Lizzo cites streaming shift and controversy for fan loss

Singer and rapper Lizzo has publicly attributed a perceived decline in her fanbase to a fundamental shift in the music industry from radio to streaming, as well as to public controversies. The Grammy-winning artist made the comments in a series of replies on the social media platform X over recent days, responding to a fan who noted her audience appeared smaller than it was just a few years ago.

Lizzo described herself as a "radio darling," stating that her initial mainstream success and the discovery of her music by fans were largely driven by traditional radio airplay. She argued that the industry's pivot over the last three years to a streaming-first model has significantly altered how audiences connect with artists, impacting her reach and visibility. The shift, she suggested, has made it more challenging to maintain the momentum she had when selling out arenas during her 2022-2023 "Special Tour."

Beyond the structural changes in music consumption, Lizzo also pointed to what she called a "very obvious and public attack" on her career. This is a reference to a 2023 lawsuit filed by three former backup dancers who accused her of harassment and creating a hostile work...