Entertainment
Lizzo Dominates ‘SNL’ and Inspires with Her Bold Humor, Music—and Empowering Health Journey
Published
1 year agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Lizzo lit up the Saturday Night Live stage on April 12, 2025, returning as both host and musical guest for a night filled with high-energy performances, razor-sharp humor, and heartfelt authenticity. But beyond the laughs and show-stopping vocals, the Grammy-winning artist is making headlines for another reason: her inspiring and transparent health journey.
Opening the show with her signature blend of sass and sincerity, Lizzo kicked things off by poking fun at her own public image. “We’re gonna break the record for the amount of times ‘bitch’ is said on live TV!” she joked, setting a cheeky and confident tone. She even called out her mom in the audience, playfully adding, “Sorry, Mom.” Her openness and charm had the crowd hooked from the jump.
Taking the stage for her musical sets, Lizzo debuted a medley of new tracks from her upcoming album Love in Real Life, including “Love in Real Life” and “Still Bad.” Dressed in a cropped tee with the word “TARIFFIED” emblazoned across the front—a bold jab at former President Trump’s tariff policies—she reminded audiences that her performances aren’t just entertaining, they’re empowering. Later, she changed into a shirt that read “BLACK WOMEN WERE RIGHT”, continuing to drive home themes of visibility and truth.
As always, Lizzo wasn’t afraid to turn the jokes on herself. Addressing social media rumors with her usual humor, she quipped, “They think I’m collecting One Direction members like Infinity Stones,” drawing laughs and proving, once again, that she knows exactly how to own the narrative. She even revisited her viral TikTok about being pregnant with actor Chris Evans’ baby—because of course, she did.
But what made this SNL appearance even more powerful was the context of her evolving health and wellness journey. Over the past year, Lizzo has been incredibly open about what she calls her “weight release”—a phrase she prefers over “weight loss.” She’s been focused on her physical and mental health, not just appearance, and has been sharing her transformation with fans in a refreshingly honest way.
By January 2025, she had reduced her body fat by 16% and lowered her BMI by over 10 points. But she’s been clear: her journey has nothing to do with outside expectations. It’s about how she feels in her own skin. Her regimen includes strength training, Pilates, walking, jump rope, and a steady calorie-deficit diet—done with intention, patience, and self-love. She’s even shut down rumors about taking weight-loss drugs, doubling down on her commitment to transparency and wellness on her own terms.
In a recent Instagram post, Lizzo shared a mirror selfie in workout gear, writing:
“I did it. Today when I stepped on my scale, I reached my weight release goal. I haven’t seen this number since 2014! Let this be a reminder you can do anything you put your mind to. Time for new goals!”
Her words resonated deeply with fans, not just because of the number on the scale, but because of what it represents—perseverance, self-respect, and the kind of joy that comes from real, internal transformation.
Lizzo’s SNL performance was more than just another stop on the promo tour. It was a celebration of who she is today: an artist in control of her voice, her body, and her message. She’s not only shaping pop music—she’s reshaping the conversation around health, beauty, and empowerment.
From high-octane hits to health milestones, Lizzo is giving us all a reason to cheer. And as she said onstage, with that megawatt smile and unstoppable energy: “Here we goooo!!”
Let’s go, indeed.
_________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31
Published
3 weeks agoon
July 6, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.
The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.
Special Kids Ticket Offer
Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.
The offer is valid for performances:
- Monday through Thursday
- Fridays at 5 p.m.
The promotion is not valid for:
- Saturday performances
- Sunday performances
- Fridays at 8 p.m.
New Orlando Production at ICON Park
Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.
The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.
Global Entertainment Phenomenon
Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.
The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.
Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Published
2 months agoon
June 8, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.
The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.
Opening Reception Scheduled June 11
An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
- Admission is free
- Advance registration is requested
Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity
Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.
“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”
The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.
Exhibit Information
The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
Published
2 months agoon
June 1, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
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