SZA has always served style with soul, but her appearance at the American Music Awards was a full-on slay.
The R&B powerhouse stepped onto the red carpet in a fiery ginger hair transformation that had the crowd, and the internet, gasping. Pair that with a gown that shimmered like liquid copper, and what you get is red-hot realness at its finest.
From the moment she arrived, all eyes were on her. The warm, ginger-toned hair, softly styled in cascading waves, framed her face like a halo. It was a bold departure from her usual earth-toned looks, signaling a new era of confidence and glamour. The look was equal parts ethereal and electric, a visual celebration of Black beauty in motion.
SZA’s gown, a figure-hugging masterpiece with a high slit and asymmetrical neckline, blended old Hollywood glam with contemporary edge. Metallic accents caught every flashbulb, giving her an almost glowing presence. The styling was minimal but impactful, diamond-drop earrings, barely-there makeup with a focus on dewy skin, and a soft smoky eye that let the hair and dress do all the talking.
Her glam team deserves flowers. Hairstylist Daryan M. and makeup artist Deanna Paley worked in perfect harmony, delivering a look that felt cohesive, fresh, and unforgettable. “We wanted SZA to feel radiant, like she was on fire, in the best way,” Paley noted on Instagram. Mission accomplished.
Fans and fashion critics alike were quick to crown the look one of the best of the night. On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote: “SZA didn’t walk the carpet, she floated. That ginger is everything.”
More than just a beauty moment, this was a declaration. SZA, often praised for her musical vulnerability, used this red carpet to show that vulnerability can also be glamorous, luxurious, and bold. It was a reminder that reinvention isn’t just about changing your hair color, it’s about stepping fully into your power.
And SZA? She’s glowing from the inside out.
