Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American rapper and singer. She began her music career in Minneapolis after moving from Detroit and Houston. Before signing with a major label, she independently released two albums, Lizzobangers and Big Grrrl Small World. Her first EP with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records, Coconut Oil, was released in 2016.
1994: Whitney Houston's 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.
Share
2006: Graduation and Rapping
In 2006, Lizzo graduated from Alief Elsik High School, where she had started rapping.
Share
2009: Ellypseas
In 2009, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
Share
2010: Ellypseas
In 2010, Lizzo performed lead vocals and flute in the jazz/prog rock quintet Ellypseas.
Share
2011: Move to Minneapolis
In 2011, Lizzo dropped out of college and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Share
2012: The Chalice released its first album
In 2012, the Chalice, a group which Lizzo helped form, released its first album, We Are the Chalice.
Share
2012: Rihanna's Song
In 2019 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".
Share
October 15, 2013: Release of Lizzobangers
On October 15, 2013, Lizzo's hip-hop-focused debut album, Lizzobangers, was released.
Share
October 2013: Picked to Click Award
In October 2013, Lizzo won City Pages' "Picked to Click" award for best new Twin Cities artist.
Share
2013: Release of Lizzobangers
In 2013, Lizzo released her first studio album, Lizzobangers.
Share
2013: Formation of Grrrl Prty
In 2013, Lizzo was one of five artists to form the hip-hop group Grrrl Prty.
Share
September 2014: Featured on Prince's Album
In September 2014, Lizzo was featured on the song "BoyTrouble" on Prince's and 3rdeyegirl's album Plectrumelectrum.
Share
October 7, 2014: Late Show Musical Guest
On October 7, 2014, Lizzo appeared as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Share
2014: StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project
In 2014, Lizzo participated in StyleLikeU's What's Underneath project.
Share
2014: Time's Artist to Watch
In 2014, Time named Lizzo one of 14 music artists to watch.
Share
December 11, 2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
On December 11, 2015, Lizzo's second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World, was released.
Share
2015: Release of Big Grrrl Small World
In 2015, Lizzo released her second studio album, Big Grrrl Small World.
Share
March 8, 2016: Release of Good as Hell
On March 8, 2016, "Good as Hell" was released as the lead single from the Coconut Oil.
Share
October 7, 2016: Release of Coconut Oil
On October 7, 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play, Coconut Oil.
Share
2016: "Good as Hell" Climbs the Charts
Around July 2019, her 2016 single "Good as Hell" also climbed the charts around the world.
Share
2016: Disbanding of Grrrl Prty
In 2016, Grrrl Prty disbanded after playing its final show at Rock the Garden.
Share
2016: Coconut Oil's Critical Acclaim
In 2016, Lizzo released Coconut Oil, which received positive reviews from music critics.
Share
2016: Release of Coconut Oil EP
In 2016, Lizzo released her first major-label extended play (EP), Coconut Oil.
Share
2016: Good as Hell Climbs Charts
In 2016, Lizzo's single "Good as Hell" climbed the charts.
Share
2017: Good as Hell Tour
In 2017, Lizzo embarked on the Good as Hell Tour to promote her EP Coconut Oil. She also appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race.
Share
2017: Release of Truth Hurts
In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts".
Share
2017: Release of Truth Hurts
In 2017, Lizzo released the single "Truth Hurts."
Share
June 11, 2018: ModCloth's Campaign
On June 11, 2018, Lizzo appeared in ModCloth's "Say It Louder" campaign.
Share
June 2018: NYC Pride's Pride Island
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.
Share
June 2018: Discussion of Sexuality in Interview
In a June 2018 interview, Lizzo discussed her views on sexuality, stating that she doesn't ascribe to just one thing and considers herself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, leaning heterosexual.
Share
2018: Discussion of musical inspiration
In an interview in 2018, Lizzo discussed her musical inspirations, naming Lauryn Hill as an inspiration for her debut album.
Share
2018: Tours with Haim and Florence and the Machine
In early 2018, Lizzo toured with both Haim and Florence and the Machine.
Share
January 4, 2019: Release of Juice
On January 4, 2019, Lizzo released "Juice", the lead single from her third studio album.
Share
April 19, 2019: Release of Cuz I Love You
On April 19, 2019, Lizzo released her album, Cuz I Love You.
Share
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.
Share
September 9, 2019: Cuz I Love You Certified Gold
On September 9, 2019, Cuz I Love You became certified gold by the RIAA.
Share
December 2019: Controversy at Los Angeles Lakers Game
In December 2019, Lizzo faced controversy after dancing and twerking to her song "Juice" at a Los Angeles Lakers game, while wearing a dress that revealed her thong.
