Culture

LL Cool J Headed to ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Next Season

LL Cool J is hanging up his badge on the mainland, but come next season, the veteran rapper/actor will be investigating crimes in an equally sunny, surfy locale. In a tweet on Monday night (May 22), LL wrote “Let’s do this!!!,” along with an arm flex, lightning bolt and fire emoji after NCIS: Hawai’i star Vanessa Lachey tweeted, “Cat’s out of the bag. Welcome @LLCOOLJ to our #NCISHawaii ohana!” along with a photo of her smiling next to LL.

In a second tweet, LL explained his long-running NCIS: Los Angeles character Sam Hanna’s jump from the City of Angels after a 14-year run with the NCIS franchise to his new island home. “Couldn’t keep Sam Hanna off the case for too long!!,” he wrote. “Starting tonight, Sam Hanna will join forces with @NCISHawaiiCBS team as a recurring guest star in the upcoming third season.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Monday night’s season two finale of NCIS: Hawai’i found Lachey’s Jane Tennant and Tori Anderson’s Kate Whistler under attack in Venezuela until an offscreen ally comes to their aid when Jane’s phone rings and LL’s Hanna is on the other end. The rapper’s character was last seen in the Moroccan desert in Sunday night’s series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles.

Tennant thanks Hanna for the hand, with Hanna noting that he was “in the neighborhood… Morocco, actually, but hey — what’s a few borders and an ocean, anyway?” The long-distance cameo is a preview of LL’s upcoming recurring role in the upcoming 2023-24 NCIS: Hawai’i season, where he will reprise his role as Hanna; LL previously appeared on the show in a cameo crossover earlier this season.

“One of the most beautiful things about working on NCIS: Hawai’i is the show’s ability to bring the franchise together. We have had so much fun spreading the aloha to NCIS and NCIS: LA with the triple crossover,” Lachey said of LL’s previous cameo. “Now, we have the amazing opportunity to bring Sam Hanna to Hawai’i to help the island solve some cases and maybe have a few laughs in the process. Welcome to the ohana, Todd! It’s going to be a fun ride!”

Check out LL’s tweets below.

Lil Nas X Has Absolutely No Idea What Is Going On During Bizarre Preview of ‘Eric Andre Show’ Season 6

By now you should know what you’re getting into if your agent greenlights an appearance on The Eric André Show. The Adult Swim series is gearing up for its sixth season and in a preview that dropped on Monday (May 22) Lil Nas X is the gonzo comedian’s latest victim.

André — who delights in making his guests squirm as much as possible by filling the studio with carny sideshow-like characters, unpredictable, viscous liquids and all manner of shocking and upsetting surprises — does his best to throw Lil Nas off his game in a two-minute preview of the new season that launches on June 4.

The clip opens with the rapper taking the stage in one of his signature fashion-forward outfits, a black and white spacesuit with clunky boots that gives him a futuristic vibe. After the house band plays him on, André makes his way to the host’s desk and compliments Lil Nas, saying, “you look like you’re gonna f—in’ motorcycle through a Tron remake.”

Thinking he might pull one over on the stand-up comedian and star of Bad Trip, Nas X wonders, “hey, do you believe in the illuminati?” But, before André can even answer in the affirmative, a monster below his desk screeches and tries to push its way through the wood paneling in a horrifying manner.

Like so many things on the show, it is never explained or even acknowledged, leading to a shocked look on Lil Nas’ face. “What the f–k is going on in here?” the host wonders, quipping that he’s returning whatever is living at his feet to the store. “Okay,” Lil Nas says nervously while looking around as the hiss of vapor fills the air, with a microphone spraying an unknown mist into André’s face.

As Eric seems increasingly narcotized, Nas covers his mouth in worry while André appears to be drugged, slurring, “when you got videos when you got in trouble?” Trying to salvage things, Lil Nas sweetly asks, “what?” as André continues to ramble incoherently. “What the f–k is wrong with you?” the rapper laughs nervously as co-host Felipe punches his way through the set a la Jack Nicholson in The Shining.

