History of Lizzo in Timeline

Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American singer and rapper. She began her music career in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after moving there following college. Prior to achieving mainstream success with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, Lizzo released two independent studio albums, Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015). She also released her first major-label EP, Coconut Oil, in 2016.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 27, 1988: Melissa Viviane Jefferson Born

On April 27, 1988, Melissa Viviane Jefferson was born in Detroit, Michigan.

April 27, 1988: Lizzo's Birth

On April 27, 1988, Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, was born in Detroit, Michigan.

1994: First Black Female Singer Since Whitney Houston to Win Grammy Award for Record of the Year

In 2022, with About Damn Time's Grammy win, Lizzo became the first black female singer since Whitney Houston in 1994 to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

2006: High School Graduation

In 2006, Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School, where she had started rapping.

2009: Performs in Ellypseas

In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.

2010: Continues Performance in Ellypseas

In 2010, Lizzo continued performing lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.

2011: Move to Minneapolis

In 2011, Lizzo dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2012: The Chalice Released First Album

In 2012, the Chalice, a group Lizzo was a part of, released its first album, We Are the Chalice, which was locally successful.

2012: Rihanna's "Diamonds" Number One Hit

Lizzo became the first black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 since Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds".

October 15, 2013: Release of Lizzobangers

On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's debut album, Lizzobangers, was released and received positive reviews.

October 2013: Wins 'Picked to Click' Award

In October 2013, Lizzo won City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist.

2013: Release of 'Lizzobangers'

In 2013, Lizzo released her studio album, Lizzobangers.

2013: Formation of Grrrl Prty

In 2013, Lizzo was one of five artists to form the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty.

September 2014: Featured on Prince's Album

In September 2014, Lizzo was featured alongside her Chalice bandmates on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum.

October 7, 2014: Appearance on Late Show with David Letterman

On October 7, 2014, Lizzo appeared as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

2014: Participates in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath Project

In 2014, Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project, discussing her relationship with her body and inspiring her song "My Skin".

2014: Named One of 14 Music Artists to Watch

In November 2013, Time named Lizzo one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014.

December 11, 2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World

On December 11, 2015, Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released.

2015: Release of 'Big Grrrl Small World'

In 2015, Lizzo released her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World.

March 8, 2016: "Good as Hell" Release

On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from the Coconut Oil EP and as part of the soundtrack for the film Barbershop: The Next Cut.

October 7, 2016: Coconut Oil EP Release

On October 7, 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil.

2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts

Around 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts, reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.

2016: Release of 'Coconut Oil' EP

In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil.

2016: Positive Reviews for Coconut Oil

In 2016, Lizzo's Coconut Oil received positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number 44 on US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

2016: Disbanding of Grrrl Prty

In 2016, the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, which Lizzo was a part of, played its final show at Rock the Garden and disbanded.

2017: The Good as Hell Tour

In 2017, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour to promote the Coconut Oil extended play.

2017: "Truth Hurts" Single

In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts".

June 11, 2018: Featured in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" Campaign

On June 11, 2018, Lizzo appeared in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign, highlighting body inclusivity and celebrating individuality.

June 2018: Outfit at FIT's Future of Fashion Runway Show

In June 2018, Lizzo wore 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.

June 2018: Discussion of Sexuality

In a June 2018 interview, Lizzo discussed her sexuality, stating she doesn't ascribe to just one thing and sees it as a spectrum.

2018: Inspiration from Lauryn Hill

In a 2018 interview, Lizzo stated that she was always afraid of being a singer, but after hearing Lauryn Hill, she was inspired to pursue both rapping and singing in her music, adding that her debut album was inspired by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

2018: Tours with Haim and Florence and the Machine

In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine.

January 4, 2019: Release of Juice

On January 4, 2019, Lizzo released "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album, by Atlantic Records.

April 19, 2019: Release of Cuz I Love You Album

On April 19, 2019, Lizzo released her album, Cuz I Love You.

July 23, 2019: VMA Nominations

On July 23, 2019, Lizzo was nominated for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.

September 9, 2019: 'Cuz I Love You' Certified Gold

On September 9, 2019, Lizzo's album Cuz I Love You was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 equivalent units sold.

December 2019: Controversy at Los Angeles Lakers Game

In December 2019, Lizzo sparked controversy at a Los Angeles Lakers game for her dancing and attire.

December 21, 2019: Saturday Night Live Debut

On December 21, 2019, Lizzo made her debut as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, in an episode hosted by Eddie Murphy. This episode marked the end of the year and the decade.

2019: Mainstream Success with 'Cuz I Love You'

In 2019, Lizzo achieved mainstream success with the release of her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, which reached number four on the US Billboard 200 and included the singles "Juice" and "Tempo".

