Kendrick Lamar and SZA Ignite SoFi Stadium with Grand National Tour in L.A.

Experience the electric energy of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour as it takes over Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium with unforgettable performances.

Kendrick’s Proud L.A. Homecoming

“Los Angeles, Cali-motherfucking-fornia!” Kendrick Lamar’s shout-out kicked off the night, setting the tone for a vibrant homecoming. After weeks on the road, Kendrick and SZA, his longtime collaborator and friend, rolled into their hometown’s crown jewel venue, SoFi Stadium, for three sold-out nights. Following a year filled with Billboard chart-toppers, Grammy wins, film appearances, and even a Super Bowl halftime show, this concert could have been a mere victory lap. But no, Kendrick and SZA brought full force, commanding the stage for nearly three hours as if they had everything yet to prove.

A Fiery Start: Kendrick’s Grand National Entrance

The show opened with holographic graffiti slicing through a “concrete wall” on stage. Out of this emerged Kendrick rising inside a Buick Grand National, the album’s namesake. Launching into “wacced out murals” from his 2024 album GNX, Kendrick quickly ignited the stage with verbal pyrotechnics and literal flames. His relentless energy was backed by dramatic lighting and a fierce delivery of tracks from both GNX and his earlier classics, setting an electrifying pace for the night.

SZA’s Dreamy Garden Vibes

SZA initially joined Kendrick for “30 for 30,” but as he exited, her set transformed the atmosphere. The video wall behind her cracked and crumbled away, revealing enchanting, colorful nature scenes. The crowd was metaphorically shrunk down to an ant's perspective as the visuals grew ever more whimsical. Taking that concept literally, SZA even rode a mechanical ant on stage! Her smooth, chill grooves kept the energy alive without overwhelming the audience. She floated through hits like “What Do I Do” with joyous lightness and took flight—literally—on butterfly wings suspended by a harness during “Nobody Gets Me.”

Seamless Set Swaps: A Unique Co-Headlining Dynamic

The concert was unique in how Lamar and SZA alternated their sets—each would perform around six songs before the other took over. This fluid exchange wasn’t just a novelty; it showed a rare absence of ego and a harmonious blending of star power. The flow kept the audience energized throughout, making a nearly three-hour show feel fresh and well-paced. It was arguably one of the best-sequenced co-headlining shows ever witnessed.

Colorful Vibes and Shared Energy

Throughout the night, the two artists traded vibes and colors on stage. Kendrick’s dynamic “HUMBLE.” was accompanied by bright, playful dancers, contrasting with SZA’s sensual “Consideration,” set in deep reds. SZA’s recurring praying mantis motif added a darkly humorous edge to “Kill Bill,” while Kendrick’s “tv off” became a thematic bookend surrounding “MUSTARD!” Both artists cleverly used the night’s structure to build anticipation and deliver satisfying moments.

Adding to the excitement, SZA brought out special guest Lizzo—her “best friend for energy and positivity”—to perform the empowering track “Special” together.

An Intimate Connection Amidst the Spectacle

Despite the massive scale of the event, it never felt distant or overly polished. Kendrick and SZA’s chemistry was palpable, whether in their soaring Oscar-nominated duet “All the Stars,” which used rising platforms to create vertical layers of performance, or their tender and heartfelt “LOVE.” These moments fostered intimacy in a stadium-sized venue.

Between songs, playful video clips of their friendship delighted the L.A. crowd—like a funny debate over gas station snacks where SZA teased Kendrick for mispronouncing “chamoy,” reminding him, “Your fans are Mexican!”

A Triumphant Finale

The night closed with the duo’s collaborative songs “luther” and “gloria,” following Kendrick’s explosive, stadium-shaking “Not Like Us.” Even as the clock neared 11 p.m., the crowd was fully engaged, shouting every line with joy and passion. This moment was a well-earned victory lap for Kendrick Lamar and SZA—two artists who continue to pour their hearts into their craft, no matter how much success they’ve already achieved.

“Los Angeles, Cali-motherfucking-fornia!”
— Kendrick Lamar

What’s your favorite moment from Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour? Have you ever attended a co-headlining show this dynamic?

FAQs

• How long was the Grand National Tour show at SoFi Stadium?
  The concert lasted nearly three hours, featuring alternating sets by Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
• Did Kendrick Lamar and SZA perform any songs together?
  Yes, they performed duets including their Oscar-nominated hit “All the Stars” and the song “LOVE.”
• Was there a special guest during the tour?
  SZA brought out Lizzo to perform the song “Special” as a guest during the show.
• What unique stage effects were used during the tour?
  The show featured holographic graffiti, dramatic lighting, mechanical ants, butterfly wings harnesses, and rising platforms.
• How did the artists interact with the audience during the show?
  They shared playful videos and made references to local culture, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere despite the large venue.

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