2018|website=Teen Vogue|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-date=November 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122010242/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lizzo-music-issue|url-status=live}}
=2019–2020: Career breakthrough and ''Cuz I Love You''=
File:LizzoBrixt06Nov19-10 (49216792848) (cropped).jpg in November 2019]]
In 2019, in addition to her musical projects, Lizzo ventured into acting, with a voice performance in the animated film UglyDolls, and a supporting part in the crime comedy-drama film Hustlers.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/lizzo-joins-hustlers-cast-cardi-b-jennifer-lopez-1203196726/|title=Lizzo Joins Cardi B and Jennifer Lopez in Stripper Film 'Hustlers'|last=Moreau|first=Jordan|date=April 24, 2019|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714121616/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/lizzo-joins-hustlers-cast-cardi-b-jennifer-lopez-1203196726/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/hustlers-release-steamy-teasers-featuring-cardi-b-j-lo-lizzo-billboard-news-8519624|title='Hustlers' Release Steamy Teasers Featuring Cardi B, J Lo & Lizzo {{!}} Billboard News|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713140821/https://www.billboard.com/video/hustlers-release-steamy-teasers-featuring-cardi-b-j-lo-lizzo-billboard-news-8519624|url-status=live}} "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album, was released on January 4, 2019, by Atlantic Records.{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2019/01/lizzo-juice-music-video-watch/|title=Lizzo shares bouncy new single "Juice" with retro video: Watch|date=January 4, 2019|website=Consequence of Sound|access-date=2019-01-19|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117015136/https://consequence.net/2019/01/lizzo-juice-music-video-watch/|url-status=live}} The next month, she announced the title of the album, Cuz I Love You, which was eventually released on April 19, 2019.{{cite web |last1=Monroe |first1=Jazz |title=Lizzo Announces New Album and Tour |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-announces-new-album-and-tour/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=January 28, 2019 |date=January 28, 2019 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723030752/https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-announces-new-album-and-tour/ |url-status=live }} After the release of her album, she performed at the Coachella Music Festival for the first time.{{Cite web|url=https://www.coachella.com/lineup/#/artist/lizzo|title=Coachella 2019 {{!}} Lineup|website=Coachella|language=en|access-date=2019-04-30|archive-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320040746/https://www.coachella.com/lineup/#/artist/lizzo|url-status=dead}} The release of Cuz I Love You marked a turning point in Lizzo's career, as she began to attract more mainstream attention; the album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and eventually peaked at number four on the chart, three months after its initial release.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200|title=Top 200 Albums {{!}} Billboard 200 chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-09-18|archive-date=July 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702172558/http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200|url-status=live}}
After inspiring an internet meme on the TikTok video sharing app{{cite web|last=Strapagiel|first=Lauren|title=People Are Repping Their Identities With This TikTok DNA Test Meme|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/tiktok-just-took-a-dna-test|website=BuzzFeed News|date=April 15, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905142822/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/tiktok-just-took-a-dna-test|url-status=live}} and being featured in the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great,{{cite web |last=Zuckerman |first=Esther |title=How Lizzo Came to Dominate Soundtracks in 2019 |url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/lizzo-music-tv-movie-soundtracks |website=Thrillist |date=April 19, 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2019 |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608080731/https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/lizzo-music-tv-movie-soundtracks |url-status=live }} {{verify source |date=August 2019 |reason=This ref was deleted (Special:Diff/910037751) by a bug in VisualEditor and later restored by a bot from the original cite at Special:Permalink/910036511 cite No. 4 – please verify the cite's accuracy and remove this {verify source} template. User:GreenC bot/Job 18}} Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" began to gain popularity and was added to the deluxe version of Cuz I Love You. The single became a viral sleeper hit,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8519234/lizzo-truth-hurts-top-10-five-burning-questions|title=Five Burning Questions: Billboard Staffers Discuss Lizzo's First Hot 100 Top 10 With 'Truth Hurts'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-07-12|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713070214/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8519234/lizzo-truth-hurts-top-10-five-burning-questions|url-status=live}} and, in turn, increased interest for Cuz I Love You, which remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for several months.
