
If, for some inexplicable reason, you need convincing that Lizzo was always destined for stardom, allow me to offer you some evidence: Her incredible opening performance at the Grammys (which she dedicated to Kobe Bryant) was inspired by a note she wrote back in high school. It might have taken an unjust amount of time for the artist to achieve the breakthrough she so desperately deserved—but it sounds like it was always on the cards.
For those who missed Lizzo's performance, you missed a lot: There was a full orchestra, ballerinas, a team of dancers, Lizzo's faithful flute (her name is Sasha, and she's on Instagram), and an outfit change from a glittering black ballgown to a futuristic neon bodysuit. And in a post on Instagram, the musician revealed the inspiration for the performance. "it all started with 4 words scribbled in my high school notebook: LIZZOs FANTASTIC TRAP ORCHESTRA. And the rest is history!" she wrote.
Recently, I found my 2009 high school planner, in which I'd written, "Watch Spaced!" And I did watch Spaced, so I guess Lizzo and I are kind of the same?
A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)
A photo posted by on
Lizzo won three Grammys—best pop solo performance for "Truth Hurts," best traditional R&B performance for "Jerome," and best urban contemporary album for Cuz I Love You. In her first acceptance speech, she paid further tribute to Bryant, before speaking about the enduring power of music.
"This whole week I’ve been lost in my problems, stressed out, and then in an instant, all of that can go away, and your priorities really shift," she said, as the LA Times reports. "And today, all of my little problems I thought were the biggest in the world were gone, and I realized that there’s people hurting right now."
"You guys create beautiful music. You guys create connectivity," she continued. "And as I’m speaking to all ... in this room, we need to continue to reach out. This is the beginning of making music that moves people again—making music that liberates people."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Hollywood's Next A-List
You may not recognize all of them...yet. But these 22 individuals have delivered some of the most triumphant on-screen performances in recent memory.
By Neha Prakash
-
The Ambition Issue
A celebration of striving for success in whatever's most important to you.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
I Quit My Job as a CEO to Become an Intern
In an excerpt from her memoir, Alisha Fernandez Miranda takes a one-year break from her role as CEO at a consulting firm to try out the jobs she's always dreamed of doing.
By Alisha Fernandez Miranda
-
Miley Cyrus Heartbreakingly Admits That She Carried "Guilt and Shame" After Her 2013 Twerking Controversy
She's let those feelings go now.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Miley Cyrus' Song 'Flowers' Was Originally Going to Have VERY Different Lyrics, She Reveals in 'British Vogue' Interview
This is unexpected.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Miley Cyrus' New Song Is Packed With References to Ex Liam Hemsworth, And People Are Obsessed With Her "Queen Behavior"
Exhibit A: She released it on his birthday.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Taylor Swift Fans Have Big Feelings About Ticketmaster Crashing Due to "Historically Unprecedented Demand"
There was heartbreak.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Taylor Swift Beat the *Actual* Beatles With Her New Billboard Chart Rankings
I am shaken to the very core.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Taylor Swift Removes "Fat" Scale Scene From Music Video Following Backlash
The discussion rages on.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton