Lizzo has ignited widespread controversy after suggesting that Britney Spears is “doing a Janet [Jackson] impression” during a recent podcast interview.
The Grammy-winning artist made the comment while appearing on the Sibling Rivalry podcast, and the remark quickly made waves online. Within hours, clips from the episode flooded social media, sparking outrage from fans who felt Lizzo was diminishing Spears’ legacy as a pop icon in her own right.
The statement surfaced amid Lizzo’s effort to defend her earlier claim that Janet Jackson, not Madonna, deserves the title “Queen of Pop.” While attempting to clarify her stance, Lizzo pointed to Spears as an example of Jackson’s influence.
“I have to really clear some sh*t up because people came for me on the internet when I said Janet Jackson is the Queen of Pop,” she said during the interview.
“Britney Spears is doing a Janet impression, and she said it. Janet is her diva. There were no such things as pop divas before Janet. Janet was first. She was famous when Madonna was a kid watching her on TV.”
The fallout was immediate. Critics rushed to Spears’ defense, noting her decades-long reign as a trailblazer in the music industry. Many accused Lizzo of needlessly comparing two influential women, reinforcing an outdated tendency to pit female artists against each other instead of acknowledging their individual contributions. While Spears has publicly cited Jackson as an inspiration throughout her career, fans argued that her musical evolution and cultural impact have long stood apart from those of her idols.
Supporters of Spears also resurfaced a recent tribute she paid to Jackson. In February 2024, Spears shared a heartfelt Instagram post honoring the Rhythm Nation singer, posting a throwback of Jackson’s iconic 1993 Rolling Stone cover.
“Thank you to this beautiful lady for keeping my dreams and heart alive,” Spears wrote. “She’s always been the deepest and brightest woman at the same time. She went through so much but I feel she is someone I will look up to for the rest of my life.”
The backlash to Lizzo’s comment highlights the enduring power of both Spears and Jackson in the pop hierarchy. While Jackson’s influence on a generation of artists is undeniable, Spears’ career remains a cultural landmark. From redefining the late ’90s teen pop boom to surviving relentless public scrutiny, Spears has carved her own path, shaping modern pop with her distinct voice, aesthetic, and resilience.
Lizzo, who has built her platform on empowerment and body positivity, now faces criticism for what many perceive as a misstep in tone and framing. Though her intention may have been to uplift Jackson’s role in pop history, the delivery struck a nerve with fans who view Spears as an icon worthy of respect without comparison.
The larger conversation reflects the ongoing challenge within pop discourse: how to celebrate influence without erasing individuality. Artists like Jackson and Spears can coexist as legends, each with unique legacies that have shaped the sound, style, and spirit of their eras.
Lizzo has yet to respond to the backlash directly. Whether she chooses to clarify further or move on, the moment underscores how sensitive—and deeply personal—the history of pop culture remains for fans and artists alike.