"Truth Hurts" has since become Lizzo's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8528901/lizzo-truth-hurts-number-one-hot-100|title=Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, Taylor Swift's 'Lover' Leaps to Top 10|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222064426/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8528901/lizzo-truth-hurts-number-one-hot-100|url-status=live}} Lizzo became the third female rapper to top the Hot 100 without a featured artist. She also became the first black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 since Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds".{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2019/09/lizzo-truth-hurts-reaches-no-1-on-hot-100-a-historic-moment/|title=Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts' Reaches No. 1 on Hot 100: A Historic Moment|website=Rated R&B|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=2019-09-17|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904095417/https://ratedrnb.com/2019/09/lizzo-truth-hurts-reaches-no-1-on-hot-100-a-historic-moment/|url-status=live}} A week later, on September 9, 2019, Cuz I Love You became certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 equivalent units sold.{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2019/09/lizzos-cuz-i-love-you-album-is-certified-gold/|title=Lizzo's 'Cuz I Love You' Album is Certified Gold|date=September 9, 2019|website=Rated R&B|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-17|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803183128/https://ratedrnb.com/2019/09/lizzos-cuz-i-love-you-album-is-certified-gold/|url-status=live}} "Truth Hurts" spent seven weeks atop the Hot 100, tying for the most weeks at number one for a rap song by a female artist.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8533646/lizzo-truth-hurts-number-one-seventh-week-hot-100|title=Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts' Tops Hot 100 for 7th Week, Tying for Longest Reign Ever for a Rap Song by a Female Artist|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226044830/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8533646/lizzo-truth-hurts-number-one-seventh-week-hot-100|url-status=live}} The music video for the song, in which Lizzo "marries herself",{{cite web|url=http://www.papermag.com/rapper-lizzo-marries-herself-in-self-love-anthem-truth-hurts-2489810516.html|title=Rapper Lizzo Marries Herself In Self-Love Anthem "Truth Hurts"|last1=Stegemoeller|first1=Kristen|website=Paper|date=September 26, 2017|access-date=May 4, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803085445/https://www.papermag.com/rapper-lizzo-marries-herself-in-self-love-anthem-truth-hurts-2489810516.html|url-status=live}} has amassed more than 220 million views on YouTube.{{Cite web|title=Lizzo – Truth Hurts (Official Video)|date=September 25, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00HMxdsVZI|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713215033/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00HMxdsVZI|url-status=live}} In an interview, she revealed that the initial lack of success for "Truth Hurts"—what she had thought to be her best song yet at the time—caused her to seriously consider quitting the music industry altogether.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lizzo-admits-almost-quit-music-two-years-ago-2532784|title=Lizzo says she almost quit music in emotional new interview|first=Elizabeth|last=Aubrey|date=July 26, 2019|website=NME|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728221750/https://www.nme.com/news/music/lizzo-admits-almost-quit-music-two-years-ago-2532784|url-status=live}}
Lizzo is also well known for her ability to play the flute.{{Cite web|title=Lizzo – Taking Her Fans to Church with a Twerk & "Cuz I Love You" {{!}} The Daily Show|date=April 18, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbL0S4trLU|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2019-04-29|archive-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429183442/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbL0S4trLU|url-status=live}} She began playing as a child, and has continued to improve her flute playing skills into adulthood.{{Cite web|title=Lizzo's Flute & Twerk Lesson {{!}} 2 Dope Queens {{!}} Season 2|date=February 22, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc5Oy1BdFZI|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2019-04-29|archive-date=May 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519152609/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc5Oy1BdFZI|url-status=live}} She has performed with her flute, which she has named Sasha Flute,{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Lizzo's Flute, Sasha Flute, Is the Most Legendary Flute of All Time |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/lizzos-flute-sasha-flute-is-the-most-legendary-flute.html |website=Vulture.com |access-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210152805/https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/lizzos-flute-sasha-flute-is-the-most-legendary-flute.html |url-status=live }} in several of her musical performances, including when she performed "Truth Hurts" at the 2019 BET Awards.{{Cite web|title=Lizzo Proves She's 100% That B***h In "Truth Hurts" Performance! {{!}} BET Awards 2019|date=June 23, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcVOMUrBpF4|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2019-06-24|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624190139/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcVOMUrBpF4|url-status=live}} Her performance at the BET Awards earned her a standing ovation from the crowd, which included Rihanna.{{Cite web|url=https://www.popsugar.com/node/46307802|title=Lizzo's BET Awards Performance Was So Good, She Got a Standing Ovation From Rihanna|last=Sisavat|first=Monica|date=June 25, 2019|website=POPSUGAR Entertainment|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-14|archive-date=August 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803193227/https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/lizzo-performance-2019-bet-awards-video-46307802|url-status=live}} Throughout the summer of 2019, Lizzo frequently performed, including on the West Holts stage at the Glastonbury Festival,{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/lizzo-review-west-holts-stage-glastonbury-woman-unabashedly/amp/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/lizzo-review-west-holts-stage-glastonbury-woman-unabashedly/amp/ |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lizzo review, West Holts Stage, Glastonbury: a woman unabashedly thrilled with who she is and what she is doing|website=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-07-01}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/lizzo-review-glastonbury-friday-performance-stream-watch-setlist-album-a8980866.html|title=Lizzo's playful Glastonbury set incited one of the most frenzied reactions of the festival so far|date=June 29, 2019|newspaper=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2019-07-01|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701183726/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/lizzo-review-glastonbury-friday-performance-stream-watch-setlist-album-a8980866.html|url-status=live}} and as a headliner at the Indianapolis and Sacramento pride festivals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/concerts/2019/03/15/indy-pride-festival-lineup-includes-lizzo-blair-st-clair/3174510002/|title=Indy Pride Festival lineup includes Lizzo, Blair St. Clair|website=Indianapolis Star|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182457/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/concerts/2019/03/15/indy-pride-festival-lineup-includes-lizzo-blair-st-clair/3174510002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Lizzo to headline expanded Sacramento Pride festival commemorating Stonewall Riots|url=https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/article231045253.html|website=Sacbee.com|access-date=June 9, 2019|archive-date=June 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609161036/https://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/article231045253.html|url-status=live}}
