SZA Grand National Tour: She Thought the Crowd Was There for Kendrick, Not Her

SZA thought the crowd was there for Kendrick, not her but the SZA Grand National Tour proved otherwise.

Before the SZA Grand National Tour kicked off on April 19, 2025, SZA admitted she was nervous the audience was coming just for Kendrick Lamar. In an Interview Magazine story published June 17, 2025, she opened up about her fear that she’d be overshadowed.

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“Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody’s going to see Kendrick. I don’t even know if I have anything to show these people that’s exciting and new,” she confessed.

She also revealed that before performing or walking a red carpet, she suffered “full‑on panic attacks” and often thought, “No one cares that I’m here”, to the point she sometimes didn’t show up.

Anxiety Followed Her Into the Spotlight

Despite her Grammy wins and hit songs, SZA faced serious stage fright. She told Interview that even as the headline of a massive stadium tour with Kendrick, she questioned whether her fans were truly there for her.

Seeing Her Own Power Live

Mid‑tour, SZA embraced a different mindset:

“Now it’s just like, ‘F‑‑‑ it… I want to walk through the door. I want to see what happens in the uncertainty.’”  

That shift reflected a bigger journey on the SZA Grand National Tour, from self-doubt to self-belief.

Fashion & Styling

SZA’s stage wardrobe is also making waves for its mix of comfort and cultural resonance. Her outfits are styled by Alejandra Hernandez and they include oversized 90s‑style varsity jackets and baggy men’s jeans. One look that stood out features a St. Louis Blues jersey bearing “Yemaya,” a spirit from Yoruba myth, combining homage to her Nigerian heritage and her earlier SOS Deluxe: Lana visuals.

Guest Appearances & Star Power

Each city’s date brings a sprinkle of surprise with guest artists such as Playboi Carti, Baby Keem, Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Kaytranada, Lizzo, and AZ Chike have joined on stage, contributing guest verses and bringing unforgettable duets. For example, Lizzo and SZA’s rendition of “Special,” Justin Bieber’s surprise duet on “Snooze,” and Doja Cat joining SZA for “Kiss Me More” have been absolute fan-favorite moments.

SZA Grand National Tour Belongs to Her

Yes, Kendrick made surprise appearances. But this stadium run, spanning North America, Europe, and Australia was her show as much as his.

Her admitting vulnerability, then turning it into power, has made this tour a milestone. It was definitely one where SZA not only commanded the stage but found her voice.

Beyond the emotional arc, SZA’s Grand National Tour has been a spectacular showcase of both artistry and staging. Launched on April 19, 2025 at U.S.Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the stadium run spans 39 shows across North America and Europe, concluding with two Kendrick Lamar solo shows in Australia slated for December 2025.