History of Lizzo in Timeline
Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress. Beginning her music career in Minneapolis within the hip-hop scene, she independently released two albums before signing with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records. In 2016, she released her first major-label EP, Coconut Oil, marking a shift towards a pop-influenced sound in her subsequent albums.
1994: Lizzo Becomes First Black Female Singer Since Whitney Houston to Win Grammy
In 2022, 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, marking the end of her formal education.
2009: Performs with Ellypseas
In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
2010: Performs with Ellypseas
In 2010, Lizzo continued to perform 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, seeking to further her music career.
2012: The Chalice Album Release
In 2012, The Chalice, a three-piece all-female rap/R&B group co-founded by Lizzo, released its first album, We Are the Chalice, achieving local success.
2012: Rihanna's 'Diamonds' 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 Album
On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, produced by Lazerbeak and Ryan Olson, was released, marking a significant step in her career.
October 2013: Awards and Recognition for Lizzo
In October 2013, Lizzo won City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist, showcasing her rising recognition in the music scene.
2013: Release of Lizzobangers
In 2013, Lizzo released her first studio album, Lizzobangers, marking a significant step in her recording career.
September 2014: Collaboration with Prince
In September 2014, Lizzo was featured alongside her Chalice bandmates on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum, marking a significant collaboration in her career.
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, showcasing her talent to a national audience.
2014: StyleLikeU's What's Underneath Project
In 2014, Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project, removing her clothes while discussing her relationship with her body. The experience inspired her to write "My Skin."
2014: Time Names Lizzo as Artist to Watch
In November 2013, Time Magazine named Lizzo as one of 14 music artists to watch in 2014, recognizing 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, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
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: "Good as Hell" Release
On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from the Coconut Oil EP and part of the soundtrack for the 2016 film Barbershop: The Next Cut.
October 7, 2016: Coconut Oil EP Release
On October 7, 2016, after signing with Atlantic Records, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil, marking a departure from her previous alternative hip-hop releases.
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts Internationally
Around the time of her VMA nominations, Lizzo's 2016 single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts globally, reaching the top three on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten in the UK, Australia, and Belgium.
2016: Release of Coconut Oil EP
In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil, signaling her pursuit of a pop career.
2016: Positive Reviews for Coconut Oil
In 2016, Lizzo's "Coconut Oil" received positive reviews, with Rolling Stone placing it at No. 14 on the list of the "20 Best Pop Albums of 2016".
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs Charts
In 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" was released and subsequently climbed the charts, eventually reaching the top ten of both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
2016: Disbanding of Grrrl Prty
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. She also appeared as a guest judge on the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and headlined The Infatuation's annual food festival, EEEEEATSCON, in May.
2017: "Truth Hurts" Release
In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts," which would later become a viral hit and top the Billboard Hot 100 two years after its initial release.
June 11, 2018: 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: NYC Pride Performance
In June 2018, Lizzo performed at NYC Pride's Pride Island event, sporting the first plus-size outfit made for FIT's Future of Fashion runway show by Grace Insogna.
June 2018: Discussion of Sexuality
In a June 2018 interview, Lizzo discussed her sexuality, stating she doesn't ascribe to just one thing and considers herself an ally who "leans heterosexual."
2018: Musical Style and Influences
In 2018, Lizzo discussed her musical style and influences, including Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Beyoncé, noting her incorporation of rapping and singing inspired by Lauryn Hill.
2018: Touring with Haim and Florence and the Machine
In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine, further expanding her exposure and experience in the music industry.
January 4, 2019: "Juice" Release
On January 4, 2019, Lizzo released "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album, marking the beginning of a new phase in her music career.
April 19, 2019: Release of Cuz I Love You Album
On April 19, 2019, Lizzo's album Cuz I Love You was released, marking a turning point in her career and leading to increased mainstream attention.
July 23, 2019: MTV Video Music Awards Nominations
On July 23, 2019, Lizzo received nominations for Push Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, acknowledging her breakthrough year.
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, having sold over 500,000 equivalent units, marking a significant milestone in her career.
December 2019: Controversy at Lakers Game
In December 2019, Lizzo sparked controversy at a Los Angeles Lakers game for dancing and twerking to her song "Juice" on camera while wearing a dress that revealed her thong.