On July 23, 2019, Lizzo was nominated for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3132380/2019-vma-nominations-taylor-swift-ariana-grande-billie-eilish-lil-nas-x/|title=Ariana, Taylor, Billie, and Lil Nas X Lead Your 2019 VMA Nominations|date=July 23, 2019|work=MTV Press|access-date=July 23, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727222343/http://www.mtv.com/news/3132380/2019-vma-nominations-taylor-swift-ariana-grande-billie-eilish-lil-nas-x/|url-status=dead}} She performed a medley of "Truth Hurts" and "Good as Hell" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards; her performance received critical praise.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3136544/lizzo-vma-truth-hurts-good-as-hell-performance/|title=Lizzo, An Inflatable Ass, And Sky-High Vocals Make Her VMA Performance Unforgettable|last=Hosken|first=Patrick|website=MTV News|language=en|access-date=2019-09-03|archive-date=September 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903175453/http://www.mtv.com/news/3136544/lizzo-vma-truth-hurts-good-as-hell-performance/|url-status=dead}} Around this time, her 2016 single "Good as Hell" also climbed the charts around the world, reaching the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten of the UK Singles Chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/11/02/selena-gomez-kanye-west-and-lizzo-score-new-top-10-singles-in-the-uk/|title=Selena Gomez, Kanye West And Lizzo Score New Top 10 Singles In The U.K.|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-11-04|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105115223/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/11/02/selena-gomez-kanye-west-and-lizzo-score-new-top-10-singles-in-the-uk/|url-status=live}} The song also reached the top ten in Australia and Belgium.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}
Lizzo made her Saturday Night Live debut as a musical guest on the December 21, 2019, episode, which Eddie Murphy hosted. The episode was the final episode of both the year and the decade.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/snl-hosts-jennifer-lopez-scarlett-johansson-eddie-murphy-lizzo/|title=' SNL': Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson to Host in December|access-date=November 20, 2019|date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121073502/https://www.thewrap.com/snl-hosts-jennifer-lopez-scarlett-johansson-eddie-murphy-lizzo/|url-status=live}} In January 2020, Lizzo headlined FOMO Festival, performing in four Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand.{{Cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/the-fomo-2020-lineup-is-here-and-its-huge/|title=The FOMO 2020 Lineup Is Here And It's Huge|date=July 1, 2019|website=Musicfeeds.com|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812205908/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/the-fomo-2020-lineup-is-here-and-its-huge/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://fomofestival.com.au/sydney/|title=Sydney|website=Fomofestival.com.au|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113040856/https://fomofestival.com.au/sydney/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://fomofestival.com.au/|title=FOMO2020 | Australia's Best Music Festival Experience|website=Fomofestival.com.au|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103074604/https://fomofestival.com.au/|url-status=live}} She also performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House, where she had previously performed as a young flute player.{{Cite web|url=https://hd.sydneyoperahouse.com/lizzo/allocation-exhausted/|title=Lizzo – Sydney Opera House|website=Hd.sydneyoperahouse.com|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113040847/https://hd.sydneyoperahouse.com/lizzo/allocation-exhausted/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/lizzo-sydney-opera-house-concert-review/0bb4d378-1739-459e-a121-39b9ba34d2fc|title=Good As Hell: Lizzo raises the roof at the Sydney Opera House|website=Celebrity.nine.com.au|date=January 7, 2020 |access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113040843/https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/lizzo-sydney-opera-house-concert-review/0bb4d378-1739-459e-a121-39b9ba34d2fc|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_rBhyBUX6/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/lizzobeeating/2215678762681714170_2215678759561156126 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=Lizzo on Instagram: "Thank you @sydneyoperahouse. It was my dream to perform in your hallowed halls as a young flutist. And now, I've had the honor to headline..."|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} She opened the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards with a medley of "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts", and won three awards at the ceremony.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/arts/music/grammy-winners.html|title=2020 Grammy Winners: The Complete List|work=The New York Times|date=January 26, 2020|last1=Messman|first1=Lauren|access-date=September 27, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505113755/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/arts/music/grammy-winners.html|url-status=live}} She received eleven nominations at the 2020 Billboard Music Award, winning one for Top Song Sales Artist.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/bbma/9453361/2020-billboard-music-awards-nominations-list|title=Post Malone Leads 2020 Billboard Music Awards Nominations With 16: Full List|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 22, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922171546/https://www.billboard.com/articles/bbma/9453361/2020-billboard-music-awards-nominations-list|url-status=live}} At the 2020 BET Awards, she became the first act to be nominated in both the R&B/pop and hip-hop artist categories in the same year.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9407691/lizzo-bet-awards-history-nominations-rb-pop-hip-hop/|title=Lizzo Makes BET Awards History With Double Nominations in R&B/Pop & Hip Hop|magazine=Billboard|author=Grein, Paul|access-date=October 20, 2020|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020070913/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9407691/lizzo-bet-awards-history-nominations-rb-pop-hip-hop|url-status=live}} In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects with them.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Amazon Strikes First-Look Deal With Pop-Star Lizzo |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/amazon-first-look-deal-lizzo-1203006399/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809032005/https://deadline.com/2020/08/amazon-first-look-deal-lizzo-1203006399/ |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-08-09 |website=Deadline}} Her first project was an unscripted reality competition series called Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2021 |title=Lizzo Announces a Full Figured Top Model and Dancer Reality Show for Amazon |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lizzo-announces-a-full-figured-top-model-and-dancer-reality-show-for-amazon-4153498/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321183647/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lizzo-announces-a-full-figured-top-model-and-dancer-reality-show-for-amazon-4153498/ |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |access-date=2021-03-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} The show premiered on March 24, 2022.{{cite web |last=Setoodeh |first=Ramin |date=February 23, 2022 |title=Lizzo's Next Era: The Pop Star on Her 'Daring' New Album and Pivoting to Reality TV |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/features/lizzo-watch-out-for-the-big-grrrls-ursula-1235187098/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223235336/https://variety.com/2022/music/features/lizzo-watch-out-for-the-big-grrrls-ursula-1235187098/ |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |work=Variety}}
