History of Lizzo in Timeline
Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American rapper and singer originally from Detroit, Michigan. At age ten, her family relocated to Houston, Texas. Following college, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota to pursue a career in hip hop music. Before signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, she released two studio albums, "Lizzobangers" and "Big Grrrl Small World." Her breakthrough came in 2016 with the release of her first major-label EP "Coconut Oil."
April 27, 1988: Birth of Melissa Viviane Jefferson
On April 27, 1988, Melissa Viviane Jefferson, who would later be known as Lizzo, was born in Detroit, Michigan.
1994: Whitney Houston's Grammy Win
In 1994, Whitney Houston won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, a feat Lizzo would later replicate in 2022, becoming the first Black female singer to do so since.
2006: High School Graduation and Early Music Endeavors
Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School in 2006, where she also began rapping.
2009: Performing with Ellypseas
Lizzo was the lead vocalist and flutist for the jazz/prog rock band Ellypseas in 2009 and 2010.
2010: Performing with Ellypseas
Lizzo was the lead vocalist and flutist for the jazz/prog rock band Ellypseas in 2009 and 2010.
2011: Move to Minneapolis
Lizzo dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2011 to pursue a career in music.
2012: Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" Breaks Barriers
In 2012, Rihanna's "Diamonds" topped the Billboard Hot 100. Years later, Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" reached the same spot, making her the first Black solo female R&B singer to do so since Rihanna's 2012 hit.
2012: Formation of The Chalice and Debut Album
Lizzo, along with Sophia Eris and Claire de Lune, formed the rap/R&B group the Chalice. They released their debut album, "We Are the Chalice," which gained local success.
October 15, 2013: Release of "Lizzobangers"
Lizzo's debut album, "Lizzobangers," produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released on October 15, 2013.
October 2013: City Pages Award and Tour
Lizzo won City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist. She also toured the US and UK, opening for Har Mar Superstar.
2013: Formation of Grrrl Prty
Lizzo joined the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, which released two EPs.
2013: Release of Debut Album "Lizzobangers"
Lizzo released her debut studio album, "Lizzobangers," in 2013.
September 2014: Collaboration with Prince on "Plectrumelectrum"
Lizzo, along with her Chalice bandmates, was featured on Prince's album "Plectrumelectrum" on the song "BoyTrouble."
October 7, 2014: Appearance on "Late Show with David Letterman"
Lizzo appeared as the musical guest on the "Late Show with David Letterman."
2014: StyleLikeU's "What's Underneath" Project
Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's "What's Underneath" project, where she discussed body image while removing her clothes, an experience that inspired her song "My Skin."
2014: Time Magazine Recognition and Re-release of "Lizzobangers"
Time magazine named Lizzo as one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014. Her debut album, "Lizzobangers," was subsequently re-released by Virgin Records.
December 11, 2015: Release of "Big Grrrl Small World"
Lizzo's second studio album, "Big Grrrl Small World," was released on December 11, 2015.
2015: Release of Second Album "Big Grrrl Small World"
Lizzo's second studio album, "Big Grrrl Small World," was released in 2015.
March 8, 2016: Release of "Good as Hell"
"Good as Hell" was initially released on March 8, 2016, as part of the "Barbershop: The Next Cut" film soundtrack.
October 7, 2016: Release of "Coconut Oil" EP
Lizzo released her first major-label EP, "Coconut Oil," on October 7, 2016, marking a departure from her previous alternative hip hop style.
2016: Grrrl Prty Disbands
The hip-hop group Grrrl Prty, of which Lizzo was a member, played its final show at Rock the Garden and disbanded.
2016: Release of "Good as Hell"
Initially released in 2016 as part of the "Barbershop: The Next Cut" soundtrack, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" started climbing the charts around 2019, reaching the top ten in the US and UK.
2016: Release of Debut Major-Label EP "Coconut Oil"
Lizzo signed with Atlantic Records and released her first major-label EP, "Coconut Oil," in 2016.
2016: Release of "Good as Hell" and its Resurgence
Lizzo released the single "Good as Hell" in 2016. In 2019, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity, climbing charts globally and reaching the top three on the Billboard Hot 100.
2016: "Coconut Oil" Charting
"Coconut Oil" became Lizzo's first release to chart, peaking at number 44 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in 2016.
2017: The Good as Hell Tour and Appearances
Lizzo embarked on The Good as Hell Tour in 2017 to promote her "Coconut Oil" EP. She also made appearances at EEEEEATSCON and as a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race."
2017: Release of "Truth Hurts"
Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts" in 2017.
