Lizzo walked away from the 2022 People's Choice Awards on Tuesday night with two trophies.
Her song "About Damn Time" won song of the year, and Lizzo was also awarded the People's Champion Award, which recognizes a person who works and uses their platform to make a difference by fighting social injustices.
The true winning moment, however, commenced during her acceptance speech.
Lizzo began:
"I'mma be honest, when I first heard about this award, I was on the fence about whether I should accept."
"Because, if I'm the people's champ, I don't need a trophy for championing people."
"You know what I'm saying?"
She continued:
"I'm here tonight, because to be an icon isn't about how long you've had your platform."
"Being an icon is what you do with that platform."
"And ever since the beginning of my career, I've used my platform to amplify marginalized voices."
With that, she changed the direction of her acceptance speech:
"So tonight, I am sharing this honor. Make some noise for the people, y'all."
"These are all activists and people that I think deserve the spotlight."
As the audience cheered, a group of activists lined the stage alongside Lizzo as the singer introduced each one of them and described their powerful work toward social justice.
\u201cLizzo took the stage to flip the script on the acceptance-speech playbook & bring attention to the women activists fighting for Indigenous, transgender, religious and cultural equity, among other causes.\n\nHere they are and what Lizzo had to say about them: https://t.co/2d2SIz0joO\u201d— Los Angeles Times (@Los Angeles Times) 1670447700
Lizzo concluded:
"Power will always be to the people."
"Thank you so much People's Choice."
"Follow them, follow them and support them."
You can watch the emotional speech below.
Lizzo Is The People's Champion | People's Choice Awards 2022youtu.be
The power of Lizzo's speech wasn't only felt at the event.
Twitter was absolutely overwhelmed and applauded the singer not only for her win but also for acknowledging the activists and educating the public on their causes.
\u201cI\u2019ve never seen so many Indigenous and Native women on a major awards stage on their own homelands. Let that sink in. \n\nThank you @lizzo. #NativeTwitter\u201d— Kelly Lynne D\u2019Angelo \u2728 (@Kelly Lynne D\u2019Angelo \u2728) 1670532051
One fellow musician in particular sang her praises, penning her a heartfelt note on Twitter.
Iconic Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks tweeted:
"Dearest Lizzo - In my opinion - your presentation last night on the People's Choice Awards was not only so beautiful and so needed - that you get the award for being a great woman of our time."
"I was so impressed and so touched that you put that together and pulled it off."
"It was stunning - and everyone heard you."
"You have given all women soundbites forever - flute player, singer, songwriter, future politician...?"
Nicks finished:
"Your name is in the stars now - Much love, Stevie Nicks"
\u201c.@lizzo\u201d— Stevie Nicks (@Stevie Nicks) 1670443048
The People's Choice Twitter account seconded the sentiment.
Everyone listen up, THE Stevie Nicks has spoken!
— People's Choice (@peopleschoice) December 7, 2022
And it wasn't long before the rest of Twitter professed the same and even thanked Nicks for also "lifting up" women.
\u201cI am in tears watching the #peopleschoiceaward \ud83e\udd72 @lizzo thank you so much for using your platform for Black and Indigenous Advocates. In over 30 years I have never seen Black,Indigenous and Iranian Women on stage together being acknowledged or hearing the words \u201cAfro Indigenous\u201d\u201d— ~Cautious Rebel ~ (@~Cautious Rebel ~) 1670385059
\u201cLizzo said LAND BACK on TV - it was part of an activist's introduction, but she still said it.\nThere are like 4 Indigenous women up there. Crying.\u201d— Yolanda Bonnell (@Yolanda Bonnell) 1670532591
Lizzo is the epitome of what we should all strive to be..this is everything ❤️
— T. Allicia Star73 💛💛 (@MISST4LYFE) December 7, 2022
My son happened to turn the channel to the PCA just as Lizzo was accepting her award. When she then brought out and introduced these inspiring, game-changing women with great enthusiasm and awe, we were riveted. An impactful moment that I will remember.
— Lisa Harris (@lisakay1215) December 7, 2022
@StevieNicks you are so wonderful to have written that to Lizzo, and @Lizzo, what a fantastic way to accept a well deserved award! Women lifting up other women is the best!
— Lois Wittenstein 🌻🌊 (@LWitten) December 7, 2022
This is the content I wish would fill Twitter each and every day!
Women lifting up and supporting other Women will make our world a much better place!💕
— Stephanie ✨ Be a Champion for Democracy (@StephsMundo) December 7, 2022
This is beautiful.
— Melissa Mahler (@MelissaMahler50) December 7, 2022
This is beautiful.
— Melissa Mahler (@MelissaMahler50) December 7, 2022
Thank you Stevie, for tweeting out this letter. Were it not for that, I may not have found Lizzo’s speech at the People’s Choice. What a breathtaking presentation of selflessness on her part, and the power of women in the community on their part. Feeling empowered right now. ❤️
— SueEllenMishky (@Summerawaits) December 7, 2022
This!!! Women lifting up women! Celebrating beauty and talent! I’m hopeful that our daughters and daughters (and sons and grandson) see this and feel beautiful and in-powered!!
— Lisa C (@coldiemom) December 7, 2022
The People's Champion also responded.
\u201cThank you @StevieNicks \u2764\ufe0f\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1670541516
Thank you Lizzo for acknowledging these women and their fight for the greater good.
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