Lizzo has recently reached a significant milestone in her musical career, celebrating her 2022 hit “About Damn Time” surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. The 38-year-old singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, took to Instagram to express her emotional response to this achievement. She shared that the moment left her in tears, acknowledging the personal challenges she has faced alongside her professional success.
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In her heartfelt post, Lizzo revealed that many are unaware of her private struggles. “Nobody knows what I’ve been going through privately,” she stated, indicating that her life has been tumultuous, akin to a roller coaster. The singer candidly described feelings of being overwhelmed, saying, “Sometimes I feel like my hands are tied behind my back and life is whooping my ass.” Despite these challenges, Lizzo emphasised her determination to persevere, declaring victory each day even amidst sleepless nights and physical discomfort.
Lizzo’s hit “About Damn Time” is not her only success at this level; she previously achieved a billion streams with her breakout song “Truth Hurts.” In her Instagram statement, she expressed gratitude for her journey, acknowledging the hard work she has put in. “I’ve been working my ass off, grinding and praying,” she said, recognising the importance of her support network and the love she receives from fans.
The singer also took a moment to address critics, reinforcing her resilience. “No weapon formed against me will prosper — no vicious attacks from people who don’t even know me will stick,” she asserted. Her message concluded with an appreciation for her followers, as she celebrated this remarkable milestone with the words, “TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SHOWN ME LOVE ON THE INTERNET AND REAL LIFE I LOVE YOU.”
In contrast to her streaming success, Lizzo’s latest album, “Bitch,” which was released on June 5, has not performed as well as hoped. The album failed to make a mark on the Billboard 200 albums chart, a significant drop in momentum compared to her previous work. Her last album, “Special,” debuted at No. 2 on the chart, while “Bitch” only sold approximately 3,000 units in its first week of release, with numbers plummeting to around 650 in the second week, according to data from Luminate.
During a YouTube conversation with Zachary Hourihane, Lizzo discussed the disappointment of the album’s sales, describing the experience as “soul-crushing.” She confessed she became fixated on the initial numbers, comparing her self-worth to the figures, which led to feelings of disillusionment. “I think there was like 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number,” she admitted.
Reflecting on her childhood, Lizzo has also shared her struggles with self-image and anxiety. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, she spoke about feeling “very annoying” as a child, particularly when learning to play the flute. “The flute is the most annoying instrument to be bad at,” she remarked, noting that it took her two years to become proficient. She explained that this journey has been part of her healing process, allowing her to confront past insecurities.
As Lizzo continues to navigate both triumphs and setbacks, her resilience shines through. From reaching a billion streams on her music to addressing personal vulnerabilities, she remains committed to being true to herself and her artistry. Fans eagerly await her next moves as she continues to inspire many both through her music and her authenticity.
The singer’s journey highlights the complexities of fame, where public success can sometimes contrast sharply with private struggles. Nonetheless, Lizzo’s ability to confront these challenges with openness offers a powerful message of perseverance and self-acceptance.