Why Do People Hate Lizzo?

Lizzo is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter who has faced backlash and criticism from some people ever since rising to fame in 2019. While she has many fans and supporters, Lizzo also has detractors who have expressed dislike or even hatred towards her. There are several potential reasons why some people do not like Lizzo or have strongly negative opinions about her.

Criticism of Her Music and Performance Style

One of the most common critiques of Lizzo is regarding her music itself. Some critics argue that:

Her songs lack depth and substance in terms of lyricism. Lizzo’s music is seen by some as vapid, relying on repetitive hooks.
She lacks vocal ability and range as a singer. Her singing voice is considered weak by certain music critics.
Her music is too formulaic and unsophisticated, focusing on simple pop structures.
She over-relies on the flute in her songs, with some seeing it as a gimmick.

In terms of her performance style, Lizzo is sometimes criticized for:

Wearing revealing outfits some deem too provocative or inappropriate.
Being overly sexual in her lyrics and choreography in a manner some find crass or vulgar.
Having an excessive focus on displaying her body during performances and videos.

Criticism	Explanation
Lack of substance in lyrics	Songs seen as vapid, repetitive, relying on hooks
Weak singing voice and range	Considered to have limited vocal prowess
Formulaic, unsophisticated music	Focuses on simple pop structures
Overuse of flute	Seen by some as a gimmick
Revealing outfits	Deemed provocative or inappropriate
Crass lyrics and choreography	Considered overly sexualized and vulgar
Excessive focus on displaying body	Perceived as lewd or inappropriate

Essentially, some critics see Lizzo’s music and performance style as lacking artistic merit and instead relying on shock value, vulgarity, and an unabashed focus on her body to attract attention.

Her Vocals and Range Are Limited

Some music critics argue Lizzo lacks real singing chops and has a relatively weak voice in terms of range and ability. Her vocals are seen as pitchy, underwhelming, and incapable of delivering on big notes or difficult runs. This leads some detractors to believe she lacks talent and relies too heavily on production tricks in the studio. They see her as a personality rather than legitimate vocalist.

Formulaic and Repetitive Songwriting Style

Another common criticism is that Lizzo’s songs follow predictable pop formulas. The lyrics tend to be simple, repetitive, and focused on catchy hooks that some view as vapid or devoid of meaning. There is a sense among some critics that her songs lack emotional depth and insight. The production and song structures also stick to a standardized pop template and do not show musical innovation, according to these detractors.

Controversies Over Her Image and Feminism

Another source of criticism towards Lizzo relates to debates surrounding her public image and disputes regarding whether she represents an empowering feminist icon or relies on the exploitation of her body.

She is seen by some as recklessly promoting obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.
Her displays of body positivity are labeled by some as anti-feminist and setting a bad example.
She has been accused of doing damage to size acceptance movements.
The overt displays of sexuality in her lyrics, videos, outfits, and performances have led to accusations of her contributing to the oversexualization of women.

However, Lizzo also has many defenders who see her contribution to culture very differently:

She provides an inspiring voice of self-acceptance for plus-sized women.
She champions body positivity that liberates women from societal pressures.
She represents a feminist icon of a confident, empowered, talented woman.

So there are heated debates around whether Lizzo is a positive or negative influence when it comes to feminism, body image, and similar issues. Her intent versus the broader impacts she may have on culture are argued over among fans and critics.

Promotion of Obesity and Unhealthy Lifestyles

Some accuse Lizzo of glorifying obesity and actively encouraging unhealthy lifestyles by fully embracing her larger body type. The concern is her messaging recklessly ignores health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and reduced life expectancy. Critics argue she has a social responsibility not to promote unhealthy living.

Antifeminist Body Positivity

While Lizzo touts body positivity, some see her over-the-top flaunting of her body as misguided and antithetical to feminism. The concern is that rather than enlightening audiences, she is relying on the exploitation of her body to entertain and profit. Some see her hypersexualized performances as doing damage to women’s progress.

Damage to Size Acceptance Movements

Beyond just concerns about health, some argue Lizzo’s total embrace of obesity discredits and damages the legitimacy of size acceptance movements. The worry is obesity being incorrectly conflated with body positivity could undermine public support for protecting people from size discrimination.

Oversexualization of Women

With her risque outfits, provocative lyrics, and sensual performances, some argue Lizzo perpetuates the oversexualization of women in society. Critics contend flaunting her body primarily for attention and acclaim sets a bad example and harms feminist causes. They want stars to showcase talent, not “sell sex” to succeed.

Accusations of Being Anti-White and a Bad Role Model

Lizzo has also faced backlash from some people accusing her of being anti-white or representing a bad role model, particularly for young girls. Some of the controversies include:

Saying she would only play to Black fans during the pandemic.
Twerking and performing provocatively at basketball games.
Making drug references in her lyrics.
Posting nude photos of herself on social media.
Getting calls to be canceled over her racially divisive comments.

However, Lizzo and her defenders argue:

She promotes inclusion, not exclusion.
She has every right to celebrate her body however she wants.
Singing about recreational drug use is common in hip-hop.
She showcases confidence that should inspire women.
Her comments create needed conversations on race in America.

So there are very split perspectives on whether Lizzo makes a positive impact, especially for younger audiences. Both fans and critics feel passionately that she either upholds or undermines values they see as important.

Racial Exclusion of White Fans

Lizzo received backlash in 2022 for pledging at a concert to only play her music for “people that look like me” going forward. Critics accused her of being anti-white and promoting racial exclusion. However, Lizzo said the comment came from frustration over abortion rights and was not meant to be taken literally.

