Lizzo is under fire from Britney Spears fans after suggesting the singer was doing an “impression” of Janet Jackson.
The comment, made during Lizzo’s April 1 appearance on the Sibling Rivalry podcast, was part of her effort to defend a 2021 tweet in which she called Jackson the “Queen of Pop.” That title is traditionally associated with Madonna, leading to criticism from some fans at the time.
Looking back on the controversy, the 36-year-old singer said, “People came for me on the internet.” But she stood by her opinion, adding, “Here is why I said Janet Jackson is the Queen of Pop: Britney Spears is doing a Janet impression, and she said it.”
Lizzo continued, “Janet is her diva. There were no pop divas before Janet. Janet was famous before Madonna. I’m not saying one is better than the other — I’m just saying Janet was first. She invented this.”
She also clarified her respect for Madonna, saying, “Madonna is the pop icon. But Janet laid the groundwork.”
Still, the comment didn’t sit well with some of Spears’ devoted fans. Many took to social media to express their anger, arguing that Britney had her own unique style and legacy.
“Britney Spears created her own sound and image at 16,” one user posted on X. “She became the blueprint for every new pop girl. Lizzo, worry about your own music career.”
Another fan acknowledged Spears’ early admiration for Jackson but stressed her individuality: “She might’ve been a student of Janet, but Britney graduated and built her own lane. Lizzo done lost her damn mind.”
More backlash poured in:
“Woke up to LIZZO dragging THE Britney Spears? I think the F— not,” one user wrote.
“Disrespecting THE Britney Spears in 2025? That’s why nobody’s listening to your new songs,” added another.
This isn’t the first time Lizzo has faced online criticism. In a December 2024 interview on Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, the artist opened up about her strained relationship with the internet, especially after facing lawsuits involving harassment and assault.
“When I see anything about me now, even something that looks like my name, I get physically unwell,” she said. “People are quick to believe anything negative about celebrities. They don’t want to think we could be boring, chill, or actually nice.”
Despite the storm of online comments, Lizzo has not walked back her statement — and the debate over pop royalty continues to ignite strong opinions from fans on all sides.
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