2017: Release of "Truth Hurts"
Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts" in 2017. While it didn't gain immediate widespread recognition, it would later become a massive hit in 2019.
June 11, 2018: ModCloth's "Say It Louder" Campaign
On June 11, 2018, Lizzo participated in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign, further solidifying her commitment to body positivity and self-love.
June 2018: Teen Vogue Music Issue Feature and Body Inclusivity in Fashion
In June 2018, Lizzo was profiled in Teen Vogue's Music Issue, marking growing recognition for her work. The same month, she advocated for body inclusivity by sporting the first plus-size outfit designed for FIT's Future of Fashion runway show during her performance at NYC Pride's Pride Island.
June 2018: Lizzo Discusses Sexuality and Identity
In June 2018, Lizzo addressed questions about her sexuality, stating that she doesn't subscribe to a single label and embraces the spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities. She expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community and referred to her fans as "Lizzbians." However, she clarified that she personally identifies as an ally who "leans heterosexual.
2018: Touring with Haim and Florence and the Machine
Lizzo toured with Haim and Florence and the Machine.
2018: Lizzo Discusses Musical Influences and Overcoming Fear of Singing
In 2018, Lizzo revealed that she drew inspiration from artists like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Beyoncé. Initially hesitant about singing, Lizzo shared that Lauryn Hill inspired her to embrace both rapping and singing. She also cited Diana Ross as a fashion influence.
January 4, 2019: Release of "Juice"
On January 4, 2019, Lizzo's single "Juice," the lead single from her upcoming album, was released under Atlantic Records.
April 19, 2019: Release of "Cuz I Love You" and Coachella Debut
Lizzo's third studio album, "Cuz I Love You," was released on April 19, 2019. Following the release, she made her debut performance at the Coachella Music Festival.
July 23, 2019: MTV Video Music Awards Nominations and Performance
Lizzo received nominations for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. She also delivered a critically acclaimed performance of "Truth Hurts" and "Good as Hell" at the ceremony.
September 9, 2019: "Cuz I Love You" Certified Gold and "Truth Hurts" Chart Success
On September 9, 2019, Lizzo's album "Cuz I Love You" was certified gold by the RIAA. This coincided with the continued success of her single "Truth Hurts," which became her first song to top the Billboard Hot 100, making her the third female rapper to achieve this without a featured artist.
December 2019: Lizzo Sparks Controversy with Laker Game Dance
Lizzo faced backlash in December 2019 after dancing provocatively at a Los Angeles Lakers game. Her outfit, which exposed her thong, drew criticism from some viewers. Lizzo defended herself, stating that her attire and dance moves were consistent with her usual self-expression.
December 21, 2019: Saturday Night Live Debut and Grammy Wins
Lizzo made her debut as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 21, 2019, marking the final episode of the year and decade. This was hosted by Eddie Murphy.
2019: Lizzo Credited with "Woodwind Renaissance"
In 2019, Leonie Cooper of The Guardian praised Lizzo for popularizing the flute in mainstream music, dubbing her the "flute's brightest champion."
2019: Showcases Flute Skills at BET Awards
Lizzo's musical talent extends to playing the flute, which she showcased at the 2019 BET Awards during her performance of "Truth Hurts." Her performance earned her a standing ovation from the audience, including Rihanna.
2019: Summer Performances and Festival Appearances
Lizzo had a busy summer performance schedule in 2019. She performed on the West Holts stage at Glastonbury Festival and headlined both the Indianapolis and Sacramento Pride festivals.
2019: Breakthrough with "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts"
Lizzo achieved mainstream success with her third album, "Cuz I Love You." The album featured hits like "Juice" and "Tempo." Notably, her 2017 single "Truth Hurts" was included in the deluxe version and became a viral sensation, topping the charts in 2019.
2019: Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison Supports Dancers' Allegations
In 2019, filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison had been attached to direct a documentary about Lizzo but dropped out of the project. After the lawsuit emerged, Allison publicly supported the dancers, describing Lizzo as "arrogant, self-centered, and unkind."
2019: Viral Success of "Truth Hurts"
In 2019, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" gained massive popularity after being featured in the Netflix film "Someone Great" and inspiring a viral TikTok meme. This led to its inclusion in the deluxe version of "Cuz I Love You" and contributed to the album's sustained success on the Billboard 200.
2019: Ventures into Acting
In 2019, Lizzo expanded her career into acting. She lent her voice to the animated film "UglyDolls" and took on a supporting role in the crime comedy-drama "Hustlers."
2019: Acting Debut, "Hustlers," and "Entertainer of the Year"
Lizzo made her acting debut in the animated film "UglyDolls" and appeared in the film "Hustlers" in 2019. Time magazine named her "Entertainer of the Year" for her rising success and contributions to music.
