Lizzo blames music industry for new album’s disastrous sales flop

Lizzo's new album, Bitch, released on 5 June, has performed poorly, selling only 2,649 copies in its first week and failing to chart on the Billboard 200, a significant downturn from her successful 2022 album Special.

The pop singer attributed the album's low sales to changes in the music industry, specifically the shift from radio to streaming, which she claimed impacted how fans discovered her music.

Music executive Ray Daniels countered Lizzo's explanation, stating it was “BS” and that artists should adapt to industry changes by actively engaging their fanbase to promote their work.

Lizzo also acknowledged a “very obvious and public attack on my career” following a 2023 lawsuit where former backup dancers accused her of sexual misconduct and creating a hostile work environment, allegations she denies and is fighting in court.

Critics, including The Independent, largely gave Bitch negative reviews, describing it as “strangely muted” and “full of cliched platitudes”, suggesting the album failed to resonate with listeners or critics.