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Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard of musical power-house Lizzo. The unapologetic plus-size performer has been taking the entertainment world by storm and with good reason. Lizzo is talented, beautiful and promotes a powerful message of tolerance and self-love. She's been pushing the envelope since she began her musical career. With as much attention as the larger than life singer has been getting, there are still many facts about her career that may surprise even the most diehard fans.
Stage Name
Like many performers, Lizzo works under a stage name. The talented triple threat was born Melissa Vivian Jefferson. Her stage name developed from her nickname Lissa and, not surprisingly, a musical inspiration. Jay-Z's "Izzo (H.O.V.A)". Choosing her performing name based on a hit song may have seemed risky. After the song lost immediate mainstream relevance the name still suited her perfectly and is a lovely tribute to another musical legend.
Early Start
Like most highly talented performers Lizzo put years of practice and dedication into her craft. Not only did she learn to play the flute at a young age and study music in college but she also found her love of hip hop at a young age. Lizzo grew up in a Pentecostal conservative home. Mainstream music was not allowed.
As a teenager, she discovered the local hip hop scene and realized she had a major knack for putting together lyrics. Lizzo spent hours freestyling with her friends at school and calling into a local radio station to put her gift in the air.
Classical Education
Lizzo is a highly skilled flute player. She picked up the instrument in the 5th grade and continued to play through high school and college. Lizzo was a fierce piccolo player in her College marching band and was driven to be the best at what she did. She studied musical performance at Houston University. Lizzo is really a total package. She's beautiful, independent, well-educated, talented and ambitious. She's an incredible role model for every person who wants to find success and love themselves. Far from being just a plus-size figurehead, Lizzo is a powerful voice for humanity at its best.
Acting
This incredible performer doesn't stop at crushing classical flute and belting out heartfelt lines. She's also made several reality TV appearances and been in feature films. Lizzo was briefly the host of the live musical performance show "Wonderland" on MTV. She was a judge on "RuPaul's Drage Race" where she often looked just as fabulous as the contestants. If those appearances aren't enough to sate your thirst for queen Lizzo she was also featured in the comedy "Hustlers" in which she delivers a sizzling pole dance scene.
Working With Prince
After the loss of her father, Lizzo moved to Minnesota. While living in the Viking's state her talent was recognized by another local legend. Prince himself saw what Lizzo had to offer and invited her to collaborate on "Boytrouble". She credits the experience with helping her find her own sound. Lizzo, much like Prince, fuses, and blends genere-bending sounds into original works of art.
Independent
Before being signed by a major record label Lizzo produced 2 albums independently. In 2013 she released her debut album "Lizzobangers". The album does exactly what it says on the tin. Her second album "Big Girl Small World" was no less iconic.
Her second album included the soulful and deeply moving track "My Skin" which has become a self-acceptance anthem. After her creative success as an independent solo artist, she was signed to Nice Life and Atlantic records but she had already proven she had what it takes all on her own.
Organic Process
One of Lizzo's biggest hits is the powerful break-up anthem "Truth Hurts". It's such an iconic song that it's opening lyrics became a viral meme. The song is a masterpiece that captures the pain, frustration, and power of being let down by someone you loved. It may surprise many to hear that the song was written off the cuff and in the moment. Lizzo had just experienced a tough break up before heading into the studio. The iconic piano chords were played as a mere place holder and Lizo was encouraged to just sing what she was thinking and feeling. The lyrics to the smash hit just poured out of the singer like a waterfall of diamonds and the rest is history.
Struggles
Lizzo may be living her best life in the spotlight right now but the singer knows what it's like to have persistence and grit. She's incredibly strong and has lived through hard times and family tragedy. At just 21 she lost her father. He had always been one of her biggest supporters and encouraged her to be her best. Lizzo knew her incredible talent would take her places. The same year she lost her beloved father she lived out of her car while pursuing her musical career.
Intentional Team
Like most aspects of her music and career, her team was chosen carefully and with intention. Her strong messages of female empowerment and body positivity are reflected in who she welcomes on stage with her and who she has supporting her behind the scenes.
Lizzo surrounds herself with strong, talented plus size women, particularly women of color. Her back up dancers perform under the name "The big Grrrls" and have been slaying the game since day one. Lizzo isn't afraid to challenge people's ideas of what a fit, talented and healthy dancer looks like.
Tiny Desk
NPR's "tiny desk" is an unplugged, stripped-down, intimate venue where popular artists and musical legends get a chance to show a more natural side of their music and themselves. Lizzo absolutely crushed her performance on the popular show. She treated listeners to a live flute solo, her charming wit and incredible live vocals that filled the room with powerful sound. It quickly became one of the most virally popular episodes of the show. It showcased her glowing personality as well as her powerful talent.
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