It’s About Damn Time Lizzo’s back in MN!

Four-time Grammy winner Lizzo was finally back in Minneapolis for the first time in three years. The pop/hip-hop artist went on a mini theater-style tour to promote her new upcoming album, Love in Real Life. The short notice, tiny venue of it all only added to the suspension of Lizzo’s return. Ticket sales were sold out almost immediately and you could tell while in the theater.

Lizzo came onto the stage singing her newest single, Love in Real Life, her new album’s namesake. Although the song was released fairly recently, everyone in the packed venue was singing every word. She then continued to play hit after hit, singing, dancing, and having a great time with the crowd. She also took time to talk to the audience and really open up about her mental healing journey over the past year and a half and how her fans have been a huge part of that as well as how much being back at First Avenue meant to her. Lizzo got her music career started in Minneapolis back in 2011 where she was a part of a handful of different local bands who played all over the Twin Cities. She had a lot of profound things to say in terms of growth, success, and life in general. To put the cherry on top, she was also given a star on the First Avenue venue’s wall, which is Minnesota’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Although she shared beautiful moments of gratitude with the crowd, there was no shortage of upbeat dancing energy. For some of Lizzo’s most popular songs such as Truth Hurts and About Damn Time, she had two dancers join her and the band on stage and even walked the audience through a dance everyone could do as a group. Lizzo mentioned multiple times how she’s the happiest she’s ever been in this season of her life and boy could you tell! Her performance was top-tier and you could really see her talent and confidence shine through.

I really love the idea of well-known artists who have outgrown smaller venues going back to their roots to create an intimate atmosphere for their supporters. Seeing your favorite artist at an arena versus a 1,500-person capacity venue is a very different experience. With a smaller venue, you’re looking at cheaper ticket prices (usually) and you could be at the very back of the venue and you’re still so close to the artist. It has such a different vibe and makes it a much more personal experience. As of now, Lizzo hasn’t announced a release date for her new album or a major tour accompanying it but we’ll all be crossing our fingers that she does.

I feel so lucky I got such an amazing opportunity to see this show and share how incredible it was. It goes to show just how strong the music scene here in the Twin Cities is and how much it can bring the community together - even an LA-living Grammy winner.