Lizzo urges fans to ‘use your power, use your voice and refuse to be suppressed’ in powerful Billboard Music Awards speech
Lizzo wore a custom Christian Siriano dress emblazoned with the word “VOTE” at the Billboard Music Awards. (Getty)
Lizzo used her Billboard Music Awards acceptance speech to share a powerful message about the importance of voting and honestly, we don’t know a better person.
With early voting already underway, America stands on the precipice on what is likely its most important election in a generation.
Trump – desperately flailing in the polls, but not so far behind to guarantee anything – has been desperately trying to stymie voters, attacking the post office and mail-in voting, and emptily threatening to deploy local law enforcement (of which he has no control over) to polling places on November 3.
This is something that’s clearly been on Lizzo’s mind, as the singer shared her thoughts on voting on the Billboard Music Awards stage.
“I just wanted to say I’ve been thinking abut suppression and the voices that refused to be suppressed,” she said, wearing a dress plastered with the word “VOTE” over and over.
Lizzo continued: “And 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.
When people try to suppress something, it’s normally because that thing holds power.
“I just wanted to say right now if you are 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.
“Lemme tell y’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, protest, or your right to vote, use your power, use your voice, and refuse to be suppressed. Thank you so much to Billboard. I love y’all. God bless, y’all.”
YES, @lizzo! 👏 Congrats on your #BBMAs Top Song Sales Artist award. pic.twitter.com/MbyhXG0oV3
— Billboard Music Awards (@BBMAs) October 15, 2020
Elsewhere on the night, Demi Lovato tore into Trump with a performance of her new protest song, “Commander in Chief”.
“Do you even know the truth/We’re in a state of crisis,” she sang.
“People are dying/While you line your pockets deep/Commander in Chief/How does it feel/To still be able to breathe?”
Lil Nas X also caused a stir – albeit a much less political one.
The “Old Town Road” star divided fans by ditching his trademark cowboy hat to reveal a Prince-inspired hairpiece, and used the awards to announce a new album coming next year.
