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Lizzo was featured as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover model for July 2026, and the striking photoshoot has everyone talking.

After performing at the SI Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week in May, the Grammy winner has now landed one of the publication’s coveted covers.

Proud of the milestone, Lizzo shared several images from the shoot across her social media pages, where they have sparked both admiration and criticism.

Lizzo Stuns For Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Every photo from the shoot showcased Lizzo with voluminous honey-blonde curls and a fiery expression that commanded attention.

The digital cover featured her in a black three-piece swimsuit set consisting of a plunging bikini top that had nearly half her bust exposed, paired with high-waisted bottoms layered beneath a semi-sheer mini sarong.

Another shot captured the “Truth Hurts” singer aboard a yacht wearing a brown barely-there one-piece swimsuit. Crouching low on the deck with one hand gripping the railing and the other resting on her thigh, Lizzo locked eyes with the camera.

She later highlighted the image in a standalone Instagram post, captioned “Next time somebody try to talk sh-t ima just send them this pic.”

More Standout Looks From The Shoot

One fan-favorite image showed Lizzo seated on a brick floor in a mustard yellow swimsuit with a deep neckline. She was caught twirling a strand of her curls while gazing off-camera, giving the portrait a more reflective feel.

A different yacht scene featured her wearing a flowing yellow cover-up over a coordinating bikini, while another dramatic pose saw the singer leaning forward in a plunging swimsuit, showing off plenty of cleavage.

Fan Claims She’s Looking Better Now

On X, Lizzo shared a carousel featuring several images from the collaboration, generating hundreds of thousands of views. Compared to some of her recent posts, there were quite a few positive reactions.

One user noted she was “better looking now.” Another fan commented, “Lizzo looks great, I hope y’all stop being mean to her because she doesn’t deserve it.” Someone else enthusiastically added, “U know what? Hell yea!!!”

The love carried over to Instagram, where fellow stars also weighed in. SZA simply commented, “Gorgeous,” while Kerry Washington celebrated the feature with a string of clapping emojis.

Critics Remain Focused On Her Weight

Critics, however, made insulting remarks about Lizzo’s appearance. Several users on X compared her to a pig, with one even sharing a picture of some pigs in the comments. Another user wrote, “Oink oink.”

Others left similarly harsh comments on Instagram, continuing the pattern of body-focused criticism that has followed the singer throughout much of her career.

In Lizzo’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit interview, she anticipated the criticism, saying that anyone upset by seeing her “fat and fabulous” body could “stay triggered.” She also revealed she intentionally gained 20 pounds to get “juicier and thicker.”

Lizzo Continues To Back Her Latest Album

Beyond discussions about her appearance, Lizzo has also continued facing criticism over the commercial performance of her fifth studio album, “B-tch.”

Released on June 5, the project was labeled a “flop” after failing to enter the Billboard 200 chart and reportedly selling only a few thousand copies during its opening week. Lizzo, however, has not given up on the album.

In fact, just days ago, she shared a TikTok video of herself vibing to the track “Sexy Ladies,” calling it the “Song of the summer.” In the comments section, someone appeared to painfully agree, writing, “I’m afraid to say, but this is song of the summer bruh.”

The Lizzo In Steamy Swimsuit Snaps Is ‘Better Looking Now’ first appeared on The Blast