Lizzo Channels Ariana DeBose, Angela Bassett On Now-Viral Concert Moment in Amsterdam

Lizzo is one to stay up on social media like any other artist out there.

The self-confessed TikTok addict joins the likes of SZA and Doja Cat in being engrossed in social media trends and viral videos. That is why it was no surprise that she knows the now-viral video of Ariana DeBose's infamous BAFTA Rap performance.

Lizzo 'Angela Bassett Did The Thing' Video

On her special performance last night, Feb. 24, 2023, in Amsterdam, Lizzo sent the whole stadium laughing as she channeled DeBose in trying to loosen up the audience.

"Let's shake it off! Angela Bassett did the thing, shake it off!" Lizzo sang and danced while doing the now-iconic bit. "Angela Bassett did thang. Yeah!"

The nod was one of the many impersonations that had social media dancing in the past few weeks.

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Ariana DeBose BAFTA Rap Performance

Earlier this week, at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards, BAFTA and Oscar-winning actress and singer Ariana DeBose opened the ceremony in a very energetic number. However, her performance does not seem to match the energy that the crowd has given.

In her energetic performance, DeBose had a rap verse recognizing the incredible performances of women in film in the past year. She name-checked almost every female acting nominee in the rap song, including big hitters like Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Bassett, and Viola Davis.

"Angela Bassett did the thing. Viola Davis, my 'Woman King.' Blanchett Cate, you're a genius. Jamie Lee [Curtis], you are all of us," she sang on the tune of Eurythmics' "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," and Sister Sledge's "We Are Family."

Not only was DeBose seemed to be out of breath and gasping for air during the performance, but every time the camera panned on each actress, they seemed surprised and unamused at the same time their name was called.

Some said that the performance was cringy and awkward. However, it seems like social media has got the hang of it as it has been transformed into different memes.

Many have also called on Ariana DeBose's performance as a pop culture moment of 2023, going down on history as the "campiest" thing that has happened at the BAFTA Film Awards.

However, DeBose deactivated her Twitter account following the backlash that she racked up in the first few days. But with the growing tolerance and appreciation of her performance now, it seemed like the singer finally owns up to the now-iconic rather than infamous performance.

In an Instagram post, DeBose said that she loved the suggestion of one user urging Angela Bassett to include "the thing" in her acceptance speech should she win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the upcoming ceremony.

Tags

BAFTA Film Awards, Lizzo