Career Timeline of Lizzo: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Lizzo, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known as Lizzo, is an American singer and rapper. She started her music career in Minneapolis after moving from Houston. Before signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, she released two independent albums: Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015). Her first major-label EP, Coconut Oil, was released in 2016. Lizzo is known for her body positivity, empowering lyrics, and blending of genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
1994: First Black Female Singer Since Whitney Houston to Win Grammy Award for Record of the Year
In 2022, with "About Damn Time" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, 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 and Rapping Start
In 2006, Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School, where she had started rapping and received classical training as a flutist.
2009: Performance with Ellypseas
In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
2010: Continued Performance with Ellypseas
In 2010, Lizzo continued performing lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas, continuing her musical development.
2011: Move to Minneapolis
In 2011, Lizzo dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking a significant step in her pursuit of a music career.
2012: The Chalice Released its first album
In 2012, The Chalice, a group Lizzo helped form, released its first album, We Are the Chalice, which gained local success.
October 15, 2013: Release of Lizzobangers Album
On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released, receiving positive reviews.
October 2013: Won City Pages' "Picked to Click"
In October 2013, Lizzo won City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist, recognizing her emerging talent.
2013: Formation of Grrrl Prty
In 2013, Lizzo became one of five artists to form the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, further expanding her presence in the music scene.
2013: Release of Lizzobangers
In 2013, Lizzo released her debut studio album, Lizzobangers, marking an early milestone in her recording career.
September 2014: Featured on Prince's Album
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.
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, marking a significant national television appearance.
2014: Participation in StyleLikeU's Project and Writing "My Skin"
In 2014, Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project, discussing her relationship with her body, and wrote "My Skin", calling it "the thesis statement" of her forthcoming second album.
2014: Named Music Artist to Watch
In November 2013, Time named Lizzo one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014, highlighting her potential for future success.
December 11, 2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World Album
On December 11, 2015, Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released, earning critical acclaim and recognition.
2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
In 2015, Lizzo released her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, continuing her journey in the hip-hop scene.
March 8, 2016: Release of "Good as Hell"
On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from Coconut Oil and as part of the soundtrack for the film Barbershop: The Next Cut.
October 7, 2016: Release of Coconut Oil EP
On October 7, 2016, after signing with Atlantic Records, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil.
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts Internationally
Around the time of the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, Lizzo's 2016 single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts globally, reaching top positions in various countries.
2016: Release of Coconut Oil
In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil, after signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records.
2016: Coconut Oil's Positive Reception
In 2016, Lizzo's EP Coconut Oil received positive reviews, and commercially, it peaked at number 44 on US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts
In 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" began to climb the charts, eventually reaching the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
2016: Grrrl Prty Disbands
In 2016, the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, which Lizzo was a part of, disbanded after playing its final show at Rock the Garden.
2017: Good as Hell Tour
In 2017, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour to promote her extended play Coconut Oil.
2017: "Truth Hurts" Initial Release
In 2017, Lizzo initially released the single "Truth Hurts", which later became a viral sleeper hit, leading to significant mainstream success.
2017: Initial Release of "Truth Hurts"
In 2017, Lizzo released the song "Truth Hurts", which did not gain popularity until 2019.
June 11, 2018: Featured in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" Campaign
On June 11, 2018, Lizzo was featured in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign, highlighting body inclusivity and celebrating individuality.
June 2018: NYC Pride's Pride Island Event
In June 2018, Lizzo 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.
2018: Incorporating Singing and Citing Influences
In 2018, Lizzo stated she was always afraid of being a singer, and that her debut album was inspired by The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and Hill's "rapping, singing, being political."
2018: Touring with Haim and Florence and the Machine
In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine, increasing her exposure and reach.
January 4, 2019: Release of "Juice"
On January 4, 2019, Lizzo released "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album, marking a key step in her musical career.
April 19, 2019: Release of Cuz I Love You
On April 19, 2019, Lizzo's album Cuz I Love You was released, marking a significant milestone in her career.
July 23, 2019: MTV Video Music Awards Nomination
On July 23, 2019, Lizzo was nominated for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, marking her recognition on a major stage.
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, signifying over 500,000 equivalent units sold.
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.
2019: Mainstream Success with Cuz I Love You
In 2019, Lizzo achieved mainstream success with her third studio album, Cuz I Love You, which peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200 and included the hit singles "Juice" and "Tempo".
2019: Acting roles and Entertainer of the Year
In 2019, Lizzo had a voice role in the animated film UglyDolls and appeared in the film Hustlers. Time named her "Entertainer of the Year" for her meteoric rise and contributions to music.
2019: Performance with Sasha Flute at BET Awards
In 2019, Lizzo performed "Truth Hurts" at the BET Awards with her flute, Sasha Flute, earning a standing ovation and praise.
2019: Venturing 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.
2019: Rise of "Truth Hurts" Popularity
In 2019, after inspiring an internet meme and being featured in the Netflix film Someone Great, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" began to gain popularity and was added to the deluxe version of Cuz I Love You.
2019: Summer Performances
Throughout the summer of 2019, Lizzo performed at various venues, including the Glastonbury Festival and pride festivals in Indianapolis and Sacramento.
January 2020: FOMO Festival and Sydney Opera House Performance
In January 2020, Lizzo headlined 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 performed as a young flute player.
August 2020: Production Deal with Amazon Studios
In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects with them. Her first project was an unscripted reality competition series called Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.
August 2, 2021: Announcement of "New Era" with "Rumors"
On August 2, 2021, Lizzo announced the beginning of a "new era" with the upcoming song "Rumors".
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 Single Release
On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced that the single "About Damn Time" would be released on April 14.
March 24, 2022: Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls Premiere
On March 24, 2022, Lizzo's unscripted reality competition series, Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, premiered.
April 16, 2022: Returns to Saturday Night Live as Host and Musical Guest
On April 16, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest.
June 10, 2022: "Grrrls" Release and Controversy
On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls", a promotional single from Special. The song sparked controversy due to the use of the word "spaz" in the lyrics, which was later changed to "hold me back".
July 15, 2022: Release of Album "Special"
On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, which received critical acclaim. Lizzoverse, a cosmic light show experience, was also launched in New York City.
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, hosted by Austin Butler, replacing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
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 and "About Damn Time"
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.
February 2023: "About Damn Time" Wins Record of the Year at the Grammys
In February 2023, Lizzo's "About Damn Time" won "Record of the Year" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
February 15, 2025: Teasing New Project "LIRL"
On February 15, 2025, Lizzo began teasing a new project titled "LIRL" by sharing a video clip on social media, with a release date set for February 28.
February 28, 2025: Release of "Love in Real Life"
On February 28, 2025, Lizzo released the lead single, "Love in Real Life," from her upcoming fifth studio album.
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