Lizzo Defends Janet Jackson’s ‘Queen of Pop’ Status, Sparks Social Media Firestorm

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a recent episode of the Sibling Rivalry Podcast, Lizzo stirred controversy by reaffirming her stance that Janet Jackson deserves the title of ‘Queen of Pop.’ The Grammy-winning artist shared her thoughts this week, explaining her admiration for Jackson’s influence in the music industry, and inadvertently reigniting a longstanding debate among fans of pop icons.

During the discussion, Lizzo pointed to her previous comments made in 2021, where she faced backlash for designating Jackson as the Queen of Pop. “I have to really clear up some sh*t up,” Lizzo stated. “Because people came for me on the Internet because I said Janet Jackson is the Queen of Pop.”

She continued, asserting her belief that Jackson’s legacy is unparalleled. “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,” Lizzo explained, highlighting the significance of Jackson’s influence in shaping the pop landscape.

Lizzo acknowledged the contributions of Madonna, stating, “Now, Madonna is the pop icon, and I love Madonna. And we can’t refute her influence and what she’s done for pop music and for all of the divas. She birthed a generation.” Despite this recognition, Lizzo maintained that Jackson’s foundational role in the genre should not be overlooked.

The remarks prompted a swift reaction from Britney Spears’ fanbase, who took to social media to defend the pop star. One user wrote, “Nobody thinks of THE Britney Spears as a Janet Jackson impersonator. She literally crafted her own sound and imagery at 16 and became the blueprint for every new pop girl.” Another doubted Lizzo’s credibility, saying, “Lizzo is soooo lame like ????? wtf girl britney’s music stood the test of time.”

Conversely, some users supported Lizzo’s viewpoint, arguing that Britney Spears has drawn inspiration from Jackson’s artistry. One commenter said, “Because Britney Spears quite literally took everything she has from Janet Jackson, made it a lil stiffer, and took the soul out of it.”

Britney Spears herself has acknowledged Jackson’s impact on her career in the past. Last February, Spears shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking Jackson for inspiring her. “Thank you to this beautiful lady for keeping my dreams and heart alive,” she wrote in a now-deleted post. “She’s always been the deepest and brightest woman at the same time.”

Lizzo’s comments and the ensuing debate demonstrate the ongoing conversation surrounding the legacies of these iconic artists in pop music history. To hear Lizzo’s full thoughts, listen to the latest episode of the Sibling Rivalry Podcast.