Special (Lizzo song)

"Special"
"Special"
	SZA remix cover
Single by Lizzo
from the album Special
Released	January 13, 2023
Genre	R&B
Length	2:54
Label	Nice Life; Atlantic;
Songwriter(s)	Melissa Jefferson; Theron Thomas; Max Martin; Andrew Wansel; Ian Kirkpatrick; Daoud Anthony;
Producer(s)	Max Martin; Pop Wansel; Ian Kirkpatrick; Daoud Anthony;
Lizzo singles chronology
SZA singles chronology
Music video
	"Special" on YouTube

"Special" is a song by American singer and rapper Lizzo, and the title track of her fourth studio album, Special (2022). It was released to Italian contemporary hit radio on January 13, 2023, as the third single from the album. A remix featuring American singer SZA was released on February 9, 2023. The song peaked at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Lizzo's first and SZA's second song to top the Adult R&B Airplay chart.^[2] It also reached number 2 in Suriname and number 6 in San Marino.

Live performances

Lizzo debuted the song on the forty-seventh season of Saturday Night Live on April 16, 2022, three months before its release.^[1] She performed the song on Today on July 15, 2022, the same day as the release of its parent album.^[3] Lizzo also performed the song during a December 2022 appearance on The Howard Stern Show.^[4] Lizzo further performed the song at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, accompanied by a gospel choir.^[5] A few days later, she performed a medley of "Special" with "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" and "About Damn Time" at the Brit Awards 2023.^[6] The same month she played the song on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, alongside a cover of "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras.^[7] She was brought out by SZA to perform "Special" together during the concert at the Grand National Tour in Inglewood, California, on May 21, 2025.^[8]

Music video

Lizzo released the music video for "Special" on February 1, 2023. In the video, she portrays a "beleaguered and put-upon waitress" who is secretly a superhero at night.^[9]

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Special"
Chart (2022–2023)	Peak position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[10]	72
Canada AC (Billboard)^[11]	17
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)^[12]	22
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)^[13]	23
Global 200 (Billboard)^[14]	105
Ireland (IRMA)^[15]	67
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)^[16]	14
Latvia Airplay (LaIPA)^[17]	6
Netherlands (Single Tip)^[18]	20
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[19]	11
San Marino (SMRRTV Top 50)^[20]	6
South Korea Download (Circle)^[21]	159
Suriname (Nationale Top 40)^[22]	2
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)^[23]	3
UK Singles (OCC)^[24]	66
US Billboard Hot 100^[25]	52
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)^[26]	26
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)^[27]	15
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[28]	18
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)^[29]	16
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)^[30]	15
US Rhythmic (Billboard)^[31]	10

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for "Special"
Chart (2023)	Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[32]	69
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)^[33]	49
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)^[34]	46

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Special"
Region	Date	Format(s)	Version	Label	Ref.
Italy	January 13, 2023	Contemporary hit radio	Original	Nice Life Atlantic	^[35]
Various	February 9, 2023	Digital download streaming	SZA remix		^[36]
United States	February 14, 2023	Contemporary hit radio rhythmic contemporary radio	SZA remix		^[37]^[38]
Various	February 24, 2023	Digital download streaming	Sped Up SZA Remix		^[39]

References

^ ^a ^b Kaplan, Ilana (April 17, 2022). "Watch Lizzo Debut Vulnerable New Single 'Special' on 'SNL'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ Folk, Antawne (June 26, 2023). "Lizzo and SZA's 'Special' Hits No. 1 at R&B Radio". Rated R&B. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
^ Hines, Ree (July 15, 2022). "Watch Lizzo Turn Up the Music on the TODAY Plaza". NBC Chicago. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ "LIZZO TALKS PRINCE, PSYCHICS, AND WHAT INSPIRED 'TRUTH HURTS' IN HER STERN SHOW DEBUT". howardstern.com. December 12, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
^ Phillips, Lior (February 5, 2023). "Watch Lizzo Deliver Electrifying Performances of "About Damn Time" and "Special"". Grammys.com. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ Corcoran, Nina (February 11, 2023). "Lizzo Performs Special Medley at BRIT Awards 2023: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
^ Kreps, daniel (February 17, 2023). "Lizzo Flutes Up Sam Smith and Kim Petras' 'Unholy' for BBC's Live Lounge". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
^ Mamo, Heran (May 22, 2025). "Kendrick Lamar & SZA Preach Love Over Hate During 1st LA Stop of Grand National Tour: 5 Best Moments". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
^ Rowley, Glenn (February 1, 2023). "Lizzo Is the Superhero We All Need in 'Special' Music Video". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
^ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 22, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 22, 2023.
^ "Latvijas radio stacijās spēlētākās dziesmas TOP 14. nedēļa" (in Latvian). LAIPA. April 12, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
^ "Dutch Single Tip 18/02/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved February 18, 2023.
^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
^ "Top 50 – Radio San Marino RTV – 03/03/2023" (in Italian). San Marino RTV. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
^ "Download Chart – Week 6 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 16, 2023.
^ "Top 5 | 15 September 2022" [Top 5 | September 15, 2022] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname. September 21, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 7". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
^ "Lizzo Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
^ "Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
^ "Year-End Charts – Pop Airplay Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
^ "Year-End Charts – R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
^ "LIZZO "Special" | (Radio Date: 13/01/2023)".
^ Bowenbank, Starr (February 9, 2023). "Lizzo & SZA's 'Special' Remix Has a Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ "Top 40/Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
^ "Special (feat. Lizzo) [Sped Up Version] - Single by Lizzo". Apple Music. Retrieved April 11, 2023.

