Lizzo

Global superstar Lizzo launches her first project as part of her first-look deal with Amazon Studios. Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is an exciting and powerful eight-episode Amazon Original unscripted series that will be available exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S. and in other countries and territories around the world in May 2022.

Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls follows global superstar and icon Lizzo, who is on the hunt for confident, badass women to join the elite ranks of the Big Grrrls and her world tour. With 10 hopeful women moving into the Big Grrrls House, they must prove they have what it takes to make it to the end to join Lizzo in front of a global audience on the center stage.

Joining Lizzo to help her in the search for dynamic dancers are legendary choreographers Tanisha Scott and O.G. Big Grrrls Chawnta’ Marie Van, Shirlene Quigley, Grace Holden, and several special guests, including choreographer Charm La’Donna, body movement expert Rashida KhanBey Miller, and multi-platinum singer/songwriter SZA.

Monarch had the opportunity to catch up with one of the ladies from the show. Dancer, influencer, and model Sydney Bell shares with us what it’s like to work with Lizzo.

MONARCH: What made you audition for this process?

SYDNEY BELL: I’m an influencer and model, and I post a lot of body-positive content. Two years ago I went viral with a post that shouts out all of those who made fun of me for being fat in high school; now I’m a plus-size model. The clip included a video of me cheering in high school with all the campaigns and ads that I’ve been a part of. So I thought, “I’m going to send this to Lizzo,” because she was the catalyst for me embracing myself and finding comfort in my body.

When I sent the clip, I expressed my gratitude, and Lizzo was so encouraging. At that moment, I told her, if she ever needed a backup dancer in Houston, please let me know. Then, two years later, I received a DM to come audition. I applied, and now I’m here.

MONARCH: What was the audition process?

SYDNEY BELL: Needless to say, I was super excited and nervous. I understood that this opportunity was rare, and I wanted to show up. The moment was not only about proving everyone else wrong but proving that I deserve to be there.

MONARCH: I’ve watched you on social media, and you handle negative comments very well. You are not afraid to highlight negative comments. Where did that approach come from?

SYDNEY BELL: You are not born questioning who you are or hating what you look like. It is only when you venture out into society that negative comments are thrown at you. So I clap back for other people to encourage them to strive regardless of the negativity. In short, people can say what they want to say about you, but if you know who you are, all of that stuff is just extra noise.

MONARCH: What have you learned from Lizzo about perfecting your craft as a dancer?

SYDNEY BELL: What I’ve learned is that it is okay not to be perfect. Those mistakes or imperfections are what make me who I am, so it is okay not to be perfect.

MONARCH: I’m sure a bond was created among all of you. What are the other girls like on the show?

SYDNEY BELL: Every single one of my sisters is extra and absolutely perfect. They are always there for me, whether it’s relationship problems or whatever; they are just a phone call away. It is great to have; it’s a sisterhood and friendship that I never knew I needed. We are all different yet all share the same story.

MONARCH: What would you like people to take away from the show?

SYDNEY BELL: That it took a lot of self-love for me to become the person you see on social media and the show. I want to remind everyone that self-love is lifelong journey; it’s taught and not bought. It’s a practice of self-affirmation, taking time for yourself, prayer, and taking each step day by day. But eventually you will get there.