Special 2our is back, and from night one, Lizzo made it clear that she would use her platform to continue amplifying marginalized voices. The four-time Grammy winner performed at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 21, where she brought out a dozen drag artists in defiance of a drag ban imposed by local Republican lawmakers . Her actions earned her praise from countless followers, many of whom hailed her subversive move as the perfect ally.
In the concert clip, Lizzo explained to the Knoxville audience that "people on the internet" were urging her not to perform in Tennessee "in light of recent tragic events and current events." When the crowd began to boo, she told them they didn't have to because the critics had "the right reasons." Although she understood their perspective, she articulated a different perspective on the situation.
"Why don't I go to the people who need to hear this message the most? The people who need to feel this release the most?" she asked, and the audience erupted in cheers. “Why don’t I create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag artists, celebrate our differences, celebrate fat black women?”
Lizzo went on to praise the people of Tennessee for "giving hope." She added: "Thank you so much for standing up for your rights, protecting each other, and holding accountable those who are supposed to protect us."
View on Instagram
The singer also posted photos and videos of herself on stage with various drag artist guests. The list is long and includes Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Asia O'Hara, Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Britney Banks, Chelle, Cordelia Facade, Cya Inhale, Dee Zastris Banks, Jaidynn Fierce, Justine Van de Blair, Lexi Von Simmons, Porche Auh, Xie Irbie La Banks, Shoshanna Vander Blair, Trey Elize, Vidalia Anne Gentry, Vivica Steele and ZXA. “Thank you to these beautiful drag queens for showing their pride in Tennessee,” Lizzo wrote to them after the show.
View on Instagram
Fans and the queen alike have let Lizzo know how important it is for her to fight against the law signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee that restricts drag performances in public places and in front of minors. (A federal judge temporarily blocked the law on March 31, the day before it took effect.) “Thank you so much for the platform you have given me and the girls of Drag Race, and especially the queens of Tennessee Inspiring!" "RuPaul's Drag Race " star Aquaria commented on Lizzo's Instagram post. "Those ladies are all so strong and brave and I know tonight was the absolute best for everyone in a tough situation. Thank you for being there for our friends who really need our help these days. We appreciate it. "
One of the many applauding Lizzo's allies noted how special it is that the singer has such a diverse cast of performers. “The fact that she’s bringing not only the famous queens from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ to the stage, but also the queens that we often see working in queer spaces other than television, This fact speaks volumes about Lizzo’s integrity, not only as an artist but also as an ally,” they wrote.
View on Instagram
Meanwhile, CNN political commentator Ana Navarro-Cardenas agreed. "YES!!! Supporting the LGBTQ community is so necessary at a time when hateful demagogues are waging war against them," she wrote.
As for what it was like to be in the audience, one concertgoer shared: "Lizzo, thank you. I was there last night and it was one of the best parts of the night. I've loved you for so long and still got to see you And the show you put on. Just. unreal. I love our queens, they rock! I love love love what you do and I think we do a great job showing you. "Despite what the news reports, Tennessee is not a terrible place - the people who make decisions for us do not represent us!"
