Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, recently revealed her long-standing affection for the popular dining chain, Chili’s. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Lizzo discussed her creative take on the beloved “Baby Back Ribs” jingle, which has captured the hearts of many since its debut in the 1990s.
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The artist, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, reimagined the iconic tune, adding her distinct flair while respecting the original composition. “I went in the studio and was like, oh, he want his baby back? Well he gon’ have to work hard to get me,” she explained. Lizzo expressed how her interpretation retains the classic chorus while introducing a new rap section and a playful flute solo, featuring the “barbecue rib flute.”
With an aim to enhance the energy of the original song, Lizzo aimed for a “bluesy and rocking” feel, tweaking the music just enough to make it uniquely hers. In her version, she cleverly raps lines that include “He want his baby back? Then if he act right he can get me back,” showcasing her signature playful style.
In addition to her creative process, Lizzo reflected on how closely intertwined her life has been with the restaurant chain. Growing up, her family frequently dined at Chili’s, where they often indulged in the famous Molten Lava Cake for dessert. Even during her college years, visits to the restaurant helped ease homesickness, grounding her in fond memories.
Lizzo proudly identified herself as a “Triple Dipper-A-Holic,” a title she embraced to the extent of creating a Halloween costume inspired by the dish in 2025. Describing her typical order, she highlighted her love for the Fried Mozzarella, Big Mouth Bites sliders, and Southwestern Eggrolls—an indulgence she particularly enjoys after a long night out.
Throughout the interview, Lizzo underscored her evolving approach to well-being, focusing on positivity and balance in her life. Having spoken openly about her “weight release journey,” she emphasised the importance of mindset over the physical aspect of health. “Any change that you want to see… starts in your mind first,” she stated.
Currently, Lizzo’s wellness ambitions centre around enhancing her flexibility, while still savouring the delights offered by Chili’s. “I’ll tell you what, with a Chili’s Triple Dipper in me… those goals get a little harder. But it’s all good because you’ve got to take every day in moderation,” she remarked, demonstrating a sound understanding of food’s role in mental health and happiness.
Meanwhile, Chili’s has also taken steps to refresh its menu, recently launching an upgraded version of the Baby Back Ribs that features a 50% increase in ribs and a new caramelised barbecue sauce crust. Customers can look forward to a special offer where rewards members will have the chance to win tickets to Lizzo’s upcoming tour, providing fans a perfect opportunity to connect with the star and enjoy the treats she adores.
Excitingly, Lizzo hinted at her upcoming album titled 𝖡̶𝖨̶𝖳̶𝖢̶𝖧̶, which is set to release on June 5. Notably, her boyfriend, Myke Wright, had a hand in creating a vacation music video for one of the songs featured on the album while in St. Barth’s, showcasing their collaborative relationship.
In a world where the intersection of food and music can often seem unusual, Lizzo’s collaboration with Chili’s bridges the gap beautifully, celebrating the joyous experiences we share over meals and the familiarity of cherished family traditions.