January 5, 2020: Lizzo Quits Twitter Due to Cyberbullying
On January 5, 2020, Lizzo announced her departure from Twitter, citing an overwhelming amount of online trolling. She expressed her intention to return when she felt more comfortable. Since then, her Twitter account has been managed by her team, while she remains active on other platforms like Instagram.
January 2020: Headlining FOMO Festival and Grammy Performance
Lizzo kicked off 2020 by headlining the FOMO Festival, performing in Australia and New Zealand. She also performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House, a venue she had graced as a young flute player. Additionally, she opened the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards with a medley of "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts," ultimately winning three awards at the ceremony.
June 2020: Lizzo Adopts Vegan Lifestyle
Lizzo embraced a vegan lifestyle in June 2020.
August 2020: Signs Production Deal with Amazon Studios
In August 2020, Lizzo inked a production deal with Amazon Studios, marking a new avenue for her creative endeavors.
August 2, 2021: Announces "New Era" and Teases Upcoming Album
Lizzo announced the start of a "new era" in her music career on August 2, 2021. She also hinted at an upcoming album that would explore themes of love and showcase her musical evolution.
October 2021: Lizzo Faces Criticism for Chris Brown Comment
Lizzo faced criticism in October 2021 for referring to Chris Brown as her "favorite person" despite his history of legal issues, including a conviction for assault.
2021: Release of "Rumors"
Lizzo released the single "Rumors," featuring Cardi B, in 2021, which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
March 23, 2022: Announces Single "About Damn Time" and Album "Special"
Lizzo announced her single "About Damn Time" on March 23, 2022, with a release date of April 14. Following the single's release, she revealed "Special" as the title of her fourth album, slated for release on July 15.
March 24, 2022: Premiere of "Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls"
Lizzo's unscripted reality competition series, "Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," premiered on March 24, 2022. The show was developed as part of her production deal with Amazon Studios.
April 16, 2022: Hosts and Performs on Saturday Night Live
Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live, this time as both host and musical guest, for the April 16, 2022, episode.
June 10, 2022: Releases "Grrrls" and Addresses Lyric Controversy
Lizzo released "Grrrls" on June 10, 2022, as the first promotional single for her upcoming album. However, the song sparked controversy for its inclusion of a lyric deemed offensive. Lizzo addressed the situation, acknowledging the impact of words and subsequently changing the lyric.
July 15, 2022: Releases Album "Special" and "Lizzoverse" Experience
Lizzo's fourth studio album, "Special," was released on July 15, 2022, to critical acclaim. Accompanying the release was "Lizzoverse," an immersive cosmic light show experience inspired by the album, held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City and livestreamed on Twitch.
December 17, 2022: Returns to Saturday Night Live, Collaborates with SZA, and Embarks on "The Special Tour"
Lizzo made her third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 17, 2022, filling in for the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She also collaborated with SZA, contributing to the writing and production of SZA's album "SOS" and working on a remix of "Special." In the fall, Lizzo embarked on "The Special Tour," taking her music to arenas across North America, Europe, and Oceania.
2022: Lizzo's Relationship, Philanthropy, and Advocacy
In 2022, Lizzo was romantically linked to comedian Myke Wright. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Lizzo donated $500,000 to Planned Parenthood, demonstrating her support for reproductive rights.
2022: Release of "Special" and "About Damn Time"
Lizzo's fourth studio album, "Special," was released in 2022. The lead single, "About Damn Time," topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
February 2023: Wins "Record of the Year" at the Grammy Awards
Lizzo won her first major Grammy Award in February 2023 when "About Damn Time" received "Record of the Year" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
August 2023: Lizzo Hit with Lawsuit from Former Backup Dancers
In August 2023, Lizzo was sued by three former backup dancers who accused her, her production company, and her dance captain of various forms of misconduct. Allegations included sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, creating a hostile work environment, and weight-shaming.
2023: Featured in "Barbie" Soundtrack
Lizzo contributed an original song titled "Pink" to the soundtrack of the 2023 film "Barbie." The song was included on the album "Barbie the Album," released on July 21, while a second version, "Pink (Bad Day)," was released on July 29.
February 2024: Judge Dismisses Some Charges, Upholds Others in Lizzo Lawsuit
In February 2024, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Lizzo's request to dismiss the lawsuit filed by her former backup dancers. While some charges, including fat-shaming and disability discrimination, were dismissed, other allegations of sexual harassment and racial and religious discrimination against Lizzo and her dance captain were allowed to proceed.