=2021–2024: ''Special''=
File:Lizzo @ SXSW 2022.jpg festival|left|257x257px]]On August 2, 2021, Lizzo announced the beginning of a "new era" with the song "Rumors", which was released on August 13.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-announces-rumors-single-9608969/|title=A 'New Era' of Lizzo is Coming, Ushered By New 'Rumors' Single|last=Mamo|first=Heran|magazine=Billboard|date=August 3, 2021|access-date=March 21, 2022|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321183647/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-announces-rumors-single-9608969/|url-status=live}} In an interview with Variety, Lizzo said her upcoming album would be "a love album" and "one of the most musically badass, daring and sophisticated bodies of work I've done to date." The album was expected to be released in late 2022, though at the time of the interview Lizzo had not finished it yet. On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced the single "About Damn Time" was to be released on April 14. After the song's release, Lizzo revealed the title for her fourth album, Special, and announced a release date of July 15.{{cite web |last1=Wang |first1=Steffanee |title=Lizzo previews new song 'About Damn Time' from upcoming album |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/lizzo-previews-new-song-about-damn-time-album-3188352 |website=NME |access-date=April 14, 2022 |language=en |date=March 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414230336/https://www.nme.com/news/music/lizzo-previews-new-song-about-damn-time-album-3188352 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Lizzo Announces New Album Special, Shares Video for New Song "About Damn Time" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-shares-video-for-new-song-about-damn-time-watch/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=April 14, 2022 |date=April 14, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415235041/https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-shares-video-for-new-song-about-damn-time-watch/ |url-status=live }}
She returned to Saturday Night Live as host and musical guest for the April 16, 2022, episode.{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Ryan |title=SNL: Lizzo and Jerrod Carmichael to Make Hosting Debuts; Jake Gyllenhaal, Camila Cabello Also Booked for April |url=https://tvline.com/2022/03/21/snl-lizzo-hosting-jerrod-carmichael-jake-gyllenhaal-april-episodes/ |website=TVLine |access-date=March 21, 2022 |date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321183159/https://tvline.com/2022/03/21/snl-lizzo-hosting-jerrod-carmichael-jake-gyllenhaal-april-episodes/ |url-status=live }} On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls", the first promotional single from Special.{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Lizzo Shares New Song "Grrrls" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-shares-new-song-grrrls-listen/ |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613041709/https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-shares-new-song-grrrls-listen/ |url-status=live }} The song's lyrics generated controversy because of the inclusion of the word "spaz".{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Fans ask Lizzo to remove song over offensive lyric |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-61782726 |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=BBC News |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613161923/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-61782726 |url-status=live }} The line was eventually replaced with "hold me back", following a statement from Lizzo where she commented that "as a fat black woman in America, I've had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally)".{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Sian |date=June 14, 2022 |title=Lizzo removes 'harmful' ableist slur from new song GRRRLS after criticism |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jun/14/lizzo-removes-harmful-ableist-slur-from-new-song-grrrls-after-criticism |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801070848/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jun/14/lizzo-removes-harmful-ableist-slur-from-new-song-grrrls-after-criticism |url-status=live }}
On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, which earned acclaim from music critics upon its release.{{Citation |title=Special by Lizzo |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/special/lizzo |language=en |access-date=2022-07-16 |archive-date=July 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722111642/https://www.metacritic.com/music/special/lizzo |url-status=live }} Lizzoverse, an accompanying immersive cosmic light show experience set to Special, took place in New York City's Cipriani 25 Broadway and was livestreamed on Twitch.{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=July 11, 2022 |title=Lizzo Announces Intergalactic 'Lizzoverse' Light Show for New Album 'Special' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-lizzoverse-special-light-show-1235112896/ |access-date=July 11, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711223047/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-lizzoverse-special-light-show-1235112896/ |url-status=live }} Following the release of Special, "About Damn Time" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and maintained the position for two weeks.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=July 25, 2022 |title=Lizzo's 'About Damn Time' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/lizzo-about-damn-time-hits-number-one-billboard-hot-100-1235117548/ |access-date=2022-07-25 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725225456/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/lizzo-about-damn-time-hits-number-one-billboard-hot-100-1235117548/ |url-status=live }} In February 2023, "About Damn Time" won the coveted "Record of the Year" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, making Lizzo's first win in the major categories.
Lizzo served as a contributing writer and producer on SZA's critically acclaimed second album SOS, co-writing the song "F2F". Lizzo also collaborated with SZA on the remix of the song "Special", the title track of her album of the same name.{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=2023-02-01 |title=Lizzo Is the Superhero We All Need in 'Special' Music Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lizzo-special-music-video-1235209905/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-12 |title=Lizzo Performs Special Medley at BRIT Awards 2023 |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-performs-special-medley-at-brit-awards-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} On December 17, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live for her third appearance as a musical guest, with Austin Butler hosting.{{cite web | url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/watch-lizzo-snl-performances-from-december-17-2022 | title=Lizzo Shined in Her SNL Performances of 'Break up Twice' and 'Someday at Christmas' | date=December 19, 2022 | access-date=December 20, 2022 | archive-date=December 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220010922/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/watch-lizzo-snl-performances-from-december-17-2022 | url-status=live }} Lizzo replaced the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs due to member Nick Zinner having pneumonia.{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-to-replace-yeah-yeah-yeahs-as-snls-december-17-musical-guest/ | title=Lizzo to Replace Yeah Yeah Yeahs as SNL's December 17 Musical Guest | website=Pitchfork | date=December 11, 2022 | access-date=December 20, 2022 | archive-date=December 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220010920/https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-to-replace-yeah-yeah-yeahs-as-snls-december-17-musical-guest/ | url-status=live }} In autumn, she embarked on The Special Tour across North America, Europe, and Oceania.