Not to worry, as usual, Montero will have plenty of company in André’s bizarroland, with other guests this season slated to include Diplo, Jon Hamm, Natasha Lyonne, Blac Chyna, Rico Nasty, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Yachty, Cypress Hill and more.

Watch Lil Nas in the preview below.

Michael Gudinski’s Career to Be Immortalized In ‘Ego’ Doc: Watch the Trailer

The incredible career of the late Australian impresario Michael Gudinski will be retold in a major new documentary.

Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story will roll out at theaters across Australia from Aug. 31, following its premiere Aug. 10 at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) — the music man’s beloved home city.

MIFF pitches the film as “a uniquely Australian tribute to a much-loved industry legend.”

Helmed by Paul Goldman (Such is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins), Ego will tell MG’s tale with never-before-seen archive footage, and interviews with the likes of Jimmy Barnes, Vika & Linda Bull, Garbage, Dave Grohl, Vance Joy, Paul Kelly, Kylie Minogue, Mark Seymour, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen and Sting.

“Famed for his eccentricities and boldness,” reads a statement (May 23) unveiling the new project, Ego “dives into the psyche and unorthodox tactics of Michael as he became the frontman of a cultural movement and built a music empire whose artists created the soundtrack for a nation.”

The project is timed to drop as Gudinski’s Mushroom Group celebrates its 50 year anniversary, a party that will include a “major live event.”

Now led by MG’s son, Matt Gudinski, the independent music powerhouse is home to some two-dozen companies, active in every conceivable area of the music industry, including Mushroom Music Publishing, the country’s leading independent publisher; labels I Oh You, Liberation and Bloodlines; and the concert promotion juggernaut Frontier Touring.

The larger than life entrepreneur passed March 2, 2021, aged 68, a shock that triggered a wave of tributes from across the music world. Many of those starry friends and extended “Mushroom family” appear in the film, the trailer for which can be seen below.

“He had the energy of a rock drummer,” recounts Sting. Adds Foo Fighter Grohl, “I imagine being a rock promoter as the biggest fucking nightmare. There has to be a reason why he did it.”

Following his death, Gudinski was feted with the No. 1 spot in Billboard’s International Power Players list, and a statue of the great man was erected outside Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, depicting MG with his familiar No. 1 hand gesture.

Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story is a Mushroom Studios production, with principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen. It’s financed with support from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). Local distribution and international sales are handled by Mushroom Studios.

‘The Idol’ Receives Standing Ovation at Cannes Film Festival

HBO’s controversial drama series The Idol made its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival on Monday night (May 22), where it received a standard-measure five-minute standing ovation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Additionally, the publication reported that co-creator and director Sam Levinson became teary eyed as he expressed that he’s “proud of this show, proud of how we made this show.”

He also praised the cast members of The Idol cast, adding, “I feel like I gained a family. I know that’s a little culty, but that’s how it feels.”

The Weeknd, who originally pitched the concept of The Idol to HBO, makes his acting debut in the seedy musical drama, starring alongside Lily-Rose Depp, who plays a pop star in crisis and on the brink of a nervous breakdown. The “Blinding Lights” singer plays Tedros, the leader of a cult who seduces Depp’s Jocelyn.

Suzanna Son, Rachel Sennott, Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Hank Azaria, BLACKPINK’s Jennie and more are all also set to appear in the pop star-themed series. Along with Levinson and The Weeknd, Reza Fahim is also a co-creator of the upcoming show.

The Weeknd recently defended The Idol with after Rolling Stone reported that production had been marred with controversy. “I thought the article was ridiculous. I wanted to give a ridiculous response to it,” he told Vanity Fair, pointing to his tweet responding to the story with a clip from The Idol in which his character says, “Rolling Stone? Aren’t they a little…irrelevant?”

