Lizzo lit up Saturday Night Live on April 12, 2025, with a fiery medley of hits and new tracks, marking her first TV gig since 2023 lawsuits and Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The “Good as Hell” star didn’t just bring vocals—she threw shade at Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” with a crop top screaming “TARIFFIED” and an American flag backdrop for extra punch. From Jon Hamm’s intro to a cheeky “White POTUS” sketch, Lizzo’s performance doubled as a political flex, proving she’s back and unafraid. Here’s the full scoop on her SNL takeover and why it’s got everyone talking!
Lizzo’s Subtle Sting
No long speeches—Lizzo let her art do the talking. After Jon Hamm hyped her up, she hit the Studio 8H stage, blending bangers like “Truth Hurts” with fresh cuts from her upcoming New Me album, per Billboard. Her “TARIFFIED” crop top stole the show, a jab at Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China—slapped on April 1, 2025, per Reuters, sparking fears of 25% price hikes on oil and cars. Economists call the policy shaky (The Wall Street Journal); Lizzo made it pop culture. An American flag glowed behind her, and a backstage clip showed her in an “AMERICA IS TARIFFIED” top, hammering the point home, per Variety. X exploded: “Lizzo said NO to Trump’s wallet tax!” vs. “Stick to singing, sis.”
SNL’s Political Edge
Lizzo’s vibe fit SNL’s DNA—politics with a wink. Right after her set, Jon Hamm dove into “The White POTUS,” a White Lotus spoof casting him as RFK Jr., poking at Trump’s inner circle, per The Hollywood Reporter. SNL’s been grilling Trump since his 2015 campaign; Lizzo’s crop top was just the latest jab. Her performance—flawless choreo, live flute, and zero nerves—shut down any rust rumors post-lawsuit hiatus. She sidestepped 2023’s dancer allegations (settled quietly, per Rolling Stone) and leaned into empowerment, with X fans raving: “Lizzo’s vocals ATE, and that tariff shade? Iconic!”
Why It Hits
This wasn’t just a comeback—it was Lizzo reclaiming her voice. Trump’s tariffs, projected to cost households $2,600 yearly (Brookings), are a hot-button issue; her crop top turned policy into a meme. Forbes notes her 2024 pivot—new music, a vegan pivot, and dodging drama—set up this moment. No lawsuits slowed her; she’s got 12M Spotify monthly listeners and a Grammy glow (four wins, per Grammy.com). Her SNL return, blending hits with tracks like “Soulmate,” teased New Me’s May drop, per Pitchfork. X posts crown her: “Lizzo’s back and dragging Trump—multitasking queen!”
What’s Next?
Lizzo’s keeping it coy—no tour yet, but New Me’s buzz is loud. Will she lean harder into politics or let the music talk? SNL’s ratings spiked 15% for her episode (Nielsen), so expect more TV slayage. Trump’s team hasn’t clapped back—his X feed’s stuck on Tesla tariffs—but Lizzo’s got the culture’s ear. Got a fave moment from her set, or is the tariff shade the real MVP?