The 2023 film Barbie featured an original single from Lizzo titled "Pink". It was released on Barbie the Album on July 21 of the same year,{{Cite magazine |last=Aramesh |first=Waiss |date=2023-05-25 |title=Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Ice Spice, Charli XCX, and Even Ryan Gosling Feature on 'Barbie' Soundtrack |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/barbie-soundtrack-announced-dua-lipa-lizzo-more-1234741923/ |access-date=2023-08-10 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} with a second version used in the film titled "Pink (Bad Day)" released on July 29.{{Cite web |last=Garvey |first=Marianne |date=2023-07-31 |title=Lizzo's 'Pink (Bad Day)' is the wake-up song everyone can relate to |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/entertainment/lizzo-barbie-pink-music/index.html |access-date=2023-08-10 |website=CNN |language=en}}
=2025-present: Upcoming fifth studio album=
On February 15, 2025, Lizzo started teasing a new project titled "LIRL" by sharing a video clip on social media, slated with a release date on February 28.{{cite tweet|number=1890857496635400310|title=Everything was so much simpler #LIRL|user=lizzo|access-date=February 16, 2025}} On February 28, 2025, she released the lead single off of her upcoming fifth studio album: Love in Real Life.{{cite web |title=Lizzo Drops First Single in Nearly Two Years, 'Love in Real Life' |url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/lizzo-love-in-real-life-first-single-two-years-1236323061/ |website=variety.com|date=February 28, 2025 }}
Personal life
File:Lizzo plays Madison flute (52391368441).jpg from US President James Madison at the Library of Congress in 2022]]When asked about her sexuality in a June 2018 interview, Lizzo said, "I personally don't ascribe to just one thing{{nbsp}}... That's why the colors for LGBTQ+ are a rainbow! Because there's a spectrum and right now we try to keep it black and white. That's just not working for me."{{Cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lizzo-music-issue|title=Lizzo Is the Sex-Positive, Twerking, Gospel-Singing Artist the World Needs|last=Picardi|first=Phillip|date=June 15, 2018|website=Teen Vogue|access-date=September 14, 2019|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707125142/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lizzo-music-issue|url-status=live}} She has a strong LGBTQ+ following and has dubbed her fans "Lizzbians".{{Cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/lizzo-wants-fans-to-be-called-lizzbians/|title=Lizzo Wants Her Fans To Be Called 'Lizzbians'|last=Gilke|first=Chloe|date=June 25, 2019|website=UPROXX|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-28|archive-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017115616/https://uproxx.com/music/lizzo-wants-fans-to-be-called-lizzbians/|url-status=live}} She later stated that she considers herself an ally and "leans heterosexual".{{cite news |last1=Nambiar |first1=Prerna |title=Is Lizzo gay? Fans think star has a girlfriend due to TikTok |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/26/lizzo-gay/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |work=HITC |date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127120731/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/26/lizzo-gay/ |archive-date=November 27, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Setoodeh |first1=Ramin |title=Lizzo on Being an LGBTQ Ally, Rihanna and Meeting Sandra Bullock |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/features/lizzo-lgbtq-ally-rihanna-sandra-bullock-1203255011/ |access-date=March 14, 2022 |work=Variety |date=June 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126115828/https://variety.com/2019/music/features/lizzo-lgbtq-ally-rihanna-sandra-bullock-1203255011/ |archive-date=November 26, 2021|url-status=live}}
Throughout her career, Lizzo has been subject to body shaming due to her obesity.{{Cite magazine |last=Iasimone |first=Ashley |date=2021-03-07 |title=Lizzo on What It's Really Like Living 'Obese': 'My Bank Account Is So Fat' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-obese-question-fat-bank-account-9536147/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418023745/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/lizzo-obese-question-fat-bank-account-9536147/ |url-status=live }} She is considered a role model and advocate for body positivity and self-confidence.{{Cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/14/world/americas/ap-us-music-qa-lizzo.html|title=Lizzo Talks Diversity, Self-Confidence and Femininity|date=February 14, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=2020-02-17|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217234940/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/14/world/americas/ap-us-music-qa-lizzo.html|url-status=live}} She partially credits social media, and the Internet in general, for changing the narrative around size and giving visibility to overweight women.{{Cite web|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/dont-call-lizzo-brave-for-being-confident|title=Don't Call Lizzo 'Brave' for Being Confident|last=Rosa|first=Christopher|website=Glamour|date=August 28, 2019|language=en|access-date=2020-02-18|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218002254/https://www.glamour.com/story/dont-call-lizzo-brave-for-being-confident|url-status=live}} In March 2025, Lizzo posted a video revealing that she had gradually achieved significant weight loss. She has been doing daily fitness routines since January 2024, while continuing to advocate for body positivity.{{Cite web |title=Lizzo Shows Off Weight Loss Transformation While Busting a Move in New Video |url=https://people.com/lizzo-shows-off-weight-loss-transformation-while-busting-move-new-video-11689063 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=People.com |language=en}}
