Lizzo is back with new music after a two-year hiatus. The Grammy-winning artist has released “Love in Real Life,” the lead single from her upcoming album of the same name. Accompanied by a Colin Tilley-directed music video, the visuals pay homage to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller.”
Dressed in black lace and leather, Lizzo leads a group of dancers through an alley while surviving attacks from eerie, face-melting creatures. The single marks her first major release since her 2022 album Special and her contribution to the Barbie movie soundtrack with the song “Pink.”
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A Long-Awaited Return to MusicAside from her Barbie soundtrack contribution, Lizzo has largely remained absent from the music scene. However, she made notable appearances in 2023, joining rock band Incubus onstage in Los Angeles for a flute cameo during “Aqueous Transmission.” She also showcased her musical talents on an episode of The Simpsons.
Legal Controversies and LawsuitsLizzo’s return to music follows a period of legal battles. In August 2023, three former dancers filed a lawsuit against her, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Lizzo strongly denied these accusations, calling them “as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”
Another lawsuit, filed in September 2023 by former tour wardrobe employee Asha Daniels, accused the artist’s team of poor working conditions, including denied breaks and exposure to racist and fatphobic comments. However, in December 2024, a California federal judge ruled that Daniels could not sue Lizzo as an individual since her direct employers were her production and payroll companies.
With “Love in Real Life,” Lizzo is reclaiming her space in the music industry, focusing on her artistry despite past legal hurdles.
