Lizzo named TIME magazine's entertainer of the year
The honor comes ahead of more high-profile gigs.
It is officially the year of Lizzo. The eight-time Grammy nominee has been named entertainer of the year by TIME magazine.
"ARE.. YOU.. NOT.. ENTERTAINED?!?" the "Truth Hurts" singer/rapper commented -- in a nod to the film "Gladiator" -- on Instagram as she posted her TIME cover photo. "Thank you @time for naming me Entertainer of the Year."
After years of struggle, including living in her car, Lizzo emerged as the breakthrough artist of 2019 with her double-platinum hit, "Truth Hurts," and two platinum singles, "Good as Hell" and "Juice."
"Truth Hurts" tied the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a rap song by a female artist. It was on top of the chart for seven weeks, equaling the mark set in 2014 by "Fancy," by Iggy Azaela featuring Charli XCX.
The "Hustlers" star is proud to see women of color being recognized. "Being a black woman is popping but like right now, in mainstream culture, like we’re finally getting a little more respect and getting our due," Lizzo said.
As her success continues, the 31-year-old entertainer wants to expand her career into writing and directing.
"I’m really into like sci-fi, so don’t be surprised if I don’t make like a sci-fi fantasy historical fiction romance novel [with] tons of alien sex," she said with a laugh.
Lizzo is known for posting nudes, and as a full-figured woman, she wants to be the leader in changing society's concept of beauty.
"If that encourages one person to take a picture of their body," she says, "then I’ve done my job."
Lizzo will appear on "Saturday Night Live" on Dec. 21 along with host Eddie Murphy.
She'll also ring in 2020 by performing on New Year’s Eve at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.