Provocative Performances

Lizzo has received criticism for twerking, stripping down, and doing provocative dances at major events like basketball games. Detractors see this as obscene, while defenders view it as bold self-expression. But some feel it sets a bad example, particularly for young girls.

Drug References in Songs

Like many artists, Lizzo’s songs contain references to using alcohol, marijuana, and other substances recreationally. She sees this as normal creative expression, but critics argue it promotes dangerous behaviors, especially to youth listeners.

Nude and Sexualized Photos

Lizzo has posted nude, semi-nude, and other sexualized photos of herself on Instagram and elsewhere. She intends to promote body positivity, but critics say displaying so much nudity is inappropriate and damaging.

Calls to Cancel Lizzo

Some social media users and pundits have argued Lizzo deserves to be “canceled” over her racially divisive comments, vulgarity, or other behaviors deemed problematic. However, defenders believe cancel culture goes too far and argue Lizzo creates needed dialogue on race, sexuality, and other topics.

Perceived Lack of Talent Beyond Her persona

Some critics argue that if you strip away her flamboyant persona and production, Lizzo lacks real musical abilities. They see her success as more a product of her stylists, producers, songwriters – and controversy – rather than raw talent. Her abilities as a rapper, singer, and flutist are considered subpar by some detractors.

Questionable Rapping Skills

While Lizzo identifies as a rapper, some hip-hop fans argue she has mediocre skills compared to mainstream rappers. They see her rhymes, wordplay, and flows as amateur and basic rather than demonstrating compelling technique or lyricism.

Needs Strong Producers to Sound Decent

Critics argue Lizzo’s vocals and musical arrangements only sound passable because of studio tricks and strong producers carrying her work. Some say she would be exposed as a weak singer without first-rate production elevating her limitations.

Flute Playing More Gimmick Than Skill

While Lizzo can certainly play the flute well, critics argue she relies on it more as a branding gimmick than for true musical expression. Detractors feel she leans too heavily on the flute parts in songs rather than well-rounded musicianship.

Success Seen as Due to Controversy and Style

Some critics diminish Lizzo’s talents and argue her success stems more from her stylists crafting her image, courting controversy, and catchy hooks – rather than due to being an exceptionally gifted musician. They see her popularity as a trend buoyed by marketing.

Perception She Plays “The Victim” Too Often

One other common criticism of Lizzo is that she too frequently portrays herself as a victim of body-shaming, racism, or other mistreatment. Critics feel she:

Needlessly calls out microaggressions and benign comments as racist.
Cries sexism when anyone critiques her provocative style.
Acts entitled to praise for her body positivity messages.
Seems to invite criticism just so she can denounce her critics.

However, Lizzo feels these issues are real, serious problems marginalized groups face that merit discussion. Her fans also appreciate Lizzo using her platform to call out injustice and stand up for communities that are often unseen and unheard.

Calling Out Subtle Racism

When interviewers or others make comments Lizzo sees as racist microaggressions, she directly flags them as problematic. But critics feel she alleges racism where there is none.

Crying Sexism to Avoid Critique

Lizzo is quick to denounce critiques of her revealing or sexualized performances as rooted in sexism. However, critics feel this is a tactic to shield herself from any stylistic feedback.

Acting Entitled to Praise

Some see Lizzo as acting entitled to acclaim and affirmation for her body positivity messaging. They argue she labels any dissenters as regressive haters.

Inviting Criticism for Attention

Skeptics argue Lizzo intentionally invites criticism – by being so provocative – just so she can claim victimhood. But her fans feel she is being authentic in spotlighting issues.

Conclusion: Strong Feelings on Both Sides

In conclusion, Lizzo is a polarizing cultural figure who evokes passionate criticism and praise alike. Her music, performances, and messaging around race, feminism, and body positivity garner strong reactions from fans and critics.

Some see her as an unapologetic, barrier-breaking role model creating inclusive anthems of self-love. Others view her as an untalented provocateur relying on shock value and undeserved claims of oppression. She is lauded for spotlighting marginalized communities, while also being accused of setting bad examples or even promoting discrimination herself.

There are good faith arguments on both sides, with thoughtful cases for why Lizzo is either a cultural hero who gives voice to the unheard, or a hypocritical opportunist profiting off controversy. The debates reveal just how complex issues like race, feminism, sexuality, and empowerment can be.

While consensus remains elusive, the discussions Lizzo provokes reveal just how far society still has to go in grappling with these concerns. If nothing else, Lizzo gives a platform to marginalized groups and forces important conversations, even if opinions remain split on whether her methods and messaging ultimately do more good or harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms about Lizzo’s music?

The main criticisms of Lizzo’s music are that her lyrics lack substance, she has a weak singing voice/limited range, her songs are formulaic and repetitive, she overuses the flute, and her style relies too much on pop trends rather than authentic artistry.

How do critics view Lizzo’s focus on her body?

Some critics argue Lizzo’s revealing outfits, provocative dancing, and focus on displaying her body promote the oversexualization of women and set a bad example. But supporters see her body confidence as empowering and feminist.

Does Lizzo face backlash for how she discusses race?

Yes, Lizzo has faced accusations of being anti-white for comments like saying she would only play her music to Black fans. She feels she is spotlighting racism, while critics says she is being racially divisive.

What are some complaints about Lizzo’s talent?

Detractors say Lizzo has mediocre rap skills, a weak singing voice without studio help, relies on the flute more for branding than artistry, and owes her success more to production and controversy than raw talent.

How do critics view Lizzo’s claiming victimhood?

Some critics argue Lizzo too often plays the victim by calling out benign comments as racist, ascribing reasonable critique to sexism, acting entitled to praise, and courting controversy so she can denounce backlash.

Why Do People Hate Lizzo?