So, here's the scoop.
Lizzo just learned that Minnesota named a snowplow after her and she was pleased as punch.
The naming of snowplows in the state known for some of the harshest winters was the result of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) starting a contest during the pandemic to ease some of the icy isolation tension.
With over 122,000 votes, a new tradition was born, with pun-filled submissions like "The Big Leplowski," "CTRL Salt Delete," and "Betty White Out."
This year, more than 64,000 people voted for their favorite names. Out of the sixty finalist entries for consideration, eight were selected to join the MnDOT snowplow fleet, including "Better Call Salt," "Yer A Blizzard Harry," and "Blizzo."
\u201cThe votes are in! \ud83c\udf89 More than 64,000 people voted and we\u2019re excited to welcome eight new snowplow names to our fleet (including an homage to someone who just won Record of the Year *ahem* hi @lizzo!)\n\nMeet the Class of 2023 Snowplows and learn more: https://t.co/vCCLVYw2s3\u201d— Minnesota Department of Transportation (@Minnesota Department of Transportation) 1675868321
Upon hearing the news that her name inspired a winning entry, the recent Grammy Award winner for record of the year took to social media and sang her praises.
"Of all the awards I have received, this, by far, is the highest honor."
She humbly added:
"To know that there is a snowplow named Blizzo that is clearing the streets of the Twin Cities right now makes my heart melt... or freeze!"
Here is her video message.
\u201cBLIZZO SUPREMACY \u2744\ufe0f\u2744\ufe0f\u2744\ufe0f thank you MN #blizzo\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
The singer gave a shoutout to Osseo Middle School, whose students submitted her name for consideration, and thanked the students for bestowing her the "esteemed" honor.
Here is a news video showing how the students from the school got the word out to vote for "Blizzo" after submitting the name.
\u201cHey, @lizzo! These students in MPLS are wanting to hear from you after campaigning to name a snow plow #Blizzo. As someone who relates to you by also spending years in Houston and ending up in Minneapolis, I want to help these kids out. I'd love to help you connect with them.\u201d— Chris Reece (@Chris Reece) 1675970328
"Thank you so much for supporting me no matter where I go in my career. I love you Twin Cities!
She concluded her video message with:
"Stay freezing!"
You can watch a news report here.
Minnesota creates punny tradition of naming snowplowsyoutu.be
People shared their glee over the exciting news and expressed their admiration for the affable singer.
\u201c@lizzo Thank you @lizzo for doing a shout out to the kids\u2019 school. My daughter was in the class that selected your name. She\u2019s pretty excited that you mentioned her school. We then listened to Lizzo songs on our drive home. \ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\udfb6\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo You represent Minnesota with class, elegance and humor! And all that is before the music!\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo You\u2019re a beautiful role model for young women. Incredible performance yesterday. Minnesota loves you! #Blizzo \u2744\ufe0f\u2744\ufe0f\u2744\ufe0f\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo You plowed right into our hearts! #blizzo \ud83d\udc9c\u2744\ufe0f\ud83d\udc9c\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo This is amazing! Having lived in frigid Minnesota for almost a decade I know what an honor this is!\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo i love u so much. You\u2019d be surprised how much you get brought up up in Minneapolis.\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo MN loves you, girlie \ud83d\udc96\ud83e\udd17\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
\u201c@lizzo OMG I love that you took time to do this. You are good people Lizzo.\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1676223753
Lizzo is currently on a winning streak, thanks to the state of Minnesota.
Now we just need the iconic artist to make an appearance for a special photo opp–Lizzo on Blizzo–to show that she owned the competition.
Congratulations, Lizzo!