Lizzo, the Grammy-winning artist known for her empowering anthems and dynamic performances, finds herself reflecting on the recent release of her latest album, *Bitch*. Released on June 5, 2023, the album has not met commercial success as it failed to make a mark on the Billboard 200 chart. This turn of events has prompted Lizzo to share her emotional journey and thoughts on the music industry during a recent YouTube interview.
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In a candid conversation with Zachary Hourihane, widely recognised as the Swiftologist, Lizzo expressed her feelings regarding the performance of *Bitch*. The album marked her first release in four years and followed her previous record, which had peaked at number two in 2022. Despite her excitement and meeting pre-sale targets, the first week sales of approximately 3,000 units—and a staggering decline to 650 units in the second week—left Lizzo overwhelmed. “It was soul-crushing,” she admitted, reflecting on the disappointment and her initial reaction.
Lizzo, who began crafting this album in September 2022, allowed herself a brief moment of despair, saying that she had equated her self-worth with commercial success. “I hurt my own feelings,” she recalled, noting that she felt sadness for several days upon realising that the music industry had transformed significantly since she last released an album. This has led her to mourn what she perceives as a shift in her artistic connection with the world.
Her friendship with fellow artist SZA has played a vital role in helping Lizzo regain perspective. In the same interview, she revealed the importance of a supportive call from SZA, who reassured her that she was not defined by the album’s lack of commercial success. “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,’” Lizzo remarked. This reaffirmation has been crucial for her, as she now makes a conscious effort to embrace her artistry without allowing numbers to dictate her value.
Lizzo is adamant about moving forward despite the challenges she has faced. With a steadfast focus on the future, she is currently back in the studio, working on new music. She views *Bitch* not as a defining moment but as a “stepping stone in the right direction.” The artist conveyed her determination to keep her career on track, stating, “I will never let [anyone] veer it off my path.”
The release of *Bitch* also comes in the wake of controversy, as Lizzo has faced allegations of sexual harassment from former employees. She has categorically denied the claims, asserting that she has “nothing to hide” and is committed to maintaining her integrity. Last December, a judge dismissed claims in the lawsuit, concluding there was no evidence to support the accusations of fat-shaming. Lizzo took to social media at the time to clarify, “They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent.”
In an earlier interview with The New York Times, Lizzo shared her perspective on personal growth and resilience. She highlighted the importance of evolving as both an artist and an individual, acknowledging that life is not always filled with joy. “I love myself. And the world loved me back for it,” she said, conveying her belief that true success extends beyond commercial metrics.
As she navigates this chapter of her career, Lizzo remains steadfast in her belief that setbacks do not define her or her music. “I’m not afraid of failure anymore because I’ve already won,” she stated, indicating her commitment to her craft and the message she wishes to convey through her music.
Fans of Lizzo can expect to see more of her work in the near future. The artist is already in the process of composing new tracks, eager to continue sharing her story and connecting with her audience. Her journey remains emblematic of resilience in the face of adversity, and it is clear that she has no intention of backing down. As she focuses on the road ahead, Lizzo continues to inspire with her message of self-love and empowerment.