Share
December 21, 2019: Saturday Night Live Debut
On December 21, 2019, Lizzo made her Saturday Night Live debut as a musical guest.
Share
2019: Sophia Nahli Allison Leaves Documentary Project
In 2019, Filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison traveled with Lizzo for her documentary but dropped out of the project.
Share
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 peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200.
Share
2019: Performance at BET Awards
In 2019, Lizzo performed "Truth Hurts" at the 2019 BET Awards with her flute, Sasha Flute.
Share
2019: Acting roles and Entertainer of the Year
In 2019, Lizzo performed in UglyDolls and Hustlers. Time named Lizzo "Entertainer of the Year" for her meteoric rise and contributions to music.
Share
2019: Acting Ventures
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.
Share
2019: Credited for "Woodwind Renaissance"
In 2019, Lizzo was credited by Leonie Cooper of The Guardian for sparking a "woodwind renaissance" and becoming "the flute's brightest champion".
Share
2019: Truth Hurts Gains Popularity
In 2019, Lizzo's 2017 single "Truth Hurts" began to gain popularity.
Share
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.
Share
January 5, 2020: Departure from Twitter
On January 5, 2020, Lizzo announced she was leaving Twitter, citing "too many trolls" as the reason. Her account is now managed by her team.
Share
January 2020: FOMO Festival and Sydney Opera House
In January 2020, Lizzo headlined FOMO Festival and performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Opera House.
Share
August 2020: Production Deal with Amazon Studios
In August 2020, Lizzo signed a production deal with Amazon Studios to develop new projects with them.
Share
August 2, 2021: Announcement of a "new era" with the song "Rumors"
On August 2, 2021, Lizzo announced the start of a "new era" in her music with the upcoming song "Rumors."
Share
October 2021: Criticism for Calling Chris Brown "Favorite Person"
In October 2021, Lizzo received criticism after calling Chris Brown her "favorite person in the whole fucking world", due to his history of convictions.
Share
2021: Release of Rumors (featuring Cardi B)
In 2021, Lizzo released the single "Rumors" (featuring Cardi B), which debuted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
Share
March 23, 2022: Announcement of new single "About Damn Time"
On March 23, 2022, Lizzo announced that her new single "About Damn Time" would be released on April 14.
Share
March 24, 2022: Premiere of Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Lizzo's unscripted reality competition series called Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls premiered on March 24, 2022.
Share
April 16, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On April 16, 2022, Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest.
Share
June 10, 2022: Release of "Grrrls" and Subsequent Controversy
On June 10, 2022, Lizzo released "Grrrls", a promotional single from her album Special, which sparked controversy over the use of the word "spaz" in the lyrics. The lyrics were later changed.
Share
July 15, 2022: Release of Album 'Special' and 'Lizzoverse' Experience
On July 15, 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, "Special", to critical acclaim. The release was accompanied by an immersive cosmic light show called "Lizzoverse" in New York City.
Share
December 17, 2022: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On December 17, 2022, Lizzo made her third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, with Austin Butler as host.
Share
2022: Donation to Planned Parenthood
In 2022, Lizzo donated $500,000 to Planned Parenthood after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Share
2022: Release of Special and About Damn Time
In 2022, Lizzo released her fourth studio album, Special, preceded by its lead single "About Damn Time", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Share
2022: Relationship with Myke Wright
In 2022, Lizzo was reported to be in a romantic relationship with comedian Myke Wright.
Share
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" at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, marking her first major win in the category.
Share
August 2023: Lawsuit by Former Backup Dancers
In August 2023, Lizzo, her production company, and her dance captain Shirlene Quigley were sued by three former backup dancers for alleged sexual, religious, and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, creating a hostile work environment, and weight-shaming.
Share
February 2024: Rejection of Lizzo's Request to End Backup Dancers' Case
In February 2024, a Los Angeles judge rejected Lizzo's request to end the backup dancers' case against her, dismissing some charges but upholding others regarding sexual harassment and racial and religious discrimination.
Share
December 2024: Dismissal of Some Claims in Lawsuit by Asha Daniels
In December 2024, a judge dismissed some claims in a lawsuit filed by clothing designer Asha Daniels against Lizzo and her tour manager, while Lizzo's company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, remains a defendant.
Share
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris for U.S. President
In 2024, Lizzo endorsed Kamala Harris for the U.S. presidential election.
Share
February 15, 2025: Teasing New Project "LIRL"
On February 15, 2025, Lizzo started teasing a new project titled "LIRL" on social media, announcing a release date for February 28.
Share