2023 Women Of Live: Alana Balden

Artist Manager | Full Stop Management

For a shining example of how the live industry is becoming more inclusive, Lizzo shows the world how it’s done.

Along with the “Big Grrrls” backup dancers who join Lizzo on stage, the women on the superstar’s team include manager Alana Balden of Full Stop Management, tour manager Carlina Gugliotta, lighting director Katherine “Kat” Borderud, video director Colleen Wittenberg, accountant Ashley Joshi, B-Party tour manager Molly Gordon, and a business management team of four women: Joshi, Cat Marcasciano, Michelle Cope and Lauren Lee.

“I’ve seen a considerable shift of inclusivity not only with my colleagues and peers, but with our own Lizzo tour where the bulk of our touring team is female,” says Balden. “Lizzo’s tour is the perfect example that inclusivity can exist when given the opportunity and space to do so.”

The first leg of Lizzo’s “The Special Tour,” in support of her fourth studio album, kicked off Sept. 23 at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, and wrapped Nov. 18-19 with two nights at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The trek ranked No. 46 on Pollstar’s 2022 North American Top Tours chart with a gross of $35.4 million.

Lizzo returned to the road in February to launch the European leg of the tour that concluded with two nights at London’s The O2 March 15-16. She’ll be back headlining arenas across North America starting in late April.

With all of the milestones Lizzo has checked off over the past year – from her first arena tour to becoming the first Black woman to win Record of the Year (for “About Damn Time” from Special) in almost 30 years – it’s no wonder Balden says it’s hard to choose one answer for her most impactful business success. Lizzo also launched her YITTY clothing brand; created, produced and starred in her Emmy-winning Amazon show “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls;” released an HBO documentary and an HBO concert special.

Plus, on a personal note, Balden also won an Emmy for Outstanding Competition Program as a co-executive producer for “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.