Lizzo Says She Wants Her Music to Make Black and Trans Women Feel Good

There’s no question that Lizzo was one of 2019’s biggest breakout stars. The 31-year-old entertainer topped Billboard charts, earned multiple platinum certifications, and secured the most nominations for the 62nd annual Grammy Awards. But as many other artists have learned, mainstream popularity can often lead to more hate—especially on social media.

Back in September, Azealia Banks penned a lengthy Instagram message blasting Lizzo’s music and persona. The controversial artist wrote Lizzo was “making a fool of her black self for a white American public,” which perpetuated the claims that her records were pandering to white people.

Lizzo addressed this issue during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, in which she acknowledged that a large portion of her fan base was white.

“Yeah, there’s hella white people at my shows,” she said. “What am I gonna do, turn them away? My music is for everybody.”

Though Lizzo is well aware that her material resonates with white audiences, she insisted that her goal was to create music that empowered everyone, specifically black and trans women.

“As a black woman, I make music for people, from an experience that is from a black woman,” she said. “I’m making music that hopefully makes other people feel good and helps me discover self-love. That message I want to go directly to black women, big black women, black trans women. Period.”

As for her critics? Well, Lizzo wants them to know she isn’t going anywhere.

“We eventually get used to everything,” she said. “So people just gon’ have to get used to my ass.”

You can read her full interview at Rolling Stone‘s website.

Lizzo will deliver her first-ever Grammy performance this Sunday. She will head into the night with eight nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Truth Hurts,” as well as Best Album (Cuz I Love You), Best R&B Performance (“Exactly How I Feel”), and Best New Artist.