Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer and classically trained flautist, has never shied away from sharing her authentic self with the world. But in September 2025, she found herself at the center of both celebration and controversy, as her music, her beloved flute, and her resilience in the face of public scrutiny all took the spotlight.
On September 9, 2025, Lizzo appeared on the final episode of NBC's Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson, a musical series that has become a favorite for fans of heartfelt performances and candid conversations. During the episode, Lizzo introduced viewers to Sasha Flute—her cherished instrument and, in many ways, her musical alter ego. For those unfamiliar, Sasha Flute is more than just a woodwind. As Lizzo explained to host Kelly Clarkson, "I like to sneak flute on all of my albums. I snuck [her] onto the Cuz I Love You album, snuck [her] onto the Special album, and I snuck her on Love in Real Life."
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Lizzo was immersed in classical music from a young age, spending eight years training as a flautist before continuing her studies at the University of Houston Music program. There, she focused on classical music theory with a concentration in flute—a background that, she says, has been instrumental in shaping her approach to pop music. "This is a hidden language that you will use for the rest of your life," Lizzo told Clarkson, reflecting on her music theory education. "You can speak engineer. You can speak producer. You can speak guitar. When they're playing certain chords, you can get in there and modulate easier. And so I think having a music theory brain is definitely the number one reason why I can make pop music the way I do."
Lizzo's affection for Sasha Flute is more than sentimental; it's creative. She revealed that for her hit song "About Damn Time," she was inspired by a '70s flavored guitar riff and decided to replay it on the flute, infusing the track with what she described as "more heart." According to Lizzo, "I just think it brings the music, like, more heart when I put more of myself into it during production and into the actual piece." All four episodes of Songs & Stories with Kelly Clarkson are now available to stream on Peacock, giving fans a chance to witness these behind-the-scenes moments firsthand.
But while Lizzo's musical journey and her bond with Sasha Flute have been sources of joy for her fans, the past two years have also brought significant challenges. In 2023, several of Lizzo's former employees filed lawsuits alleging harassment, discrimination, and a toxic work environment. Among them, her ex-wardrobe designer, Asha Daniels, accused Lizzo of harassment and discrimination—a case from which Lizzo was ultimately dismissed. However, allegations from a group of backup dancers, which include claims of sexual harassment and religious and racial discrimination, remain unresolved, with Lizzo continuing to deny all the accusations.
The public reaction to these allegations was swift and, at times, harsh. But Lizzo was not without her defenders. Earlier this week, in a profile published by New York Magazine's Vulture, fellow artist SZA spoke candidly about the backlash Lizzo faced. SZA, who has collaborated with Lizzo multiple times—including on a 2023 remix of "Special" and the 2025 track "IRL" from SZA's mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling—described the situation as "weird." She told Vulture, "It was so weird to watch everybody attack her because it actually had nothing to do with what was going on."
SZA went further, offering a glimpse into Lizzo's personal strength: "I think what’s special about my friend is she is a master healer. She is always going to get to the bottom of herself. Nobody cleared her name for her. Nobody could give her that vindication; she gave it to herself. I just felt like she 100 percent genie’d herself through that." The support from SZA highlights the close friendship and creative partnership the two artists share, as well as the broader conversation about how public figures are judged in the court of public opinion.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and the emotional toll they have taken, Lizzo continues to channel her pain and recovery into her art. In her interview with New York Magazine, she confirmed that her highly anticipated album Love in Real Life would not be released anytime soon. Lizzo described the album as a deeply personal project: "Love in Real Life was about a lot of pain and seeking joy and going through being fcking suicidal and depressed. And feeling like the world has turned their back on you and then finding your way back into the world. It was beautiful, but ain’t nobody trying to hear that sht right now." Her candor reflects the vulnerability that has become a hallmark of her music and public persona.
For Lizzo, music is not just a career but a lifeline—a way to process, heal, and connect. Her classical training, her devotion to Sasha Flute, and her willingness to share her struggles have all played a part in her evolution as an artist. As she told Kelly Clarkson, understanding music theory has allowed her to bridge genres and communicate with other musicians on a deeper level. It’s a message she continues to share with aspiring artists: staying in band, learning the "hidden language" of music, can open doors to creative freedom and professional success.
The duality of Lizzo’s current moment—a time of both artistic achievement and personal trial—raises questions about the nature of fame, accountability, and resilience. How does an artist balance the demands of public scrutiny with the need for personal healing? What role do friends and collaborators play in supporting one another through controversy? And, perhaps most importantly, how does music serve as both a refuge and a platform for truth?
As the world waits for the next chapter in Lizzo’s story—both in the courtroom and in the recording studio—her journey remains a testament to the power of honesty, artistry, and, yes, a little bit of flute magic. Whether she’s sneaking Sasha Flute onto a pop album or speaking openly about her struggles, Lizzo continues to inspire, challenge, and heal—one note at a time.
