For nearly three decades, one of the most inescapable melodies in fast-casual restaurant history has been embedded in the subconscious of American diners. Written in the mid-1990s, Chili's legendary "Baby Back Ribs" jingle has been covered by pop icons, referenced in hit sitcoms, and sung by millions at the dinner table.
Now, Chili's Grill & Bar is bringing the earworm into a new era. On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the chain officially unveiled a massive brand partnership with four-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist—and self-proclaimed Chili’s superfan—Lizzo. Co-written and co-produced by the pop star, the brand-new marketing push features a modern, high-energy musical remix alongside a tongue-in-cheek commercial that serves a dual purpose: reminding America of a classic tune while drawing attention to a major, quiet overhaul of the actual menu item.
Standing Against "Shrinkflation"
While the flashy, viral video is grabbing the headlines, the real shocker for foodies is resting directly on the plate. Over the past year, Chili's has been quietly executing a massive quality upgrade to its signature Baby Back Ribs across all restaurant locations nationwide.
In a direct, counter-cultural stand against the restaurant industry's rampant "shrinkflation" trend—where chains reduce portion sizes to absorb soaring food and labor costs—Chili's has opted to double down on abundance. The newly upgraded rib recipe features:
- Massive Portions: Both full- and half-rack portions have been structurally re-engineered to deliver up to 50% more ribs and meat than what was previously served.
- The Crispy Exterior: The ribs are smoked to an exceptionally tender texture and finished with an all-new caramelized barbecue sauce crust that locks in moisture while adding a distinct, crunchy bark.
"When we refreshed our ribs, our goal was to give guests more of what they love without straying too far from where we started," George Felix, Chili's Chief Marketing Officer, stated in a press release. "Lizzo nailed it by bringing something familiar and beloved into the moment with her signature creativity and energy."
From Vegan Lifestyle to the Infamous "Rib Flute"
The collaborative commercial is an over-the-top homage to Chili's original 1996 ad campaign, which famously featured restaurant cooks using kitchen tongs and utensils as rhythm instruments. In the new 2026 spot, Lizzo starts by jokingly claiming she would never sing a corporate jingle—until a massive novelty check slides into the frame. From there, she turns a pair of kitchen tongs into a microphone before pulling out a custom instrument that has social media losing its mind: an actual flute custom-designed to look like a charred slab of Chili’s Baby Back Ribs.
The partnership also marks a highly personal diet evolution for the singer. Lizzo, who previously followed a strict plant-based lifestyle, spoke openly about her recent transition back to consuming animal protein, timing perfectly with her eating a massive rack of ribs on camera.
"When I announced that I was no longer vegan… I was so nervous that I would hurt people's feelings," Lizzo shared regarding the transition. "But it was important for me to say that back then, because of things like this now, where, you know, it would have been super jarring for me to be a vegan in 2021, and then 2026, I'm eating a big old rib and playing a rib flute."
How to Score Free Lizzo Swag
The timing of the campaign serves as a major promotional launchpad for the artist, whose highly anticipated fifth studio album is scheduled to drop on Friday, June 5, 2026.
To sweeten the deal for diners, Chili's has launched an exclusive sweepstakes running through its digital application. Starting from last Friday, My Chili's Rewards members can log into their profiles to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a limited-edition commemorative t-shirt signed by Lizzo alongside a Chili’s gift card. Both the full rap-infused remix and a completely raw, acapella version performed entirely by Lizzo are currently streaming on YouTube.
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