Lizzo Returns, But It Doesn’t Seem Like Her Heart Is in It

Lizzo performed at the SXSW festival on March 15, 2024, marking her first public performance in over a year. The set included a mix of her popular hits and new material, but critics noted a perceived lack of genuine engagement from the artist. The performance featured a surprise appearance by fellow artist SZA, who joined Lizzo for a rendition of "Special." Despite the collaborative moment, reviews highlighted a disconnect between the artist and the audience, with some suggesting a reliance on "tired moves" and "cynical appeals to the streaming algorithm." The setlist reportedly included "About Damn Time" and "Truth Hurts," alongside unreleased songs that were presented without much context or introduction.