The Idol hits HBO and MAX on June 4.

Halle Bailey, H.E.R. & Fantasia Star in ‘The Color Purple’ Trailer

Warner Bros. unveiled the trailer for the big-screen musical adaptation of The Color Purple on Monday (May 22), starring Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Fantasia and more.

“Today, our teacher taught us about a place called Africa,” Bailey says as young Nettie Harris tells her older sister Celie to open the preview. “She say our mamas come from queens over there. That means that we? Royalty.”

As Fantasia’s voice echoes over the clip as a grown-up Celie singing “I’m Here,” the two sisters are cruelly separated by Celie’s much-older husband, leaving Celie without her only support system in life. The trailer then progresses to reveal Danielle Brooks as Sofia and Taraji P. Henson as the fabulous Shug Avery, who introduces Celie to a brighter, more musical life, declaring, “Let’s see this smile in color,” as she applies lipstick to the latter’s face for the very first time.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones, the new rendition of The Color Purple will be the first time the Broadway musical is brought to the screen — itself an adaptation of the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. Spielberg also directed the original, non-musical version of the story in 1985, which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Winfrey, Laurence Fishburne and more, and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards at the time of its release.

For her part, Fantasia has previously stepped into Celie’s shoes multiple times, both in the 2007 Broadway revival and its subsequent national tour. The big-screen musical will also serve as Bailey’s follow-up to her heralded role as Ariel in the new live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid, which premieres this Friday (May 26).

The Color Purple is scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Watch the trailer below.

Amazon’s Viral $13 Jumpsuit Is the Everyday Outfit Your Closet Needs

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Athleisure is the one fashion trend we can rely on to always stay in style. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez and more are commonly spotted wearing everything from leggings and sports bras to the most trendiest look to pop up: fitted rompers.

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The latest viral ‘fit to take centerstage is an Amazon No. 1 new release in the clothing department. Not only does it look like something straight from Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS line, but it’s paired with a wallet-friendly cost of just $13 (yes, you read that right).

Now that festivals and tours are back in effect, finding an outfit that’s stylish yet comfortable is essential for all-day wear. Thankfully, this fitted jumpsuit comes in five shades that you can stock up on and it’s packed with cozy materials that won’t have you counting down the seconds until you’re home so you can change.

Amazon

QINSEN High Waist Tummy Control Jumpsuit

$from $12.89 $29.99 57% OFF

The versatile jumpsuit can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it. Whether it’s to the gym for a yoga class, paired with a denim jacket or worn under a blazer, this romper will adapt. The stretchy material is also made from a soft mix of nylon and elastane that will smooth and stretch to move with you. Plus, at a price that’s under $20, you really can’t beat it.

Reviewers also stop can’t praising it for how it “does not disappoint,” putting an emphasis on how “snatched” you look once it’s on. For those nervous about how sheer the material is, shoppers have described the material as “thick” with one even comparing it to the fabric of Lululemon’s leggings, which is known for its coverage.

Most reviewers have even gone back for more shades — it’s that trendy. With that in mind, though, it probably won’t be long until they style is sold out, so be sure to snag the viral ‘suit while you can!

Katy Perry Wants Lizzo to Be an ‘American Idol’ Judge

Time for some more girl power on the American Idol judges panel.

Katy Perry took part in Buzzfeed Celeb‘s popular Puppy Interview segment, where she answered a bunch of questions all while playing with the cutest puppies you’ve ever seen.

In response to what the most challenging part of being an American Idol judge is, the “Roar” singer said, “Probably being a woman and having a strong opinion,” before winking at the camera.

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She continued, “I also think that what’s really challenging is only one person wins this contest. I would say that the top 20 are all superstars and I would never want to sing after them because they can sing better than all of us.”

