SZA tribute to Kendrick Lamar became one of the most heartfelt moments of the Grand National tour. The TDE star wrapped up her part of the record-breaking run and expressed nothing but love for her longtime collaborator. On Instagram Stories she wrote, “This tour was the craziest, most once in a lifetime experience I have ever had.
Like all my childhood thoughts in one bang… WHAT WAS THAT? Not a lot of words. Thank you to every single person involved that made this happen. Especially Kendrick Lamar.”
During one of the June stops on the tour, SZA took a pause on stage to speak directly about Kendrick in front of the crowd. Fighting back emotion, she said, “He put me onto the biggest moment of my life. This is also the biggest moment of my life. I am so thankful, and I am so thankful to all of you.” After her words, the two “Luther” collaborators embraced before continuing their set together.
Away from the stage, SZA has been open about her struggles with anxiety. In an Interview Magazine conversation with Chappell Roan, she admitted that the idea of joining a co-headlining tour with Kendrick was overwhelming at first. “Every time I had to go on stage, every time I had to get on a carpet, I would have full panic attacks. I used to skip events because I felt like no one cared that I was there. Why would I go?”
Those doubts followed her into the Grand National tour. She explained, “Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody is going to see Kendrick. I did not even know if I had anything new and exciting to give them.”
Despite those fears, she shared that her mindset has shifted. “Now it is just like, forget it. I want to see where this door is going to lead. I want to walk through the door. I want to see what happens in the uncertainty.”
Although SZA has finished her time on the road, Kendrick Lamar announced additional stadium dates for the tour in Australia. For the next leg he will be joined by Doechii, continuing to build on what has already become one of the most talked about tours of the year.
