Lizzo is turning to Taylor Swift's fan-first approach as she navigates the disappointment of her latest album's performance. The Grammy-winning artist recently appeared on the Proto Pop podcast with host Zachary Hourihane, known as Swiftologist, to discuss her career's current chapter and the inspiration she draws from Swift's connection with her audience.

Following the release of her album Bitch on June 5, the singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, has openly discussed the album's commercial reception. The record failed to chart on the Billboard 200 and did not produce any Billboard Hot 100 hits. Data indicates the album sold approximately 2,649 units in its first week, a significant decline from her 2022 album Special, which moved roughly 39,000 copies and peaked at number two.

While guesting on the podcast, Lizzo acknowledged the disappointment, admitting that for a brief period, she measured her self-worth by chart numbers. "There was, like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number, and I think that was soul-crushing," she shared during the interview. However, she noted that support from fellow artist SZA helped her reframe the situation and regain perspective.

Now, Lizzo is shifting her focus away from mass commercial appeal to her dedicated fanbase. She credits Taylor Swift as an inspiration for this approach, praising the pop superstar's ability to organically build a supportive community. "Now it's just like, who's my fanbase? Who's my community? Who am I talking to?" Lizzo reflected. She explained that she is talking to her people, whom she calls the "Lizzbians".

"I always talk about Taylor for doing — she's been doing that for such a long time," Lizzo told Hourihane. "I just think it was so genius and so smart. I don't even know if she had the foresight to do that. I think she just built it organically, and now she has her own community around her to back her up".

As she navigates the industry's changing landscape, Lizzo remains focused on creating for her core audience and building a lasting legacy. She stated she is not afraid of failure and has a vision that her latest work will resonate more deeply with fans over time.