Pop Singer Reveals Why Bitch Is Her Favorite Word for Album Title

Lizzo has announced her third studio album, Bitch, set to release on June 5, 2026. The Grammy-winning artist revealed the album’s title alongside its lead single, which shares the same name and is scheduled for release on May 1. The project marks a bold creative statement, with Lizzo framing the word “bitch” as a reclamation of power and self-confidence.

The announcement comes as Lizzo continues to navigate a period of professional and personal evolution. The album follows her 2022 release, Special and represents a departure from her previously planned project, Love in Real Life, which she scrapped after its singles failed to gain traction. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Lizzo explained her decision to embrace the provocative title, calling it a reflection of her journey toward unapologetic self-expression.

The Meaning Behind the Title

Lizzo’s choice to name her album Bitch is rooted in a broader cultural movement to reclaim language historically used to diminish women. In her official statement, she described the word as a “declaration of confidence and unapologetic self-love,” drawing inspiration from artists like Meredith Brooks and Missy Elliott, who have similarly redefined its meaning in their work. The title track interpolates Brooks’ 1997 hit of the same name, a feminist anthem that challenged stereotypes about women’s identities.

“Reclaiming the word Bitch is power—it’s taking a label once used to diminish women and turning it into a declaration of confidence, and unapologetic self-love. It was only fitting to name my album Bitch because it has become my favorite word when using it on my own terms and because I am 100% that bitch!”

Lizzo

The album’s cover art, which Lizzo shared alongside the announcement, reinforces the theme of empowerment. While details about the visual remain limited, the imagery is expected to align with the album’s defiant and celebratory tone. The project also includes her recently released single, “Don’t Make Me Love U,” signaling a blend of her signature upbeat energy and introspective lyricism.

A Creative Reboot After Setbacks

The release of Bitch follows a tumultuous period for Lizzo, both professionally and personally. In 2023, she faced lawsuits from three former backup dancers, who accused her of sexual harassment, racial harassment, and disability discrimination. Though the cases were later settled out of court, the legal battles cast a shadow over her public image and creative output. In an interview with Rolling Stone last June, Lizzo described her then-untitled new album as “moodier” and “darker,” hinting at the emotional weight of the past few years.

The decision to abandon Love in Real Life marked a turning point in her artistic process. In a fall 2025 interview with New York magazine, she reflected on the experience, calling the scrapped album’s lead single, “Still Bad,” “overproduced” and admitting she needed to “do shit my way” moving forward. The pivot led to the release of her fiery 2025 rap mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling, which she described as a creative rebirth. Bitch appears to build on that momentum, blending her signature pop, rock, and rap influences with a more introspective edge.

What’s Next for Lizzo

In addition to the album, Lizzo has several projects in the pipeline. Her upcoming children’s book, Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’, is set to release in September 2026. Inspired by her own musical journey, the book aims to introduce young readers to themes of self-acceptance and creativity. The announcement of Bitch also arrives as Lizzo prepares for what is expected to be a high-profile promotional campaign, including potential tour dates and live performances.

The album’s lead single, “Bitch,” will drop alongside a music video on May 1, offering fans a first glimpse into the project’s aesthetic and message. With its bold title and defiant spirit, Bitch positions Lizzo as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions, both in her music and her public persona. As she continues to navigate the complexities of fame, creativity, and personal growth, the album serves as a statement of resilience—and a celebration of the power of self-definition.

For fans and industry observers alike, Bitch represents more than just a new release; it’s a testament to Lizzo’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her core values. Whether the album will resonate with audiences as deeply as her previous work remains to be seen, but its arrival signals a new chapter for one of pop music’s most dynamic voices.