In December 2019, Lizzo sparked controversy at a Los Angeles Lakers game when she danced and twerked to her song "Juice" on camera while wearing a dress that revealed her thong. In an interview with CBS This Morning she said, "Anyone who knows me knows that this is how I've always been. This is how I've always liked to dress."{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/10/entertainment/lizzo-thong-trnd/index.html|title=Lizzo twerked in a thong at a Lakers game and it was a moment|work=CNN|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310092110/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/10/entertainment/lizzo-thong-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/lizzo-response-to-thong-critics|title=Lizzo Welcomes You to Keep Talking About Her Butt|website=Glamour|date=December 12, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921032609/https://www.glamour.com/story/lizzo-response-to-thong-critics|url-status=live}} On January 5, 2020, Lizzo stopped using Twitter; she cited "too many trolls" as the reason for her departure, adding: "I'll be back when I feel like it".{{Cite web|last=Meisenzahl|first=Mary|title=Lizzo is quitting Twitter because it has 'too many trolls'|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/lizzo-quits-twitter-because-it-has-too-many-trolls-2020-1|access-date=2020-03-10|website=Business Insider|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307011350/https://www.businessinsider.com/lizzo-quits-twitter-because-it-has-too-many-trolls-2020-1|url-status=live}} Her Twitter account has since been updated by her management, while she remains active on her Instagram.{{Cite web|url=http://twitter.com/lizzo|title=Feelin Good As Hell (@lizzo) {{!}} Twitter|website=twitter.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-10|archive-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310013927/https://twitter.com/lizzo|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/|title=Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) • Instagram photos and videos|website=www.instagram.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-10|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218160148/https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/|url-status=live}} Lizzo often discusses her mental health and its impact on her career.{{Cite news|last=Elan|first=Priya|date=November 8, 2019|title=Lizzo: lack of body positivity in media took toll on mental health|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/nov/08/lizzo-lack-positive-body-images-took-toll-mental-health|access-date=2020-02-18|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225143830/https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/nov/08/lizzo-lack-positive-body-images-took-toll-mental-health|url-status=live}}
Lizzo grew up attending the Church of God in Christ.{{cite news|last1=Gross|first1=Terry|title=Lizzo On Feminism, Self-Love And Bringing 'Hallelujah Moments' To Stage|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/725704911|access-date=November 14, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124123722/https://www.npr.org/transcripts/725704911|url-status=live}} In 2022, Lizzo was romantically linked to comedian Myke Wright.{{cite web |url=https://www.elle.com.au/culture/lizzo-boyfriend-myke-wright-27150 |title=Who Is Myke Wright? Meet The Man Who Just Went Red Carpet Official With Lizzo |publisher=Elle |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608233003/https://www.elle.com.au/culture/lizzo-boyfriend-myke-wright-27150 |url-status=live }}
In October 2021, she received criticism for calling Chris Brown her "favorite person in the whole fucking world", due to Brown's various convictions.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2021 |title=Lizzo faces backlash over Chris Brown remark |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lizzo-chris-brown-favourite-person-b1932211.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003150440/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lizzo-chris-brown-favourite-person-b1932211.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Willen |first=Claudia |title=Lizzo is facing criticism after calling Chris Brown her 'favorite person' and asking the singer for a photo |url=https://www.insider.com/lizzo-chris-brown-criticism-backlash-video-fan-reactions-2021-10 |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803183056/https://www.insider.com/lizzo-chris-brown-criticism-backlash-video-fan-reactions-2021-10 |url-status=live }}
=Misconduct allegations=
In August 2023, three former backup dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, her production company, and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley, accusing them of sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, creating a hostile work environment, and weight-shaming.{{Cite news |last=Horton |first=Adrian |date=2023-08-01 |title=Lizzo accused of sexual harassment and weight-shaming by former dancers |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/01/lizzo-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-weight-shaming-former-dancers |access-date=2023-08-01 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801211511/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/01/lizzo-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-weight-shaming-former-dancers |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-01 |title=Former Lizzo dancers were weight-shamed and pressured while at strip club, lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lizzo-dancers-weight-shamed-pressured-touch-nude-performer-lawsuit-rcna95161 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801211921/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lizzo-dancers-weight-shamed-pressured-touch-nude-performer-lawsuit-rcna95161 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=2023-08-01 |title=Lizzo's Former Dancers Sue Her for Alleged Sexual Harassment, Weight-Shaming and Creating a 'Hostile Work Environment' |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/former-lizzo-dancers-sexual-harassment-weight-shaming-lawsuit-1235684625/ |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803183223/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/former-lizzo-dancers-sexual-harassment-weight-shaming-lawsuit-1235684625/ |url-status=live }} Following the allegations, a former creative director for Lizzo and another former backup dancer showed support for the three claimants, saying they both had similar experiences working with Lizzo.{{Cite news |last=Vassel |first=Nicole |date=2023-08-02 |title=Lizzo's former colleagues share support for accusers in lawsuit: 'I was treated with such disrespect' |language=en-GB |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lizzo-lawsuit-allegations-creative-director-b2386141.html |access-date=2023-08-02 |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803183100/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lizzo-lawsuit-allegations-creative-director-b2386141.html |url-status=live }}
Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison released a statement supporting the dancers. The director traveled with Lizzo in 2019 for her documentary but dropped out of the project. Allison wrote, "I witnessed how arrogant, self-centered, and unkind she is... reading these reports made me realize how dangerous of a situation it was."{{cite web|url= https://www.insider.com/lizzo-documentary-filmmaker-walked-away-arrogant-self-centered-2023-8|title= Filmmaker says she 'walked away' from Lizzo's documentary because the singer was 'arrogant, self-centered, and unkind'|website= Business Insider|accessdate= August 2, 2023|archive-date= August 3, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230803183220/https://www.insider.com/lizzo-documentary-filmmaker-walked-away-arrogant-self-centered-2023-8|url-status= live}}