December 21, 2019: Saturday Night Live Debut
On December 21, 2019, Lizzo debuted as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, hosted by Eddie Murphy, in what was the final episode 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 hit singles "Juice" and "Tempo".
2019: Acting Roles and Entertainer of the Year
In 2019, Lizzo expanded her career into acting with a voice role in UglyDolls and an appearance in Hustlers. Additionally, Time magazine named Lizzo "Entertainer of the Year" in 2019.
2019: "Truth Hurts" Gains Popularity
In 2019, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" gained popularity after inspiring an internet meme on TikTok and being featured in the Netflix film Someone Great, leading to increased interest in the album Cuz I Love You.
2019: Champion of the Flute
In 2019, an article in The Guardian credited Lizzo for "the woodwind renaissance" as "the flute's brightest champion" in the mainstream.
2019: Performances and Recognition for Flute Playing
Throughout 2019, Lizzo performed with her flute, Sasha Flute, at various events including the BET Awards, where she received a standing ovation from the crowd, including Rihanna. She also performed at the Glastonbury Festival and headlined pride festivals.
January 5, 2020: Departure from Twitter
On January 5, 2020, Lizzo stopped using Twitter, citing "too many trolls" as the reason for her departure. Her account has since been updated by her management, while she remains active on Instagram.
January 2020: FOMO Festival 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: Amazon Studios Production Deal
In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects, with her first project being 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 start of a "new era" in her music career with the upcoming release of the song "Rumors".
October 2021: Criticism for Chris Brown Comment
In October 2021, Lizzo faced criticism for calling Chris Brown her "favorite person in the whole fucking world" due to his various convictions.
2021: "Rumors" Release
In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" (featuring Cardi B), which debuted within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
March 23, 2022: Announcement of "About Damn Time" Release
On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced that her single "About Damn Time" would be released on April 14. Following the release, she revealed the title of her fourth album, Special, with a release date of July 15.
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 Studios, after Lizzo signed a production deal with them in August 2020.
April 16, 2022: Saturday Night Live Hosting and Musical Guest Appearance
On April 16, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest for the episode.
June 10, 2022: Release of "Grrrls" and Lyric Controversy
On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls" as a promotional single from her album Special. The song generated controversy due to the inclusion of the word "spaz" in the lyrics, which was later replaced.
July 15, 2022: Release of "Special" and Lizzoverse Experience
On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, which received acclaim. The Lizzoverse, an immersive light show experience accompanying the album, took place and was live-streamed on Twitch.
December 17, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On December 17, 2022, Lizzo made her third appearance on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest, with Austin Butler hosting. She replaced the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs due to a member's illness.
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: Special Album Release and Grammy Win
In 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, preceded by the lead single "About Damn Time", which topped the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement made Lizzo the first black female singer since Whitney Houston in 1994 to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
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 Lizzo's first win in the major categories.
August 2023: Lawsuit 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.
January 2024: Start of Daily Fitness Routines
Since January 2024, Lizzo has been doing daily fitness routines, while continuing to advocate for body positivity.
February 2024: Rejection of 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 but dismissed some charges, including a fat-shaming claim and a disability discrimination claim. However, some sexual harassment and racial and religious discrimination allegations against Lizzo and Shirlene Quigley were upheld.
December 2024: Ruling 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 alleging inappropriate behavior backstage.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In 2024, Lizzo endorsed Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidential election.
February 15, 2025: Teasing of 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 slated for February 28.
February 28, 2025: Release of "Love in Real Life"
On February 28, 2025, Lizzo released "Love in Real Life", the lead single from her upcoming fifth studio album.
March 2025: Weight Loss Reveal
In March 2025, Lizzo posted a video revealing she had gradually achieved significant weight loss, while continuing to advocate for body positivity.
June 24, 2025: Announcement of "My Face Hurts from Smiling" Mixtape
On June 24, 2025, Lizzo shared the track listing and cover art for her third mixtape, My Face Hurts from Smiling, which was released on June 27 by Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records.
2025: Release of My Face Hurts from Smiling
In 2025, Lizzo's mixtape My Face Hurts from Smiling marks a return to her hip-hop roots.
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