2019: Performs with Sasha Flute at BET Awards

In 2019, Lizzo performed "Truth Hurts" at the BET Awards with her flute, Sasha Flute, and earned a standing ovation.

2019: Acting Roles and Recognition as Entertainer of the Year

In 2019, Lizzo performed a voice role in the animated film UglyDolls, appeared in the film Hustlers, and was named "Entertainer of the Year" by Time for her contributions to music.

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2019: Ventures into Acting

In 2019, Lizzo ventured into acting, with a voice performance in the animated film UglyDolls, and a supporting part in the crime comedy-drama film Hustlers.

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2019: The Woodwind Renaissance

In 2019, Lizzo was credited for "the woodwind renaissance" and called "the flute's brightest champion" in the mainstream by Leonie Cooper in an article for The Guardian.

2019: "Truth Hurts" Gains Popularity

In 2019, after inspiring an internet meme on TikTok and being featured in the Netflix film Someone Great, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" began to gain popularity.

2019: Summer Performances

Throughout the summer of 2019, Lizzo frequently performed, including on the West Holts stage at the Glastonbury Festival, and as a headliner at the Indianapolis and Sacramento pride festivals.

January 5, 2020: Departure from Twitter

On January 5, 2020, Lizzo stopped using Twitter, citing "too many trolls" as the reason.

January 2020: FOMO Festival Headliner and Sydney Opera House Performance

In January 2020, Lizzo headlined the FOMO Festival, performing in four Australian cities and Auckland, New Zealand. She also performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House, where she had previously played the flute as a young musician.

August 2020: Production Deal with Amazon Studios

In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects.

August 2, 2021: Announcement of 'Rumors' and a 'New Era'

On August 2, 2021, Lizzo announced the beginning of a "new era" with the upcoming release of her song "Rumors".

October 2021: Criticism for Chris Brown comment

In October 2021, Lizzo received criticism for calling Chris Brown her "favorite person in the whole fucking world".

2021: Release of "Rumors"

In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" (featuring Cardi B), which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.

March 23, 2022: Announcement of 'About Damn Time' Release

On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced the single "About Damn Time" would be released on April 14.

March 24, 2022: Premiere of Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls

On March 24, 2022, Lizzo's unscripted reality competition series, Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, premiered on Amazon.

April 16, 2022: Saturday Night Live Host and Musical Guest

On April 16, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest.

June 10, 2022: Release and Controversy Surrounding "Grrrls"

On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls" as a promotional single from Special, which generated controversy due to the inclusion of the word "spaz" in the lyrics. The lyrics were eventually changed to "hold me back".

July 15, 2022: Release of the Album Special

On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, which received critical acclaim. She also launched Lizzoverse, an immersive light show experience, to accompany the album release.

December 17, 2022: Third Appearance on Saturday Night Live

On December 17, 2022, Lizzo made her third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, with Austin Butler hosting.

2022: Donation to Planned Parenthood

In 2022, Lizzo 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: Release of 'Special' Album and "About Damn Time" Success

In 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, preceded by the lead single "About Damn Time", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

2022: Relationship with Myke Wright

In 2022, Lizzo was romantically linked to comedian Myke Wright.

February 2023: "About Damn Time" Wins Record of the Year at the Grammys

In February 2023, Lizzo's "About Damn Time" won the "Record of the Year" award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, marking her first win in the major categories.

August 2023: Lawsuit Filed by Former Backup Dancers

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.

2023: Release of "Pink" for Barbie Movie

In 2023, Lizzo created the original single titled "Pink" for the film Barbie. It was released on Barbie the Album on July 21 of the same year, with a second version used in the film titled "Pink (Bad Day)" released on July 29.

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January 2024: Start of Daily Fitness Routines

In January 2024, Lizzo began doing daily fitness routines, while continuing to advocate for body positivity.

February 2024: Judge Rejects Lizzo's Request to End Dancers' Case

In February 2024, a Los Angeles judge rejected Lizzo's request to end the three backup dancers' case against her, though he dismissed some charges.

December 2024: Dismissal of Claims in Asha Daniels' Lawsuit

In December 2024, Los Angeles district judge Fernando Aenlle-Rocha ruled that clothing designer Asha Daniels could not sue Lizzo and her tour manager Carlina Gugliotta as individuals, dismissing all causes of action against both in the lawsuit. He also dismissed several of Daniels' other claims.

2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris

In 2024, Lizzo endorsed Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidential election.

February 15, 2025: Teasing of Project "LIRL"

On February 15, 2025, Lizzo began teasing a new project titled "LIRL" by sharing a video clip on social media, with a slated release date on February 28.