[RS-1] Kaplan, Ilana (April 17, 2022). "Watch Lizzo Debut Vulnerable New Single 'Special' on 'SNL'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[2] Folk, Antawne (June 26, 2023). "Lizzo and SZA's 'Special' Hits No. 1 at R&B Radio". Rated R&B. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

[3] Hines, Ree (July 15, 2022). "Watch Lizzo Turn Up the Music on the TODAY Plaza". NBC Chicago. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[4] "LIZZO TALKS PRINCE, PSYCHICS, AND WHAT INSPIRED 'TRUTH HURTS' IN HER STERN SHOW DEBUT". howardstern.com. December 12, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

[5] Phillips, Lior (February 5, 2023). "Watch Lizzo Deliver Electrifying Performances of "About Damn Time" and "Special"". Grammys.com. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[6] Corcoran, Nina (February 11, 2023). "Lizzo Performs Special Medley at BRIT Awards 2023: Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

[7] Kreps, daniel (February 17, 2023). "Lizzo Flutes Up Sam Smith and Kim Petras' 'Unholy' for BBC's Live Lounge". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 2, 2023.

[8] Mamo, Heran (May 22, 2025). "Kendrick Lamar & SZA Preach Love Over Hate During 1st LA Stop of Grand National Tour: 5 Best Moments". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2025.

[9] Rowley, Glenn (February 1, 2023). "Lizzo Is the Superhero We All Need in 'Special' Music Video". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[sc_Canada_Lizzo-10] "Lizzo Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.

[sc_Billboardcanadaac_Lizzo-11] "Lizzo Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.

[sc_Billboardcanadahotac_Lizzo-12] "Lizzo Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2023.

[sc_Billboardcanadachrtop40_Lizzo-13] "Lizzo Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.

[sc_Billboardglobal200_Lizzo-14] "Lizzo Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.

[15] "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved February 18, 2023.

[16] "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas – Week of February 22, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 22, 2023.

[17] "Latvijas radio stacijās spēlētākās dziesmas TOP 14. nedēļa" (in Latvian). LAIPA. April 12, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.

[18] "Dutch Single Tip 18/02/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved February 18, 2023.

[19] "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.

[20] "Top 50 – Radio San Marino RTV – 03/03/2023" (in Italian). San Marino RTV. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2024.

[21] "Download Chart – Week 6 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 16, 2023.

[22] "Top 5 | 15 September 2022" [Top 5 | September 15, 2022] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname. September 21, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2023.

[23] "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 7". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 17, 2023.

[sc_UK_-24] "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 17, 2023.

[sc_Billboardhot100_Lizzo-25] "Lizzo Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 22, 2023.

[sc_Billboardadultcontemporary_Lizzo-26] "Lizzo Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved March 11, 2023.

[sc_Billboardadultpopsongs_Lizzo-27] "Lizzo Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 18, 2023.

[sc_Billboardrandbhiphop_Lizzo-28] "Lizzo Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 7, 2023.

[sc_Billboardrandbhiphopairplay_Lizzo-29] "Lizzo Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.

[sc_Billboardpopsongs_Lizzo-30] "Lizzo Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.

[sc_Billboardrhythmic_Lizzo-31] "Lizzo Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2023.

[32] "Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.

[33] "Year-End Charts – Pop Airplay Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2023.

[34] "Year-End Charts – R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Songs 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2023.

[radiodate-35] "LIZZO "Special" | (Radio Date: 13/01/2023)".

[36] Bowenbank, Starr (February 9, 2023). "Lizzo & SZA's 'Special' Remix Has a Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[37] "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[38] "Top 40/Rhythmic Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.

[39] "Special (feat. Lizzo) [Sped Up Version] - Single by Lizzo". Apple Music. Retrieved April 11, 2023.

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v t e Lizzo
Discography Awards and nominations
Studio albums	Lizzobangers Big Grrrl Small World Cuz I Love You Special
Mixtapes	My Face Hurts from Smiling
Extended plays	Coconut Oil
Singles	"Good as Hell" "Water Me" "Truth Hurts" "Boys" "Juice" "Cuz I Love You" "Rumors" "About Damn Time" "2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)" "Special" "Love in Real Life"
Featured singles	"Blame It on Your Love"
Promotional singles	"Tempo" "Someday at Christmas" "Pink"
Tours	Cuz I Love You Too Tour The Special Tour
Television	Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls Homer's Adventures Through the Windshield Glass
Filmography	Love, Lizzo

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