American singer and rapper Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has attributed the recent decline in her fanbase to major changes in how music is consumed, as well as challenges within the industry.
Responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a fan who noted that her audience appears to have reduced over the past two years, the Grammy-winning artist explained that her rise to fame was largely driven by traditional radio exposure.
She described herself as a “radio darling,” stating that many of her early listeners discovered her music through radio airplay rather than digital platforms. According to her, the industry’s transition from radio-driven discovery to streaming-first consumption has significantly impacted how audiences connect with her work.
Lizzo added that the change in the music landscape over the past few years has played a major role in shifting her reach and visibility.
Beyond changes in distribution, she also suggested that her career has faced deliberate setbacks. She referenced what she described as “a very obvious and public attack” on her professional journey, claiming it has affected her progress in the industry.
Despite these challenges, she noted that she is making efforts to stay active and maintain her presence in the music space as the industry continues to evolve.
Her comments have sparked renewed discussion online about how streaming has reshaped artist discovery, fan engagement, and long-term music careers.