Lizzo’s SNL stint, marked by ‘TARRIFIED’ attire and a political sketch, generates buzz, praise, and backlash, underscoring entertainment’s role in political discourse.
Lizzo made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live this weekend, delivering a performance that was as politically charged as it was electrifying. The Grammy-winning artist, fresh off a legal battle with former backup dancers, stepped onto the iconic stage wearing a crop top emblazoned with the word “TARRIFIED”—a pointed jab at President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff policies.
Performing her hit “Still Bad,” Lizzo didn’t just bring her signature energy; she brought a message, aligning herself with the growing chorus of Americans anxious about the economic fallout from Trump’s steep tariffs on Chinese imports.
The episode, hosted by Mad Men alum Jon Hamm, leaned hard into political satire, offering a perfect backdrop for Lizzo’s statement. One of the night’s standout sketches was a spoof of HBO’s The White Lotus, reimagined with the Trump family at its core.
Scarlett Johansson returned as a pitch-perfect Ivanka Trump, while Lizzo popped up in a cameo as an exasperated American lamenting her tanking 401k—a not-so-subtle nod to the administration’s economic policies. The sketch dovetailed seamlessly with Lizzo’s “TARRIFIED” moment, amplifying the evening’s sharp-edged commentary.
Social media lit up in the wake of Lizzo’s performance. Fans couldn’t get enough of her bold fashion statement and powerhouse vocals. “LIZZO’S SHIRT SAYS ‘TARIFFIED’ OMG IM DEAD,” one viewer tweeted, while another dubbed the moment “LEGENDARY.” But not everyone was on board. Some detractors took to X to criticize Lizzo, with a few veering into personal jabs about her weight rather than engaging with her political stance. Still, her supporters pushed back hard, celebrating her willingness to use her platform for more than just music.
Lizzo’s SNL appearance is the latest example of how entertainment has become a battleground for political expression in the Trump era. From late-night sketches to red-carpet statements, artists and comedians are increasingly wading into the fray, reflecting—and shaping—the national conversation.
By spotlighting Trump’s tariffs, Lizzo tapped into a vein of economic unease that’s been simmering since the policy’s rollout, turning a pop culture moment into a megaphone for broader concerns.
This wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural flex. Whether through a cleverly worded shirt or a biting sketch, Lizzo and SNL reminded us that the lines between politics and entertainment are blurrier than ever—and they’re not likely to sharpen anytime soon. For Lizzo, it’s clear: she’s here to sing, slay, and speak out, all in one breathtaking package.
source deadline
