Lizzo's SXSW Keynote Speech Was a Lesson on Representation and Human Rights

Lizzo didn't waste a single moment during her SXSW keynote address on Sunday. She graced the stage at the Austin Convention Center to promote her forthcoming Prime Video series, "Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls," but talked about so much more. The hour-long session — moderated by "The Breakfast Club" cohost Angela Yee — was full of laughs, heartfelt moments, and some serious dialogue around topics that hit home for the artist.

The conversation around Lizzo's new reality show sparked a healthy and much-needed discussion about the obstacles curvy women encounter on a daily basis. Unlike other reality competition shows, Lizzo's goes against the traditional elimination format. "It was important that I change the narrative of what a reality competition TV show looks like," she shared at SXSW. "We don't always have to be cruel. We can be kind and we don't have to pit people against each other. I feel like it's hard enough in the dance world already for girls who look like me, so why would I create that environment in my space? If I have the power to change that, why not change that?"

A large part of Lizzo's career has revolved around the singer advocating for women who look like her, but she's also been a huge advocate for human rights, which is why she spoke out against Texas's controversial legislation and policy regarding abortion and trans youth. While she pointed the finger at lawmakers who have the power to make changes on a systemic level, Lizzo also called out some of her fellow artists who aren't willing to use their platform to challenge politics. "What we do, we're a conduit for the people," she said. ". . . we represent for the people and we put it on a platform . . . hopefully I can do my small part to speak for the people, represent, and just keep pushing."

Much of Lizzo's session focused on her personal mission to promote more big girl representation — which included a special self-love exercise to uplift the audience — but she also took advantage of her time to speak on her new album, what to expect from her Prime Video series, and the show's talented cast. Keep reading ahead for the biggest takeaways from Lizzo's SXSW keynote address.