Lizzo’s New Album ‘Bitch’ Misses Top 100 in UK and US Charts

Lizzo’s album ‘Bitch’ struggles to enter top 100 charts amid shifting music industry and controversies.

When a Pop Icon Faces Chart Challenges

Lizzo, the Grammy-winning powerhouse who has dazzled fans worldwide with her infectious energy and empowering anthems, recently dropped her fifth studio album, Bitch, on June 5, 2026. Fans eagerly anticipated this release, especially after the tantalizing preview singles like “Don’t Make Me Love U” and the commanding title track, Bitch. Yet, despite the hype and Lizzo’s established presence, the album has surprisingly failed to break into the top 100 charts in both the UK and the US.

Lizzo continues to inspire with her bold artistry and vibrant personality.

Chart Performance and Historical Context

The album Bitch is notably absent from the prestigious US Billboard 200 and the UK’s official top 100 albums chart. On the UK’s official album downloads chart, it currently sits at number 83—a modest position compared to Lizzo’s past successes.

To put this into perspective, Lizzo’s previous album, Special (2022), peaked at number two on the US albums chart and reached number six in the UK. That album was a powerhouse, boasting standout singles like “About Damn Time,” which soared to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK’s Official Singles Chart. Another hit from Special, “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready),” cracked the UK top 20, cementing Lizzo’s position as a top-tier artist on both sides of the Atlantic.

Bitch album cover art by Lizzo, symbolizing her bold artistic expression.

Lizzo’s track record also includes memorable UK chart entries like 2021’s “Rumors” featuring Cardi B, and top 10 hits such as 2019’s “Good As Hell” and 2022’s “Someday At Christmas.” Furthermore, her major-label debut Cuz I Love You reached number four in the US and 30 in the UK, solidifying her as a force in the industry. The smash hit “Truth Hurts” from that album not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but recently achieved diamond certification in the US—a testament to Lizzo’s widespread appeal and staying power.

Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews for ‘Bitch’

While Lizzo’s fanbase has been fiercely loyal, Bitch has received a lukewarm reception from critics. On Metacritic, the album holds a middling 50% score based on seven reviews—a stark contrast to the more favorable feedback for her previous works.

Rolling Stone described Bitch as being “full of tired moves and cynical appeals to the streaming algorithm,” suggesting that the album may have leaned too heavily into trends rather than originality. Meanwhile, The Telegraph criticized it as being “in desperate search of a hit,” and The Guardian lamented Lizzo’s “scatter-gun approach,” describing the album as “a disjointed listen.”

These critiques hint at a disconnect between Lizzo’s creative vision and the expectations of critics and listeners in a quickly evolving music landscape.

Lizzo’s Response to the Challenges

Not one to shy away from confrontation, Lizzo has openly addressed the difficulties surrounding her recent releases and the music industry’s seismic shifts. She tweeted a candid explanation for her album’s chart struggles, pinpointing the drastic changes in music discovery over the past few years.

“I actually can answer this: the industry changed so much in the last 3 yrs. Streaming replaced radio & I was a radio darling. That’s how my fans discovered my music. Not to mention the very obvious & public attack on my career changed things. But I’m out here doing my absolute best and u can’t knock a bitch for that.”

— Lizzo

Lizzo elaborated that streaming now dominates music consumption, replacing traditional radio, where she once thrived as a beloved artist. This shift has altered how fans find new music, complicating promotion efforts. She also pointed to public controversies that have impacted her career trajectory.

The Role of Algorithms and Industry Dynamics

Lizzo has also taken aim at the digital algorithms that govern social media and streaming platforms, accusing them of being “racist” and “fatphobic,” and blaming these biased systems for hampering album promotion and distorting how music reaches listeners.

In a TikTok post, she lamented how algorithm-driven content is no longer delivered chronologically, making it harder for artists to build momentum and properly announce new projects. These algorithmic hurdles, she argues, prevent fans from getting timely updates about releases, disrupting traditional marketing flows.

Controversies Clouding the Spotlight

Unfortunately, Bitch’s underperformance can’t be discussed without acknowledging the shadows cast by recent controversies. In 2023, Lizzo faced a lawsuit filed by three of her former backup dancers—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—who accused her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during their tenure from 2021 to 2023.

Lizzo has vehemently denied these allegations, fighting back legally and publicly. In October 2023, she described the lawsuit as a “fabricated sob story” and filed a motion to dismiss it, alleging “a pattern of gross misconduct” by the dancers themselves. Despite these legal battles, Lizzo remains determined to clear her name and continue her career.

Navigating Social Media and Fan Interactions

In recent months, Lizzo has shifted her promotional strategy, focusing on engaging directly with her fanbase online. She shared that she’s been “interacting with a bunch of stan accounts lately,” which has helped reignite conversations about her music.

However, controversy still follows her. When accused of shading Taylor Swift, Lizzo firmly told fans to “grow up” and denied ever bad-mouthing any artists, including Olivia Rodrigo. Her candidness and refusal to back down from drama keep her in the spotlight but also hint at the delicate balance artists must maintain in today’s social media ecosystem.

Addressing Criticism from Fellow Artists

Fans and media also speculated about Lizzo’s response to criticism from Nicki Minaj, which seems to be addressed in an alternate edition of Bitch. While details remain vague, this exchange adds another layer of intrigue and complexity to the album’s story.

The Bigger Picture: An Artist in Transition

Lizzo’s journey with Bitch reflects the challenges many established artists face in an industry transformed by technology and social dynamics. From shifting music discovery methods and algorithmic biases to public scrutiny and legal battles, her experience is a vivid reminder of how unpredictable fame can be.

Despite the album’s chart performance, Lizzo’s boldness and refusal to play it safe keep her an artist to watch. Whether Bitch will eventually find its audience remains to be seen, but Lizzo’s spirit and tenacity are unmistakable.

FAQ

• How did Bitch perform on music charts?
  Bitch did not enter the US Billboard 200 or the UK top 100 albums chart, though it reached number 83 on the UK album downloads chart.
• What were some hits from Lizzo’s previous albums?
  Songs like “About Damn Time” and “Truth Hurts” topped US and UK charts, with Special and Cuz I Love You performing strongly in both markets.
• What criticisms has Bitch received?
  Critics described the album as disjointed and overly focused on streaming trends, with some reviews calling it tired and in search of a hit.
• What controversies has Lizzo faced recently?
  Lizzo is defending herself against a 2023 lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, which she denies and is contesting legally.
• How is Lizzo adapting her promotion strategy?
  She has increased engagement with fans and social media “stan accounts” while addressing industry challenges and public scrutiny openly.

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