[The “Truth Hurts” singer searches for new backup dancers in
the uplifting Prime Video competition series.] [[link removed]]


PORTSIDE CULTURE

REVIEW: LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS IS JOYFUL LOVE LETTER
TO PLUS-SIZE WOMEN  
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Stephanie Holland
March 25, 2022
The Root
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_ The “Truth Hurts” singer searches for new backup dancers in the
uplifting Prime Video competition series. _

, Photo: Amazon Studios

 

I’ve been plus-size since I was 12 years old. So Lizzo’s
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of body positivity and loving yourself no matter what anyone else
thinks is something that really resonates with me. In her new Prime
Video competition series, _Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls_,
those ideals are what power the show. From the moment the Grammy
award-winning singer pops up on screen, she makes it clear that this
isn’t just about landing a job as one of her backup dancers, it’s
also about making sure that these talented women (and viewers) leave
the show with more confidence and “Juice” than when they came in.

If you’re like me and watch a lot of competition series, you know
what the formula is. And while _Watch Out for the Big Grrrls_ does
follow the expected path at times, it’s really just a fun time
hanging out with your longtime pal Lizzo and some new friends.

Beginning with 13 dancers from different races and backgrounds, Lizzo
announces that they are competing for a chance to join her onstage at
Bonnaroo. The competition starts with the usual introduction episode
where we find out everyone’s sad stories and uplifting motivations
for being there. And while this is usually where I start to tune
out–because when you watch enough of these shows the tear-filled
origin stories start to run together–_Watch Out for the Big
Grrls_ treats every contestant as a fully-realized person and not
just an archetype on some TV executive’s bingo card. By the way, did
I mention that they’re all amazing dancers, so it will be no easy
feat to narrow down the competition?

Where _Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls_ sets itself apart
from the rest of the genre is its spirit. Even with nicer competition
series like _The Voice_, there’s still always an undercurrent of
tension because only one person can be the winner. Lizzo has made it
clear she has room for everyone if they pass muster, so there’s a
supportive, understanding vibe between these women that makes it feel
like something special is happening. Every single episode has moments
where the dancers bond over their shared experience of existing in a
world that tells them they shouldn’t want to shine. These are
stories that I understood and felt in my bones.

While you don’t need to be a big girl to enjoy the show, I can’t
lie: it _does_ have a different emotional resonance if you’ve
lived the same life as these women. Anyone who’s ever been othered
or felt like an outsider will identify with the feelings the show
exposes.

As inspiring and uplifting as the series is, it’s still a reality
show, therefore the required drama does make several appearances. With
some dancers more experienced than others, it doesn’t take long for
groups to form. There’s also a villain, as Jasmine is painted as the
bossy, scene stealer right from the start. Is Jasmine really that bad?
No, of course not. But it’s a reality show and somebody has to be
the bad guy.

_Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’_ strongest asset is Lizzo
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as her ability to open up and relate her own experiences to everything
the competitors have been through reminds the audience that underneath
the confident “100 percent that bitch” exterior is a real person
who’s still trying to be happy and comfortable with herself, her
life in her skin and her fame.

Whether you’re a fan of Lizzo, competition series or dance, this
show is worth a watch. In this dumpster fire of a world we’re
currently surviving in there are very few things that bring genuine
joy and happiness. Count _Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big
Grrls_ among them.

_Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls_ is currently available on
Prime Video.

* body positivity [[link removed]]
* Black culture [[link removed]]
* Black feminism [[link removed]]
* lizzo [[link removed]]

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