Lizzo is facing heavy criticism after making a controversial comment about Britney Spears during a recent appearance on the Sibling Rivalry podcast. While discussing pop icons, the Grammy-winning singer said Spears was “doing a Janet [Jackson] impression,” a remark that quickly sparked backlash online.

The comment came as Lizzo defended her belief that Janet Jackson not Madonna deserves the title “Queen of Pop.” Attempting to explain her stance, she mentioned Spears as an example of Jackson’s influence, stating,

“Britney Spears is doing a Janet impression, and she said it. Janet is her diva.” Lizzo added that Jackson was already a star before Madonna rose to fame, asserting that “there were no pop divas before Janet.”

Social media exploded in response. Many fans saw the comment as dismissive of Spears’ own influence and legacy, with critics accusing Lizzo of unnecessarily pitting two powerful female artists against each other. While Spears has always expressed admiration for Jackson supporters argued that she built a distinct career that helped redefine pop music, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Adding to the conversation, fans resurfaced a 2024 Instagram post where Spears paid tribute to Jackson calling her the deepest and brightest woman and crediting her as a lifelong inspiration.

While Lizzo may have aimed to honor Jackson’s role in shaping pop culture, her delivery struck a nerve with Spears’ fanbase. Many felt the comparison diminished Spears’ contributions rather than celebrating Jackson’s influence.

The debate highlights a broader issue in pop culture how to recognize influence without overshadowing individual impact. Both Jackson and Spears have made unique marks on the music industry, and fans argue they should be celebrated without comparison.

As of now, Lizzo has not publicly addressed the backlash.