Despite being advised by fans to cancel her Tennessee show due to the state’s oppressive anti-drag law, which bans “adult cabaret entertainment” in public spaces and where it might be seen by minors, Lizzo instead brought drag performers, including RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, on stage.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, April 22, the “About Damn Time” singer proudly shared a range of moments from the night’s colorful performance at her Knoxville show, as part of the tour for her fourth studio album Special. Iconic Drag Race stars including season 11’s Vanessa ‘Miss Vanjie’ Mateo, season 10’s Asia O’Hara, season 10 winner Aquaria and season 13 runner-up Kandy Muse, who has joined the cast of the upcoming All Stars 8, joined Lizzo onstage – along with a whole host of local drag queens.
The singer, who dazzled in a glittering green sequin jumpsuit that gave major regal vibes, also gave a powerful speech saying that she was told by people on the internet to cancel the shows in Tennessee. They had valid reasons but she wanted to go to the people who needed to feel this release the most.
A fan who attended the show praised Lizzo’s decision and said that bringing the drag queens out was “one of the best parts of the night.”