However, Perry had a great idea to fix that “being a woman” challenge she mentioned earlier — having Lizzo join the judges panel. “I’d like Lizzo to come and join American Idol. This is an invitation from me, Katy Perry,” she said. “Lizzo, I’m asking you to join the panel. I’m feeling a little outnumbered on the testosterone. I could really use some bold, honest, hot takes.”

The “California Girls” singer has been a judge on American Idol alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie since season 16, which aired back in 2018.

Watch her full puppy interview below.

The 20 Best Memorial Day Beauty Sales: Save Up to 50% Off Top Brands

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Memorial Day may be next Monday (May 29), but since it marks the first major shopping holiday of the season, the sales have already started. Some of the best beauty deals for Memorial Day 2023 have begun (or are getting ready to), which is why we did the digging to round up the hottest ones.

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Don’t settle for full price when you can snag up to 50% off the most coveted brands. Whether you need a skincare refresh or just want to update your makeup collection, now’s your chance to snag some hot ticketed items. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you (and your bathroom counter) covered. Below, find the best Memorial Day beauty deals of 2023 — both current and upcoming.

And for more product recommendations, check out our roundups of AAPI beauty and skincare brands, refillable lipsticks and the best TikTok beauty alternatives.

20 Memorial Day 2023 Beauty Deals You Should Know About

Macy’s – Thanks to Macy’s 10 Days of Glam, you can enjoy up to 50% off top skincare, makeup and hair brands including MAC, Tarte, Pattern Beauty, Sunday Riley and more. Every day until May 29, the site will be updating with fresh, new sales on top products. Plus, you can score free shipping on your order with the promo code GLAM10.

Amazon Beauty – You’re always guaranteed to find popular hair, skin and makeup for a fraction of the price on the site. With new beauty sales added daily, you can score everything from CeraVe tinted SPF to 25% off Neutrogena Makeup Wipes with just a click of a button.

Ulta Beauty – MDW just so happened to fall on the same month as Ulta’s Gorgeous Hair event. From now until June 3, there will be daily sales, promotions and surprises on haircare products such as Wet Brush, Curlsmith and Sexy Hair.

Nordstrom – Don’t snooze on Nordstrom’s sale section! The retailer has a variety of discounted makeup and skincare products from luxe brands such as MAV and Aveda going for up to 40% off.

La Roche-Posay – From May 28-30, the brand will be having a 20% off sitewide sale (including on their beloved SPF products). Until then, there are other specials you can take advantage of while you wait, such as 15% off three face serums of your choice.

Kosas Cosmetics – Right now you can enjoy up to 50% off the brand’s hot summer set, including the limited edition Ready in 5 Set ($35.50).

Bliss – Enjoy restocking your skincare collection with a sitewide sale of 15% off using the code BW15. You’ll also be eligible for free standard shipping when you spend $40 or more (no promo code required). Then, starting May 24, you can celebrate an additional 30% off during their annual Friends & Family sale.

Glossier – Sets are having a moment right now, so take advantage of all the deals the minimalist beauty brand has to offer. From the daily makeup set to its serum trio, you can enjoy all the benefits for less.

Dermstore – Make room on your bathroom counter, because it’s officially Dermstore’s summer sale. Now, you can score up to 20% off or double the points on luxury skincare brands. So if you’re running low on your exfoliant or retinol, now’s the time to replenish.

Elizabeth Arden – For their Unofficial Start to Summer Sale, the retailer is having tiered discounts with 20% off orders of $50-$74.99; 25% off orders of $75-$99.99; and 30% off orders $100+.

Coco & Eve – From May 23 to 30, the haircare and skincare brand will be having 20% off sitewide (excluding new SPF products).

Tatcha – Bundle up and save starting May 23 until May 30! Any of the value bundles will be given an additional 15% off using the code EXTRA15.

It Cosmetics – Need some new CC+ cream? Well, take advantage of the sitewide 25% off sale to ring in Memorial Day. Plus, if you spend $75 or more, you’ll receive a free gift with purchase. The only things that won’t apply to the sale are any new items and sets.

