Lizzo triumphantly returned to the stage for the second time on March 12, 2025, with her “Lizzo In Real Life” concert at The Wiltern. She made her first public appearance in nearly two years, a very intimate and emotional show in which the artist discussed her depression and overcoming adversity.
Her return was more than a concert—more than another show—it was a testament to survival and acceptance. The last two years were tough for the singer, with legal drama and personal turmoil. She was frank about her psychological problems during the concert, that she was in “dark, deep depression” following the lawsuit by the former backup dancers in 2023. The psychological pressure was so immense that she admitted, “I was so broken-hearted by the world and so hurt so deep that I didn’t want to live anymore.”
The audience at The Wiltern was in full support, standing in solidarity with her as she discussed her healing process. She credited a pivotal moment with a fan that was full of love and support, which was what she needed in order to push through.
The “Lizzo In Real Life” mini-tour is more than a comeback, but also a celebration of her upcoming album by the same name. The show featured a strong setlist that was a combination of her all-time biggest hits and her current music. The audience was treated to energetic performances of such classics as “Juice,” “Truth Hurts,” “Rumors,” “Boys,” and “Good as Hell.” But the night was made special by her first-ever live performances of her new songs, “Love in Real Life” and “Still Bad,” released in February 2025.
With each song, she added her own energy, taking over the stage with a mix of powerful singing, dance breaks, and her now-familiar flute breaks. The audience went crazy when she belted out “Cuz I Love You” with full-throated enthusiasm and danced her way through “About Damn Time,” showing that her music is just as catchy and motivating as ever.
The candour was so powerful that audience members were wiping away their tears as she spoke about her own experiences with her mental health. The show was welcomed with a wave of love, both in the audience and online. A concert attendee took to Twitter and said,
“Lizzo just played the most real, raw, and emotional show I’ve ever attended. She is a force of nature.”
The critics were also impressed with the concert in terms of balance between intense emotion and dynamic entertainment.
“Lizzo’s comeback is nothing short of spectacular. She reminds us all why she is one of today’s most popular artists—her connection with her fans is second to none,” said David Harper, music journalist.
The artist has always been honest about her depression, but last year was particularly difficult. In May 2024, she publicly announced that she battled depression for ten months, saying, “The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it.”
During her time off, Lizzo took a “gap year” in order to work on her health. She went to Bali, where she chronicled her workout routine, such as jump rope training that she posted about online. She was able to clear her mind and reconnect with music by spending this time focusing on self-care.
Even with legal troubles she was encountering, like charges of harassment from former dancers, which she vehemently denied, Lizzo persisted in her passion for music. “What I’m not stopping is the happiness in my life that is music, that is connecting with people because I know that I’m not alone,” she told her audience during her performance at The Wiltern.
