Lizzo Takes UTK: What Students Can Expect from the “Special” Singer | by Amari Mills | Apr, 2023

Born in 1988, Melissa Jefferson’s complex sound developed from her background consisting of a childhood in Detroit, Michigan, and Houston, Texas. Influenced by the soul of the North and the gospel of the South, Jefferson made a move to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2011 that would shape her as the performer that we know today.

In Minneapolis, Lizzo became Jefferson’s stage name as she performed as a solo act and also in multi-genre groups like Lizzo & the Larva Ink. The peppy singer developed a following with her confident sound and image that contrasted against the norm of pop music performers at the time such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Beyoncé.

Where Lizzo would have to compete with unique sounds like Gaga and Perry, she utilized her r&b influenced and classical-flute trained skills to challenge the confines of traditional pop music. Where she would have to find space in a genre dominated by her own personal heroes like Beyoncé, she would highlight her individuality by using her social media platforms and even developing a shapewear line to bring awareness to body positivity and inclusivity as a plus-sized singer.

As her career continues to grow, Lizzo transcends as not only a singer, but an inspiration who uses her platform to spread positivity to children, adults and especially college students.

You may be wondering, what influence has Lizzo had on college students?

Southern University

In 2019, Lizzo made her way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to feature students in her music video for her Billboard charting single “Good as Hell.” Andrea Galleo of The Advocate writes about the experience that allowed Lizzo to connect with students of Southern University from hosting auditions to ultimately incorporating a mix of Southern U’s majorettes, the Dancing Dolls, and band, the Human Jukebox.

For the “Good as Hell” music video, Lizzo and her creative team chose to spotlight struggles typical to women and their college experience. Gallo writes, “…they wanted the video to follow a storyline of women experiencing various hardships — breakups, struggles to keep pace with the rest of the band, being the only female on a drumline — and to show ‘how music can transform you and make you feel good as hell.’”

Lizzo’s liveliness translated well onto the campus through her feel good music and also through her interactions with students. Tre’Von Ceasar, a drum major for the Human Jukebox, recalled Lizzo being “warm and fun, hugging people rather than shaking hands.”

Though the ultimate goal was to use Southern’s campus and students for the music video, Lizzo’s infectious energy and choice to use her platform to highlight the historical Black university aided the personal goals of students as well.

Gaybrille Dixon, a Dancing Doll, was able to live out her dancing dreams as a main character in the music video. Ceasar was able to end his senior year on a high note, fueled with “hopes [that] the video’s exposure — with over 6 million views on Youtube to date — and Lizzo’s embrace of the Human Jukebox will inspire other students to apply to Southern and to join the band as well.”

University of Houston

Though Lizzo dropped out of college to focus on financial and personal challenges, her two years at the University of Houston is embellished by the long-lasting impressions she made on others as a student of music.

The University of Houston has an entire story dedicated to the singer titled Lizzo’s Rise. Lizzo’s Rise features images of Lizzo leading students of the Spirit of Houston band in a joyous ensemble as she plays her personal flute nicknamed Sasha. The article is also full of compliments to the singer like those of her former band director David Bertman who remembers “her spirit and energy and kindness matched her beautiful flute sound.”

Lizzo’s contagious optimism as a student herself was the beginning of the creation of her celeb alter ego that influences so many today. In college, where many experience the complexities of life for the first time, Lizzo was known to have “showed the world [something] different than what she felt inside…her ability to understand her own weaknesses fueled her desire to help others with similar pain.”

When she was just Melissa Jefferson, unsure about her future like many college students often are, she was still able to maintain a positive attitude that influenced those around her. Now, as her career flourishes and she travels to various places to share her music, Lizzo’s relatability to college students, Black women, plus-sized women and all other groups that she touches continues to separate her from her peers as a versatile artist.

What should students expect when Lizzo graces the big orange campus?

The University of Tennessee

Lizzo’s performance at Thompson-Boling will be the first to kick off The Special 2our, meaning that students and guests will be able to experience her incredible performance at the top of its game.

Lizzo’s past experiences at Southern University and the University of Houston demonstrate that she facilitates an open-minded environment of inclusivity and respect within her fandom. Instead of a judgemental environment that can be intimidating to concert goers, the Special 2our will be a place where all students can feel comfortable whether you know every lyric or not.

While experiencing Lizzo’s energy through articles, videos and even her incredibly upbeat songs may not be enough, this performance can surely be something that motivates students right before the slump of finals in May. After performing for students at the University of Tennessee, Lizzo’s next stop the following day will be at Rupp Arena where she will continue to share her uplifting energy with students at the University of Kentucky.