Lanolips – Give your shower routine a sudsy refresh with Lanolips’ 15% off deal going on sitewide only on May 29.

Too Faced – We just had to shout out Too Faced’s We Made Too Much sale section, which is boasting discounted prices for $20 or less on coveted makeup such as the Better Than Sex Mascara (now for $10 off).

Tarte – The beauty brand popped off with its latest sale section adds including deep discounts on eyeshadow palettes, makeup brushes and more.

Paula’s Choice – Starting May 26, the brand is kicking off its anniversary sale with slashed prices on items including its bestsellers. Just add the code 28YEARS into your cart. Plus, for eligible purchase you can receive a full-sized gift.

Violet Grey – Whether you’re looking to restock your eyeliner or toner, starting Tuesday (May 23) Violet Grey is hosting its Put It in the Bag event, which will debut deals up to 50% off. That means brands like Victoria Beckham Beauty will be offered a slashed prices, so you can reap the benefits at a fraction of the cost. Don’t sleep on it though, as the event ends May 29!

Mario Badescu Skincare – Mario Badescu Skincare is blessing shoppers with new deals every day from now until May 30. Spend $35 and receive a free Green Tea Facial Spray using the code TEATIME (offer ends May 24 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Then, starting May 25, a tiered promotion will kickoff with 10% off any order. The more you spend though, the higher the percentage off. For example, spending $35-$49.99 will earn you 15% off; spend $50-$74.99 for 20% off and 25% off orders of $75+.

Target – The Summer Kickoff Sale is officially here and will be providing daily deals and promotions until May 29. Everything from deodorant and body wash to moisturizers and mascara are being offered at discounted prices.

See more sales below.

Beauty, Skincare, Makeup and & More Deals

Macy’s

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

$8.50 $17 50% off% OFF

Macy’s wasn’t lying when they said up to 50% off must-have products — and this Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the proof. Featuring a fast-acting formula using salicylic acid, just apply it directly to the white head or spot you’re targeting and watch as it instantly dries it out. Make sure to also add the code GLAM10 before checking out to receive the deal.

Macy’s

Peter Roth Thomas Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Cream

$56.25 $75 25% off% OFF

Give your face a spa-like treatment from the comfort of your home using this moisturizing cream packed with pre- and probiotics. The formula will also help defend you skin agains pollutants and blue light damage. Be sure to use the code GLAM10 to score the deal before you checkout.

Kosas

Kosas – The Ready in 5 Set

$35.50 $71 50% off% OFF

Get ready for a day out in a flash thanks to this quick and easy-to-use makeup set from Kosas. The set includes a cream blush and highlighter duo, wet oil lip gloss and 10 second eye gel eyeshadow — all for half off!

Kosas

Kosas – Full Face of Kosas Set

$77 $96 20% off% OFF

Create your own full-size makeup set down to the shade thanks to Kosas’ customizable set. Choose from a range of shades and color while building your new makeup routine, which will consist of a foundation, highlighter and blush duo, wet oil lip gloss and eyeshadow gel.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay – Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$39.99

As one of the various options to choose from for the luxury skincare’s serum deal, this B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum will hydrate and plump skin, resulting in a smooth, glowing appearance. To score the 15% off, be sure to add two more qualifying serums to your cart.

Ulta Beauty

Wet Brush – EPIC Professional Quick Dry

$9.99 $19.99 50% off% OFF

Keep your strands snarl-free with a Wet Brush that won’t break the bank. The flexible bristles will move with you strands to keep them smooth and free of any knots. It’s also available in two shades to customize to your liking.

Ulta Beauty

Curlsmith – Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash

$28 $56 50% off% OFF

Give your curls the ultimate lather and rinse experience using Curlsmith’s Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash. The two-in-one shampoo and conditioner uses ingredients like avocado, sunflower and coconut oil to nourish hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Plus, it’s 50% off!

