Lizzo believes Taylor Swift has mastered the art of building a loyal fan community. During an appearance on the Proto Pop web series, released Sunday (June 28), the Yitty founder praised the global superstar for making her relationship with fans a central part of her success.
While chatting with influencer Swiftologist, whose real name is Zachary Hourihane, Lizzo spoke about how her priorities as an artist have shifted. Rather than chasing chart positions or trying to appeal to everyone, she said she's now focused on connecting with the people who genuinely support her. "Now it's just like, who's my fanbase? Who's my community? Who am I talking to?"
"I'm talking to the Lizzbians," the singer continued, referring to her fans. "I'm talking to my people. I always talk about Taylor for doing — she's been doing that for such a long time."
Swift has long been recognized for the close relationship she has built with her fans. Throughout the first five tours of her career, she regularly hosted free meet and greets after concerts, stayed active with fans on social media and even handpicked Christmas gifts for some of them. "I just think it was so genius and so smart," Lizzo added. "I don't even know if she had the foresight to do that. I think she just built it organically, and now she has her own community around her to back her up."
Lizzo's comments came during a broader discussion with Hourihane about today's pop music landscape. The conversation follows the release of her newest album, Bitch, which did not make the Billboard 200 or produce any entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
"It dropped, and I was like, 'Oh, OK, this isn't what I thought it would be,'" Lizzo admitted while reflecting on the album's commercial performance. "I didn't think it would be crazy, but I also didn't think it would be this. There was, like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number, and I think that was soul crushing."
Because of that experience, Lizzo said she now places greater value than ever on the people who have supported her all along, her devoted Lizzbians.
Watch Lizzo's full conversation with the Swiftologist above.
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