At the Billboard Music Awards last Wednesday in Los Angeles, Lizzo had a valuable message for fans about the importance of voting. While accepting the award for Top Song Sales Artist, Lizzo spoke about voter suppression and remaining true to who you are.
“I just want to say, I’ve been thinking a lot about suppression and the voices that refused to be suppressed,” The Truth Hurts singer said. “I wonder, would I be standing here right now if it weren’t for the big Black women who refused to have their voices be suppressed. I just want to say right now, if you’re at home watching this and you are thinking about changing yourself to feel worthy, this is your sign to remain true to who you are.”
Watch Lizzo’s BBMAs acceptance speech in full here.
Lizzo spoke directly to the viewers watching from home as she stated that we need to use our voices, speak up, and exercise our right to vote. “Let me tell you all something. When people try to suppress something, it’s normally because that thing holds power. They’re afraid of your power. There’s power in who you are. There’s power in your voice. So whether it’s through music, protests, or your right to vote, use your power, use your voice, and refuse to be suppressed.”
Melissa Jefferson, who goes by the stage name Lizzo, sported a black one-shoulder dress with vote printed all over it. This custom dress was designed by Christian Siriano, who has praised Jefferson and her powerful speech on his Instagram page.
This isn’t the first time our favorite flutist has spoken her mind about the importance of voting. In June, Lizzo wrote a song about voting in the presidential primaries and released it to her 9.3 million followers.
Last week, Lizzo posted an Instagram dressed up as Uncle Sam, or ‘Auntie Sam’ according to her, urging people to vote by using her new text line. Her text line would inform her fans of polling locations, make sure they are registered to vote, and send them reminders for all elections.
If you are not yet ready for Election Day on Nov. 3, register to vote here.
