Lizzo has publicly addressed the commercial performance of her latest musical project, acknowledging that the reception has been difficult to process. During an appearance on the Proto Pop podcast with host Zachary Hourihane, the Grammy-winning artist discussed the challenges of navigating a shifting music industry and the emotional toll of seeing her recent work fail to gain the traction of her previous releases.
Why the latest project faced a different reception
Lizzo’s recent work arrived in an industry landscape that has changed significantly since her 2022 album, Special, debuted at Number Two on the Billboard 200 with 69,000 equivalent album units. According to music data company Luminate, the artist’s latest project saw a modest start in its first week, selling 2,649 copies with just under 2.7 million on-demand streams. By the second week, those figures dipped to 650 units and approximately 900,000 streams.
In her conversation with Hourihane, Lizzo admitted that the numbers were hard to reconcile with her own belief in the quality of the music. "I hurt my own feelings," she said during the interview. "I was really stressed and I was really sad for a few days. Because I was like, wait a minute, this is some of my best stuff." She noted that she had to come to terms with the reality that her connection with the listening public has evolved over the past three years.
Context behind the artist’s industry shift
The release follows a period of intense public scrutiny for the artist. In 2023, former backup dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, alleging sexual harassment, the creation of a hostile work environment, and fat-shaming. That legal matter remains unsettled.
Lizzo acknowledged these external pressures during the podcast, specifically referencing criticisms regarding her radio presence and the changing ways in which fans interact with her music. Despite the initial disappointment, the artist stated she has decided to "shake it off and move forward," emphasizing that she continues to work in the studio because she is committed to her career.
Addressing the "Khia Asylum" discourse
During the interview, Lizzo also responded to the online usage of the term "Khia Asylum," a term used online to refer to formerly successful pop stars who have faded from the spotlight. The term is named after rapper Khia, known for the hit "My Neck, My Back."
Lizzo criticized the phrase as both misogynistic and dismissive of the artists it targets. "I think it is even backhanded in itself to name it after this extremely talented, incredible pillar in the Black community and in Black rap music," she said. She rejected the implication that she belongs in such a category, citing her track record of professional accomplishments. "I have Grammys and world records in music. I have Number Ones. I have a diamond record. I am a successful artist," she stated.
Summary of Career Milestones
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | Winner |
| RIAA Certification | Diamond Record |
| Chart History | Multiple Number One hits |
The artist concluded the discussion by reaffirming her focus on the future, noting that while the industry environment is different than it was during her previous album cycle, she remains dedicated to her creative process.