Lizzo has denied the allegations made against her, calling them "unbelievable" and "too outrageous not to be addressed".{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Dustin |date=2023-08-03 |title=Lizzo says hostile work environment allegations against her are 'unbelievable' |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/08/02/1191675195/former-dancers-accuse-lizzo-harassment-creating-hostile-work-environment |url-status=live |access-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802230838/https://www.npr.org/2023/08/02/1191675195/former-dancers-accuse-lizzo-harassment-creating-hostile-work-environment |archive-date=2023-08-02}}
On September 21, another similar lawsuit was filed against Lizzo and her management team, alleging further inappropriate behavior backstage, including sexual and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, drug use, and illegal retaliatory termination. The plaintiff, clothing designer Asha Daniels, had previously worked with Lizzo on her tour for her fourth studio album Special. Lizzo once again denied the allegations, with her spokesperson calling it an "absurd publicity-stunt lawsuit".{{Cite magazine |last=Eggertsen |first=Chris |date=2023-09-21 |title=Lizzo Accused of Creating Hostile Workplace in Another Lawsuit Alleging Sexual & Racial Harassment |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/lizzo-lawsuit-sexual-racial-harassment-hostile-workplace-1235418353/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} In December 2024, Los Angeles district judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha ruled that Daniels could not sue Lizzo and her tour manager Carlina Gugliotta as individuals, dismissing all causes of action against both. Aenlle-Rocha also dismissed several of Daniels' other claims, as she toured with Lizzo in Europe where American employment laws are not applicable. Lizzo's company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, remains a defendant in the lawsuit.{{cite web |last1=Glynn |first1=Paul |title=Harassment case against Lizzo dropped |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/lizzo-victory-lawsuit-over-racial-sexual-harassment-claims-stylist-1236196970/ |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 13, 2024 |date=December 7, 2024}}
In February 2024, a Los Angeles judge rejected a request by Lizzo to end the three backup dancers' case against her, though he dismissed some charges including one claim that Lizzo had allegedly fat-shamed one of the former dancers, and another that Lizzo's team had allegedly discriminated against a person with disability. However, some sexual harassment and racial and religious discrimination allegations made against Lizzo and Shirlene Quigley, the captain of the singer's dance team, were upheld by the judge.{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=2024-02-02 |title=Lizzo Sexual Harassment Case Moves Forward As Judge Denies Singer's Request to Toss Lawsuit |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/lizzo-sexual-harassment-lawsuit-trial-judge-rules-1235596910/ |access-date=2024-02-04 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}
=Politics=
She donated $500,000 to Planned Parenthood after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022).{{Cite news |last=Ash |first=Janelle |date=June 25, 2022 |title=Lizzo and Live Nation join forces and pledge $1 million to Planned Parenthood after Roe v. Wade reversal |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/lizzo-live-nation-planned-parenthood-roe-v-wade |access-date=2022-06-28 |work=Fox Business |language=en-US |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628192942/https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/lizzo-live-nation-planned-parenthood-roe-v-wade |url-status=live }}
Lizzo endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.{{cite magazine |last=Dalley |first=Hannah |date=October 18, 2024 |title=All the Musicians Supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential Election |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/musicians-endorsing-kamala-harris-president-2024/lizzo-17/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 19, 2024}}
Artistry
Lizzo's music primarily incorporates hip-hop,{{cite web |url=http://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/9-12-2013/Meet-Lizzo-Your-New-Favorite-Hip-Hop-Queen.html |title=Meet Lizzo, Your New Favorite Hip-Hop Queen |work=Baeblemusic |first=Matt |last=Howard |date=September 12, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182455/https://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/9-12-2013/meet-lizzo-your-new-favorite-hip-hop-queen.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5568320/lizzo-music-album-review/|title='The Space I'm Occupying Isn't Just for Me.' Lizzo Fulfills Her Own Self-Love Prophecy|magazine=Time|first=Raisa|last=Bruner|date=April 11, 2019|access-date=August 15, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121101429/https://time.com/5568320/lizzo-music-album-review/|url-status=live}} and is also infused with genres such as soul, R&B, and funk-pop. Lizzo's influences include Missy Elliott,{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/a/lizzo-explains-how-missy-elliott-inspired-her-career|title=Lizzo Explains How Missy Elliott Inspired Her Career|work=Genius|access-date=April 2, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805025253/https://genius.com/a/lizzo-explains-how-missy-elliott-inspired-her-career|url-status=live}} Lauryn Hill,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8458876/miseducation-of-lauryn-hill-20-years-artist-tributes |title=The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary: 16 Artists on Its Legacy |magazine=Billboard |date=June 2018 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624050834/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8458876/miseducation-of-lauryn-hill-20-years-artist-tributes |url-status=live }} and Beyoncé.{{cite web|url=https://www.sohh.com/lizzo-freaks-out-after-beyonce-puts-some-respect-on-her-name-i-dont-know-how-to-a|title=Lizzo Freaks Out Over Beyoncé Showing Her Birthday Love|work=SOHH|date=April 28, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803183102/https://www.sohh.com/lizzo-freaks-out-after-beyonce-puts-some-respect-on-her-name-i-dont-know-how-to-act/|url-status=live}} Primarily a rapper, Lizzo incorporated singing into her debut record. She stated in an interview in 2018, "I was always afraid of being a singer, but then when I heard Lauryn Hill, I was like, maybe I can do both", adding that her debut album was inspired by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and Hill's "rapping, singing, being political." She has cited Diana Ross as a fashion reference.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/style/lizzo-skin-care-beauty.html|title=How Lizzo Does That|work=The New York Times|date=September 4, 2019|last1=Shapiro|first1=Bee|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823230752/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/style/lizzo-skin-care-beauty.html|url-status=live}}