It Cosmetics

It Cosmetics – CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum

$35.25 $47 25% off% OFF

Enjoy a smooth matte complexion without the heaviness that some foundations can supply. It Cosmetics lightweight CC cream is a basic but an essential in your makeup arsenal — and it even includes SPF 40.

It Cosmetics

It Cosmetics – Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

$21 $28 25% off% OFF

It Cosmetics is bringing length and lift with its beloved Superhero Elastic Stretch Mascara. The formula is buildable so you can customize it just how you like it while the collagen, biotin and peptides condition your lashes to prevent them from drying out.

Dermstore

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50

$39.20 $49 20% off% OFF

A solid SPF is a must-have no especially during the summer months. Protect your face from damaging UV rays using Colorscience’s Face Shield, which includes a sweat and water-resistant formula for longer wear. Don’t forget to punch in the code SUN at checkout to score an extra 20% off.

Janelle Monáe Speaks Out About Queer Representation: ‘I’m Not Obligated to Share My Story’

Janelle Monáe spoke out about bucking expectations of being a queer icon in a new cover story on Monday (May 22).

“I’m not obligated to share my story,” the proudly non-binary artist told Rolling Stone for the magazine’s June 2023 issue. “Nobody’s obligated. But I do think it’s powerful for me to talk and give a name to some of these things.”

Elsewhere in the interview, though, she cautioned against putting any musician or public figure on a pedestal. “You cannot project onto artists. You have to understand that experiences will be had and people will change and evolve and not be the person you look up to,” she said. “As much as you love and care about me, I’m on my own journey that has nothing to do with music, has nothing to do with art.”

Monáe is on the precipice of releasing her fourth album, The Age of Pleasure, which is due out June 9 via Atlantic Records. Pivoting from the futuristic narrative of her early releases such as 2010’s The ArchAndroid and 2013’s The Electric Lady, the forthcoming studio set is rooted in the sounds of the Black diaspora in the here and now.

“It was inspired by all of my friends, my community of folks who are from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., Chicago,” the singer said. “Seeing all of us together in our Blackness, in the love that we had in our eyes for each other. People from the continent f–k around with trap from Atlanta. You know what I’m saying? I love how the diaspora — we talk to each other.”

Check out Monáe’s Rolling Stone cover below.

Lizzo Sends Love to Nebraska Fans After Anti-Trans & Anti-Abortion Bills Passed: ‘You Are Valid’

Just hours after the Nebraska senate voted to further restrict access to abortion and gender-affirming care for minors, pop superstar Lizzo had something to say about it.

Performing at Omaha’s Chi Health Center on Friday (May 19), Lizzo paused the show for a moment to talk about the news of the day, according to a fan-captured video of the moment. “There have been some anti-trans laws passed, some anti-abortion laws passed,” a visibly upset Lizzo told her crowd. “And anybody who comes to a Lizzo show should know that I am for people to have the right to healthcare, reproductive and gender-affirming.”

The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen later this week, restricts access to abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, and bans gender-affirming surgical procedures for anyone under the age of 19. The bill also stipulates that the state’s chief medical officer will create “limitations” on other forms of gender-affirming care — including hormone therapy and puberty blockers — for minors.

During her speech, Lizzo made it clear that she felt a responsibility to speak out for those who were being directly affected by these bills. “There’s times where I get very political, and as adults, we feel it. But there’s children here tonight,” she said, fighting back tears. “It really breaks my heart that there are young people growing up in a world that doesn’t protect them.”

Shouting into her screaming crowd, Lizzo called out directly to her young fans. “Let me be your safe space tonight and just tell you young people, don’t let anybody tell you who you are. Don’t let any laws tell you who you’re not … You are who you are, OK?” she said. “I see you. You are valid, you deserve to be here in every form. You contain multitudes. These laws are not real — you are what’s real, and you deserve to be protected.”

Watch the full moment from Lizzo’s concert below: