Lizzo shined a light on the efforts of 17 activists during her People’s Champion acceptance speech, at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards.
Lizzo was announced as the well-deserved recipient of the People’s Champion award, at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards ceremony, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on Tuesday (December 6).
During her acceptance speech, the About Damn Time hitmaker praised the work of 17 activists, and told the audience that she aims to use her platform to “amplify marginalised voices.”
“Imma be honest, when I first heard about this award, I was on the fence about whether I should accept because, if I’m the people’s champ, I don’t need a trophy for championing people,” declared Lizzo.
“I’m here tonight because, to be an icon, it isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform. And ever since the beginning of my career, I’ve used my platform to amplify marginalised voices. So, tonight, I’m sharing my honour. Make some noise for the people ya’ll!”
Lizzo then ushered onto the stage 17 activists, referring to them as “people I think deserve this spotlight.” Among them were Amariyanna Copeny, “who spent the past eight years fighting to ensure everyone in Flint [Mich.,] and in communities across the nation has access to safe drinking water,” and Shirley Raines who, “through her organization Beauty 2 the Streetz, makes the human connection with the unhoused people of Los Angeles and makes them feel loved and love what they see in the mirror.”
Watch Lizzo’s heartwarming introductions of all the activists during her acceptance speech via YouTube below.
