Lizzo is speaking out about the disappointing reception of her latest album, 'Bitch', which has sold a mere 2,649 copies in its first week. In an interview with 'Swiftologist' released on June 28, the 38-year-old singer expressed her shock and sadness over the numbers, calling the experience 'soul-crushing'. This marks a significant drop from her previous album 'Special', which debuted with 39,000 copies and reached number two on the Billboard 200.
'Bitch' failed to chart on the Billboard 200 entirely, a far cry from the success of 'Special', whose lead single 'About Damn Time' hit number one and won a Grammy for Record of the Year. Lizzo admitted that for about 24 hours, she based her self-worth on the sales figures, a mistake she now recognizes. 'I meditated and prayed on it and realized that I should not judge my success or my impact on numbers because it's soul-crushing if you do,' she said.
The singer, born Melissa Jefferson, rose to fame in 2019 with the chart-topping single 'Truth Hurts' and has since become known for her empowering anthems and bold personality. Her career has been marked by a series of hits, including 'Juice', 'Good as Hell', and 'Tempo', and she has won multiple Grammy Awards. However, the release of 'Bitch' has been overshadowed by a workplace misconduct lawsuit filed by her former dancers in 2023, which accuses her of assault, false imprisonment, and sexual harassment. Lizzo has repeatedly denied these allegations, and the civil case is still ongoing.
In the interview, Lizzo revealed that she took the poor sales 'to heart really, really heavily' because she is proud of the new music. 'I was really stressed and I was really sad for a few days, because I just was like, 'Wait a minute. This is some of my best stuff. I want people to find it,'' she said. She acknowledged that her 'connection, musically, with the world is different' now than it once was, a realization she had to come to terms with.
Earlier this month, Lizzo responded on X (formerly Twitter) to a post suggesting she no longer has a fanbase. She attributed the decline to the fact that 'streaming replaced radio & I was a radio darling,' and also cited the 'very obvious & public attack on my career changed things,' referring to the lawsuit. This public struggle has been a central theme in her recent narrative.
Speaking with USA TODAY ahead of the album's release, Lizzo described 'Bitch' as an act of 'reclaiming who I am.' She explained, 'A lot of my identity has been manipulated by people outside of me, so this album is me taking that back − showing the Lizzo everybody knows and loves, letting her tell her side of the story and just letting her play again.' The album was released on June 5 and is her first studio album since the lawsuit was filed.
The lawsuit, filed by former dancers Crystal Williams, Noelle Rodriguez, and Arianna Davis in August 2023, alleges a hostile work environment. Lizzo has vehemently denied the claims, and her legal team has described them as 'sensationalized stories.' The case has been a significant distraction from her music, though she has continued to perform and release new material.
Lizzo's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. She started as a flutist and rapper in Houston, later moving to Minneapolis where she joined the indie music scene. Her breakthrough came with the 2019 album 'Cuz I Love You', which cemented her status as a pop star. She has also been a vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health, and social justice, using her platform to promote self-love and acceptance.
The poor sales of 'Bitch' have sparked discussions about the changing landscape of the music industry, where streaming has largely replaced radio as the primary way consumers discover new music. Lizzo herself noted that she was a 'radio darling,' and the shift has made it harder for her to connect with audiences. Additionally, the legal battle has likely affected her public perception, as some fans may have been influenced by the allegations.
Despite the setbacks, Lizzo remains determined to share her music. She continues to tour and engage with fans on social media. In the interview, she expressed hope that people will still discover 'Bitch' and appreciate it for what it is. 'I want people to find it,' she said, emphasizing the importance of the album to her personal narrative.
The album 'Bitch' features a mix of upbeat tracks and introspective ballads, showcasing Lizzo's versatility as an artist. Songs like 'Play It Again' and 'Reclaim' address themes of resilience and self-empowerment, while others like 'No Apologies' directly confront the controversy surrounding her. Critics have noted that the album is more personal than her previous work, reflecting the turmoil of the past few years.
As the legal battle continues, Lizzo's focus remains on her music and her fans. She has expressed gratitude for those who have supported her through difficult times. In the interview, she said, 'I had to reframe and be like, 'But aren't you proud of yourself?' And I was like, 'Yeah, I actually am proud of myself. Aren't you excited to sing these songs? Aren't you glad they're out?' Yeah.' This positive outlook, despite the commercial disappointment, demonstrates her resilience.
The story of Lizzo's recent struggles is a reminder of the pressures faced by artists in the public eye. While her album sales may have been low, her impact on pop culture and her influence on the conversation around body image and authenticity remain significant. Only time will tell how her career evolves, but for now, she is committed to staying true to herself and her art.
Source: USA TODAY News