What really happened to Lizzo’s career?
The Album’s Disappointing Performance
Sandego.net – When Lizzo released her fifth studio album in early June 2026, fans and critics alike anticipated a triumphant return to form. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her bold anthems and unapologetic celebration of self-love, had previously dominated charts with hits like “Truth Hurts” and “About Damn Time.” Yet, the new album—dubbed “Bitch”—failed to resonate in the same way, streaming below one million times on Spotify within its first 24 hours. Rolling Stone reported that fewer than 3,000 physical copies were sold in the initial week, and the record didn’t even breach the Billboard 200 during its first two weeks. This marked a stark contrast to her earlier dominance, leaving many to wonder what had shifted in her creative trajectory or public appeal.
A Lawsuit That Shaped Her Image
As the album’s performance raised questions, Lizzo’s career faced another unexpected challenge. In 2023, three dancers from her touring company filed a lawsuit against her, alleging a toxic work environment. The case, which gained significant attention, accused the singer of sexual harassment, body shaming, and fostering a hostile atmosphere. Among the plaintiffs was Noelle Rodriguez, one of the dancers, who explained their intent in a recent interview with CNN. “It was never our intention to take down a woman of color,” Rodriguez stated. “It was never an intention to take down a plus size woman of color specifically.”
“It was never our intention to take down a woman of color,” said Noelle Rodriguez, one of three dancers who filed suit against Lizzo in 2023. “It was never an intention to take down a plus size woman of color specifically.”
The dancers also named her production company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, Inc. (BGBT), and a figure described as “dance cast captain” in the legal documents. While the suit focused on workplace dynamics, its ripple effects extended beyond the courtroom. Lizzo’s public image, once synonymous with empowerment and joy, became a topic of debate, with some questioning whether the allegations had impacted her creative momentum.
Pushing Back Against Criticism
Responding to the backlash, Lizzo took to TikTok on May 12, 2026, to voice her frustrations. “The algorithm-based way that social media functions now is destroying the music industry,” she asserted. “If your algorithm is super serving you things out of order of when they’re happening, then the general public has no idea when music is actually coming out.” Her comments highlighted her belief that the digital landscape’s prioritization of engagement over timing had obscured her release, leaving fans unaware of its arrival just weeks prior.
“The algorithm-based way that social media functions now is destroying the music industry,” Lizzo said in a TikTok posted on May 12. “If your algorithm is super serving you things out of order of when they’re happening, then the general public has no idea when music is actually coming out.”
Despite her defense, the lawsuit and its media coverage continued to influence perceptions. The dancers, however, emphasized their mixed feelings about the current situation. While they acknowledge the emotional toll of the accusations, they also stress their resolve to see the case through. “We’re determined to hold her accountable for the values she has publicly portrayed herself as holding,” one of the plaintiffs noted. “It wasn’t about bringing her down—it was about making sure her message aligned with her actions.”
The Impact on Her Career
As the legal battle unfolded, Lizzo’s career entered a phase of uncertainty. The artist, who had become a cultural icon by championing body positivity and self-expression, now found herself at the center of a broader conversation about the intersection of personal identity and professional conduct. Her defenders argue that the lawsuit has unfairly overshadowed her achievements, while critics point to the album’s lackluster reception as evidence of her waning influence. The tension between these perspectives has created a narrative that feels both personal and professional, with fans divided on whether to support her or question her impact on the industry.
Lizzo’s attorney, Melissa Glass, addressed the situation in a statement, dismissing the claims as “having no basis in reality.” “Not a single witness has come forward to support their allegations,” Glass said. “In fact, their claims were refuted by 18 witnesses, including most of the other dancers on ‘The Special Tour.’” The statement reinforced the company’s confidence in Lizzo’s ability to prevail in court, but it did little to quell the public discourse surrounding her career.
A Dancer’s Perspective
Chawnta’ Van, a dancer who worked with Lizzo since 2019 and was part of the lawsuit’s inner circle, shared her own take on the situation. “I felt blindsided and heartbroken when the allegations came out,” Van said. “I thought everyone on the tour was in this together, but apparently not.” For Van, the lawsuit disrupted not only her personal connection to Lizzo but also her livelihood. “As a dancer, we’re the lowest paid. We work gig by gig, literally,” she explained. “So when all this stuff came out and everything got canceled, it was really hard.”
“I felt blindsided and heartbroken when the allegations came out,” Chawnta’ Van said. “I thought everyone on the tour was in this together, but apparently not.”
Van’s comments underscored the broader implications of the lawsuit, particularly for the touring staff who rely on Lizzo’s visibility. While the legal case remains ongoing, it has become a symbol of the challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry—where personal relationships and professional responsibilities often collide.
Rebuilding or Reckoning?
Even as the lawsuit and album underperformance dominate headlines, Lizzo’s legacy continues to evolve. Her early career, which began in 2019, had redefined the music landscape by centering the experiences of a plus-sized Black woman in a mainstream space. At that time, she was celebrated not just for her talent but for her unapologetic embrace of her identity, which resonated deeply with audiences. Yet, her rise also brought scrutiny, as critics dissected her every move, from her stage presence to her personal style.
One notable moment was her backside-bearing outfit at a Lakers game, which sparked a viral conversation about body positivity and the role of media in shaping perceptions. Lizzo defended her choice, stating, “It doesn’t really matter what goes on on the internet, nothing really breaks my joy.” That sentiment reflected her resilience, but it also hinted at the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an industry driven by metrics and algorithms.
Now, as she navigates a new chapter, Lizzo’s career seems to be at a crossroads. The underperformance of “Bitch” and the lingering effects of the lawsuit have forced her to confront the balance between personal expression and public expectation. While some argue that the album’s reception is a natural fluctuation in her career, others see it as a sign of a deeper shift. Whether this marks a temporary setback or a transformative phase, the next steps will be crucial in determining how Lizzo moves forward. For now, the question remains: what really happened to her career—and what does it mean for her future as an artist and a cultural figure?
