Lizzo speaks out on ‘soul-crushing’ poor album sales
Lizzo Confronts Struggles with New Album's Sales Performance
Lizzo speaks out on soul crushing - On June 28, Lizzo, the 38-year-old singer known for her hit "Truth Hurts," opened up about the mixed reception to her latest album, "Bitch." The project, which launched on June 5, faced unexpected challenges, with its first-week sales totaling just 2,649 copies—a stark contrast to the 39,000 copies her 2022 album "Special" achieved in its debut. This decline has sparked a reflective moment for the artist, who is now grappling with how to redefine success in a rapidly evolving music industry.
The Weight of Numbers and a Soul-Crushing Realization
During an interview with the pop culture analysis platform "Swiftologist," Lizzo shared her emotional journey following the album's release. "It dropped, and I was like, 'Oh, OK, this isn't what I thought it would be,'" she recalled. While she anticipated a strong response, the gap between her expectations and the reality of the numbers left her feeling vulnerable. "There was, like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number, and I think that was soul-crushing."
"I didn't think it would be crazy, but I also didn't think it would be this. There was, like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number, and I think that was soul-crushing." — Lizzo
A Shift in Perspective: Music Beyond Metrics
Lizzo emphasized that her connection to her artistry transcends numerical achievements. "I had to take back who I am," she explained during the interview, highlighting her determination to focus on the intrinsic value of her work rather than external validation. She spoke about how the pressure to meet sales targets during the album’s launch caused her to momentarily question her identity as an artist. "I meditated and prayed on the album launch and realized I shouldn’t judge my success or impact solely by numbers," she said. "It’s soul-crushing if you do."
"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. Aren’t you excited to sing these songs? Aren’t you glad they’re out?' Yeah." — Lizzo
Lessons from the Past: The "Special" Era and the New Chapter
Though "Bitch" didn’t reach the heights of her previous work, Lizzo remains confident in the quality of the music. "I took the poor sales to heart really, really heavily," she admitted, noting that she is still proud of the album’s content. "This is some of my best stuff, and I want people to find it." The artist acknowledged that her relationship with the public has shifted since the release of "Special," which not only topped the Billboard 200 but also earned a Grammy for Record of the Year with its lead single, "About Damn Time."
Interestingly, "Bitch" marked a departure from her earlier career trajectory. As a radio staple since 2019, when her track "Truth Hurts" became a global sensation, Lizzo has since adapted to the changing landscape of music consumption. "Streaming replaced radio, and I was a radio darling," she remarked, hinting at how the industry’s shift toward digital platforms may have impacted her visibility and sales. Despite this, she remains committed to her artistic vision, stating that the album is a "reclaiming" of her identity.
Emotional Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Lizzo’s reflections extend beyond sales figures, touching on her personal growth and resilience. "I was really stressed and really sad for a few days," she said, explaining how the underwhelming response to "Bitch" forced her to confront her emotional state. "Wait a minute. This is some of my best stuff. I want people to find it." Her struggles were compounded by the ongoing workplace misconduct lawsuit from her former dancers, which began in 2023 and accused her of assault, false imprisonment, and sexual harassment. While the civil case is still active, Lizzo has consistently denied the allegations, using the album as a way to reaffirm her strength and authenticity.
Her journey through this period has been both professionally and personally transformative. "A lot of my identity has been manipulated by people outside of me," she noted, adding that "Bitch" represents her effort to reclaim her narrative. "This album is me taking that back—showing the Lizzo everybody knows and loves, letting her tell her side of the story and just letting her play again."
Rebuilding Confidence and Defining Success
Lizzo’s recent achievements offer a hopeful note amid the challenges. In a social media post on X, she addressed critics who claimed she no longer had a significant fanbase. "Streaming replaced radio, and I was a radio darling," she wrote, linking the shift in the industry to her current struggles. She also referenced the public scrutiny from the 2023 lawsuit, calling it a "very obvious and public attack on my career" that altered her trajectory. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that the album is a testament to her artistry and resilience.
"I was really stressed and I was really sad for a few days, because I just was like, 'Wait a minute. This is some of my best stuff. I want people to find it.'" — Lizzo
For Lizzo, the experience has been a catalyst for redefining her approach to success. "I had to take back who I am," she reiterated, emphasizing that her worth as an artist is not tied to charts or numbers. Instead, she views the album as a personal victory, a chance to reconnect with her roots and reaffirm her place in the music world. Her ability to navigate both creative and personal challenges underscores her determination to continue evolving, even in the face of setbacks.
The Road Ahead: A New Beginning
As she moves forward, Lizzo is focused on what matters most: her music and her message. "I want people to find it," she said, highlighting the importance of her audience engaging with her work on a deeper level. The album’s lower sales have not diminished her passion, but rather inspired her to think about how to share her art more meaningfully. With her next project in the works, she aims to rebuild her momentum and continue inspiring fans with her unapologetic energy and authenticity.
Her journey reflects a broader conversation about the pressures faced by artists in the digital age. While streaming has transformed the way music is consumed, Lizzo’s experience with "Bitch" demonstrates her ability to adapt without losing her core identity. Whether it’s through her music, her advocacy, or her candid reflections, she remains a powerful voice in the industry, proving that resilience and creativity can thrive even when the numbers don’t match expectations.