Chili's teams up with Lizzo for new Baby Back Ribs jingle
The singer puts her spin on the classic tune to promote Chili's new ribs.
May 27, 2026
Chili’s Baby Back Ribs jingle is back again, this time starring Lizzo.
The singer and songwriter performs her rendition of the classic tune in a video released Wednesday to promote Chili’s recently upgraded baby back ribs.
The video pays homage to the original 1996 TV commercial, which featured Chili’s employees breaking into song and using kitchen utensils as percussion.
But Lizzo adds her own spin, showing off her flautist skills on a rib flute (prompting an onlooker to ask, “Is that a rib flute?”) and adding a new verse. She also recorded an acapella version of the original.
Lizzo is known for hits such as “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell” and has won multiple Grammy and Emmy awards. She once followed a plant-based diet but has spoken more recently about reincorporating animal proteins into her diet. That apparently includes baby back ribs.
In a press release, Lizzo said that Chili’s was a big part of her childhood, and that she even dressed up as a fried mozzarella cheese pull for Halloween.
“When they reached out about collaborating, I couldn't say yes fast enough,” she said in a statement. “I don't think there's a more memorable jingle, so when putting my own spin on it, I really wanted to honor that history while also making it feel fun and very me.”
The video, now live on YouTube, spotlights one of Chili’s signature menu items, which got a revamp last year. The new baby back rib recipe features larger ribs with a crispier exterior of caramelized barbecue sauce. They are part of a series of menu upgrades at the chain that have contributed to significant sales and traffic growth over the past two years.
The catchy baby back ribs jingle is an iconic part of Chili’s lore. The brand has produced several renditions over the years, most recently in 2023, with R&B group Boyz II Men.
About the Author
Joe Guszkowski
Senior editor, Restaurant Business
Joe Guszkowski is a senior editor with Restaurant Business covering technology and casual-dining chains.
Content Spotlight
The Technomic Top 500: Another tough year for chain restaurants
Top 500 chain restaurant sales slowed again in 2025 as consumers cut back on dining, but sectors like coffee, beverages and snacks and chicken thrived
Featured
May 28, 2026
May 21, 2026
Recent News
Content Spotlight
Get to know Rick Cardenas, the Darden CEO who started there as a busser
The executive shares his advice, along with his most-binged TV show, favorite sports team, and most-used app
Source: This story originated with Nation's Restaurant News.
View Original Article →