Lizzo made quite a statement while walking the red carpet and on stage at the People’s Choice Awards on December 6th. Lizzo showed up to the event wearing a light blue over-the-shoulder dress with a sleeve on one arm and multicolored patterns. She completed her look with a gorgeous and spunky updo and gold jewelry that included a chunky necklace, bracelets and earrings.
It’s a big night for Lizzo at the PCAs as she was honored with the People’s Champion award. The award recognizes Lizzo’s “pioneering contributions to music and television, as well as her commitment to advocating for universal diversity and inclusivity across race, gender, sexuality and size.” In the past, the award went to stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, P!nk, Tyler Perry and Bryan Stevenson.
During her acceptance speech, which can be seen here, Lizzo made quite an impression with her memorable words. “I am [going to] Honestly, when I first heard about this award, I wasn’t sure if I should accept it because when I’m the People’s Champion I don’t need a trophy to stand up for people,” the 34-year-old musician said on the stage. “You know what I mean? I’m here tonight because being an icon isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform.”
“Tonight I share that honor,” she added, before bringing out advocates from all walks of life. “Make some noise for the people, all of you. These are all activists and people who I think deserve the spotlight.” She went on to give each woman her moment and shed light on the charity work they do and why she is inspired by them.
“Give them their flowers!” Lizzo, who also won song of the year at the awards show, concluded. “Power will always rest with the people! Thank you People’s Choice. Follow them and support them. OK Bye.”
Lizzo was announced as the People’s Champion receiver back in November. “Lizzo is not only an incredibly talented performer and groundbreaking entertainer, she is also a role model and an inspiration to fans worldwide,” said NBC Universal’s SVP of Entertainment Live Events. “She leads with kindness, champions inclusion and advocates for more diversity and equity in the industry and beyond. Her commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering others to create change with their own voice makes her a true people’s champion.”
Earlier this year, Lizzo demonstrated her desire to champion diversity and inclusivity with her Amazon Prime series Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls. Lizzo hosted the show, which had 13 women auditioning to be their dancers. The series won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Competitive Programming in September. Meanwhile, Lizzo also released her fourth studio album, Specialin July.
While accepting her Emmy, Lizzo commended the women who have appeared on her show for sharing their stories and embracing who they are. “My feelings are for these people who are on this stage with me, for the stories they have shared. They’re not that unique, they just don’t get the platform,” Lizzo said. “Let’s just tell more stories. When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see in the media was me. Someone fat like me, black like me, beautiful like me. If I could go back and say something to little Lizzo, I’d say, ‘You’re going to see that person, but damn, that has to be you.'”
The People’s Choice Awards 2022 were hosted by Kenan Thompson. In addition to Lizzo, there were two other major prizewinners of the evening Shania Twainwho received the Music Icon Award, and Ryan Reynoldswho was made a people’s icon.