Lizzo has had an incredible 2022. Not only has she snagged another #1 single with “About Damn Time,” her Yitty clothing collection, which includes all sizes, is totally trending. As the year draws to a close, she adds another achievement to her endless list. On December 6, the singer was honored with the People’s Champion Award at the People’s Choice Awards, where her mother, Shari Johnson-Jefferson, presented her with the prestigious award. And FYI, they’re like indeed Twins.
In a press release announcing the award (via diversity), Cassandra Tryon, senior vice president of entertainment live events at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said: “[Lizzo] leads with kindness, champions inclusivity, and advocates for more diversity and equity in the industry and beyond. Her commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering others to use their own voice to create change makes her a true ‘people’s champion’.”
Lizzo really embodied those words during her acceptance speech. Instead of focusing on herself, she used the entire length of her speech to elevate 17 activists from all walks of life and their causes, declaring, “If I’m the champion of the people, I don’t need a trophy to defend myself Persons.”
She spotlighted activists like Amariyanna Copeny (aka Little Miss Flint), who fights to ensure everyone in Flint, Michigan, and across the country, has safe drinking water; Maggie Mireles, who is campaigning against gun violence in schools after her teacher sister, Eva Mireles, died protecting students during the Uvalde, TX shooting; and more.
The “Am I Ready” singer was also nominated in five other categories at the PCAs: 2022 Competitive Show for Lizzo’s Watch Out For the Big Grrrls, Artist of 2022, Song of 2022 for Album About Damn Time. of 2022 for “Special” and social fame of 2022. The singer took home the song of 2022 in honor and kept this acceptance speech short and sweet. She sang the iconic, uplifting lyrics of “About Damn Time,” which read, “Oh, I was so down and under pressure. I’m way too good to be so stressed out. Oh, I’m not the girl I was or used to be. Uh, b*tch, I could be better.”
Check out Lizzo’s moving speech and the 17 inspirational activists she featured ahead of time.
