Melissa Viviane Jefferson (born April 27, 1988) is an immensely talented and versatile American artist who has made her mark in various creative fields. Professionally known as Lizzo, she is celebrated as a rapper, actress, singer, songwriter, and flautist, showcasing her exceptional abilities across different mediums.
Lizzo’s artistry and magnetic presence have catapulted her to the forefront of the entertainment industry, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim. As a Grammy award-winning artist, she has captured the hearts of fans and garnered critical acclaim from music industry peers and critics alike.
Early Life
Lizzo, 36 years old, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, into the family of Jefferson. Her father, Michael Jefferson, worked as a teacher, and her mother, Shari Joanson Jefferson, was a lawyer.
She had two siblings, Mikey Jefferson and Vanessa Jefferson, whom she grew up with.
During her early years in Detroit, Lizzo received her primary education before her family moved to Houston, Texas, when she was just ten. She continued her schooling there and attended Alief Elsik High School, where she discovered her talent for rapping.
While in Houston, Lizzo also pursued her interest in music and learned to play the flute through tutorials. Claudia Momen mentored her in flute playing for about eight years until she completed high school.
After graduating high school, tragedy struck when Lizzo’s father passed away when she was 21. This event significantly impacted her financial situation, leading her to drop out of college, where she was studying classical music and focusing on the flute at the University of Houston.
As a result of these challenges, Lizzo decided to relocate to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2011 to pursue her music career and start fresh.
Career
Lizzo’s career in the entertainment industry began in high school.
She started her career as a rapper, forming a musical group with her friends with the moniker Comrow Clique.
Lizzo’s journey in the music industry has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and a distinctive blend of musical styles. She initially started her career as a part of various indie groups and collaborations while living in Minneapolis. During this time, she developed her unique style, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, funk, and soul.
In 2013, Lizzo released her debut studio album, “Lizzobangers,” which garnered critical acclaim but didn’t achieve widespread commercial success. Undeterred, she continued to work on her craft and self-released her second album, “Big Grrrl Small World,” in 2015. The album received positive reviews, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the music industry.
However, her third studio album, “Cuz I Love You,” released in 2019, propelled her to international fame. The album included her hit singles “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell,” which topped the charts and became anthems for self-empowerment and self-love. Lizzo’s infectious charisma, powerful vocals, and unapologetic personality resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to multiple award nominations and wins, including Grammy Awards.
In March 2022, Lizzo excitedly announced the upcoming release of her highly anticipated single titled “About Damn Time,” scheduled to hit the airwaves in April 2022. Fans worldwide eagerly awaited this new musical offering from the talented singer-songwriter.
As April 2022 rolled around, Lizzo’s single “About Damn Time” was officially released, capturing the attention of both her devoted fan base and new listeners. The song showcased her powerful vocals, infectious melodies, and empowering lyrics, garnering positive reactions from the music community. The song was nominated and ultimately won the Record of the Year award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
Not resting on the success of her single, Lizzo surprised her fans in April 2022 by announcing another major project – her upcoming studio album, “Special.” In her announcement, she revealed that the album was set to be unleashed on July 15, 2022, adding to the excitement surrounding her musical journey.
In the months leading up to the album’s release, Lizzo teased her audience with a taste of what was to come by dropping “Grrrls” on June 10, 2022. This powerful and dynamic track served as the first promotional single for her forthcoming album, “Special.” Fans eagerly embraced the song, sparking even greater anticipation for the album’s full release.
Finally, on July 15, 2022, the much-awaited day arrived, and Lizzo officially launched her studio album, “Special.” The album delivered a diverse blend of genres, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level through her music.
“Special” received widespread praise from music critics, who commended Lizzo’s exceptional vocal prowess, thought-provoking lyrics, and ability to infuse authenticity and emotion into each track.
Beyond her music, Lizzo has also significantly contributed to body positivity and mental health advocacy. She consistently promotes self-acceptance and body confidence through her music, public appearances, and social media presence. Her authenticity and positive messages have made her a role model for many, inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and overcome societal pressures.
Throughout her career, Lizzo has used her platform to address social issues and promote inclusivity. She has been vocal about racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change, leveraging her fame to impact the world positively.
As her career progressed, Lizzo expanded her endeavours into acting and hosting. She appeared in TV shows and movies, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Discography
- Good as Hell
- About Damn Time
- Juice
- Grrrls
- Phone
- Exactly How I Feel
- Deep
- Lingerie
- Tempo
- Truth Hurts
- Fitness
- Soulmate
- Crybaby
- Like a Girl
- Cuz I Love You
- Boys
- Water Me
- Ride
Personal Life
Lizzo has been known for keeping her romantic life private, preferring to be discreet about her relationships. However, in 2022, rumours of her being romantically involved with the famous American comedian, Myke Wright, caught the media’s and fans’ attention.
As of now, Lizzo remains unmarried and does not have any children. She focuses on her career and personal growth while keeping her private life away from the public eye.
Regarding her physical attributes, Lizzo stands tall at 1.78 meters (approximately 5 feet 10 inches) and weighs about 140 kilograms (approximately 308 pounds). As a body-positive advocate, she has been vocal about embracing her body and promoting self-love and acceptance, challenging societal beauty standards.
Social Media
- Instagram @lizzobeeating
- Twitter @lizzo
Net Worth
Lizzo has an estimated net worth of about US$12 million.
