Lizzo

Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and flutist who became one of the most prominent pop culture figures of the late 2010s and early 2020s. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Houston, Texas, Lizzo studied classical flute at the University of Houston and began her music career in the Minneapolis hip-hop scene. She released her debut album “Lizzobangers” in 2013, followed by “Big Grrrl Small World” in 2015, building a dedicated underground following.

Lizzo’s mainstream breakthrough came in 2019 with her major-label debut album “Cuz I Love You” on Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records. The album, combined with the viral success of her 2017 single “Truth Hurts,” propelled her to superstardom. “Truth Hurts” belatedly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019, spending seven weeks at the top, and “Good as Hell” became another massive hit. Her energetic performances, body-positive messaging, and charismatic personality made her a cultural phenomenon.

At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Lizzo won three awards including Best Pop Solo Performance for “Truth Hurts” and Best Traditional R&B Performance. She became known for her advocacy of body positivity and self-love, using her platform to challenge beauty standards and promote inclusivity. In 2022, she launched and hosted the reality TV competition series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” on Amazon Prime Video, which won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Competition Program.

Lizzo’s fourth album, “Special,” was released in July 2022 and featured the hit single “About Damn Time,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her Special Tour was a major commercial success. Beyond music, Lizzo has earned income through television appearances, brand deals with companies like Absolut Vodka, and her shapewear brand Yitty, launched in partnership with Fabletics in 2022. Despite facing legal controversies in 2023, Lizzo has remained a significant figure in pop culture.