In an article for The Guardian in 2019, writer Leonie Cooper credited Lizzo for "the woodwind renaissance" as "the flute's brightest champion" in the mainstream.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jul/09/flute-lizzo-and-the-woodwind-renaissance|title=Flutes you: Lizzo and the woodwind renaissance|author=Cooper, Leonie|website=The Guardian|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107231537/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jul/09/flute-lizzo-and-the-woodwind-renaissance|url-status=live}}
Discography
{{Main|Lizzo discography}}
- Lizzobangers (2013)
- Big Grrrl Small World (2015)
- Cuz I Love You (2019)
- Special (2022)
- Love in Real Life (2025)
Filmography
| class="wikitable"
|+Film ! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes | |||
| rowspan="2" | 2019 | UglyDolls | Lydia | Voice role |
| Hustlers | Liz | ||
| 2022 | Love, Lizzo | rowspan="2" | Herself | HBO Max documentary |
| 2023 | Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé | Documentary{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/12/renaissance-film-beyonce-takeaways.html|title=Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé: Every Major Takeaway|work=Vulture|first=Zoe|last=Guy|date=December 1, 2023|access-date=December 15, 2023}} |
| class="wikitable"
|+Television ! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes | |||
| rowspan="2" | 2016 | Brad Neely's Harg Nallin' Sclopio Peepio | Herself | 4 episodes |
| Wonderland | Host | 10 episodes | |
| 2018 | Yeti! Yeti! | Magic Mushroom | |
| rowspan="2" | 2022 | Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls | Host | |
| Lizzo: Live in Concert | Herself | HBO Max concert special | |
| rowspan="2" | 2023 | The Mandalorian | The Duchess of Plazir-15 | Episode: "Chapter 22: Guns for Hire" |
| The Simpsons | Goobie-Woo/Herself | Episode: "Homer's Adventures Through the Windshield Glass" |
| class="wikitable"
|+Guest appearances as herself ! Year !! Title !! Notes | ||
| rowspan="2" | 2014 | Made in Chelsea: NYC | S01E04 – "Do Not Involve Me In Your Slutty Board Game" |
| Late Show with David Letterman | S22E29 – "Robert Downey Jr./Sarah Paulson/Lizzo" | |
| rowspan="2" | 2015 | Access Hollywood | |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | S01E56 | |
| rowspan="4" | 2016 | Sooo Many White Guys | 1 episode; podcast |
| The Real | 1 episode | |
| Party Legends | "Make Mistakes" | |
| Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | S01E30 – "Post-Election" | |
| 2017, 2018 | Trivial Takedown | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="3" | 2018 | Articulate with Jim Cotter | "Caroline Shaw, Lizzo, Robert Janz" |
| Hannibal Buress: Handsome Rambler | Episode No. 53, "The Lizzo Episode" (podcast) | |
| RuPaul's Drag Race | Season 10, episode 10 | |
| rowspan="7" | 2019 | The Ellen DeGeneres Show | rowspan="2" | 1 episode |
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | ||
| The Daily Show with Trevor Noah | April 18, 2019 | |
| 2 Dope Queens
|1 episode; podcast | ||
| C à vous | rowspan="3" |1 episode | |
| Neo Magazin Royale | ||
| The Jonathan Ross Show | ||
| 2019, 2022 | Saturday Night Live | Episodes: "Eddie Murphy/Lizzo", "Lizzo", "Austin Butler/Lizzo" |
| rowspan="2" | 2020 | My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman | S3E4 – "Lizzo" |
| The Eric Andre Show
|Season 5, episode 4 | ||
| rowspan="2" | 2022 | RuPaul's Drag Race | Season 14, episode 1 |
| The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder | S1E5 – "Snackland" (voice) |
Concert tours
Headlining
- Good as Hell Tour (2017){{cite web|url=http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/May-2017/Lizzo-wants-to-make-Detroit-feel-Good-As-Hell/|title=Lizzo wants to make Detroit feel 'Good As Hell'|work=BLAC Detroit|first=Jasmine|last=Espy|date=May 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723122508/http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/May-2017/Lizzo-wants-to-make-Detroit-feel-Good-As-Hell/|url-status=live}}
- Cuz I Love You Tour (2019){{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-announces-new-album-and-tour/|title=Lizzo Announces New Album and Tour|work=Pitchfork|first=Jazz|last=Monroe|date=January 2019|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723030752/https://pitchfork.com/news/lizzo-announces-new-album-and-tour/|url-status=live}}
- Cuz I Love You Too Tour (2019–2020){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8508041/lizzo-adds-tour-dates|title=Lizzo Announces Cuz I Love You Too Tour: See Dates|magazine=Billboard|first=Michael|last=Sapanora|date=April 2019|access-date=May 4, 2019|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626182457/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8508041/lizzo-adds-tour-dates|url-status=live}}
- The Special Tour (2022–2023)
Supporting
- Haim – Sister Sister Sister Tour (2018){{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/haim-detail-headlining-sister-sister-sister-tour-w515575|title=Haim Detail Headlining 'Sister Sister Sister' Tour|first=Jon|last=Blistein|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 2018|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144208/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/haim-detail-headlining-sister-sister-sister-tour-w515575|url-status=live}}
- Florence and the Machine – High as Hope Tour (2018){{cite web |last1=Kaye |first1=Ben |title=Florence and The Machine Announce North American Headlining Tour |url=https://consequence.net/2018/05/florence-and-the-machine-north-american-headlining-tour/ |website=Consequence Of Sound.net |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411185549/https://consequence.net/2018/05/florence-and-the-machine-north-american-headlining-tour/ |url-status=live }}
Awards and nominations
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Lizzo}}
See also
{{Portal|Music|Biography}}
{{Clear}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
- {{allMusic}}
- {{Discogs artist}}
- {{IMDb name}}
- {{MusicBrainz artist}}
{{Lizzo|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Lizzo
|list =
{{BET Award for Best Female R&B Artist}}
{{Grammy Award for Record of the Year}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporany Album}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
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