When it comes to delivering unforgettable performances, SZA doesn’t just show up—she shows out. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter proved exactly that during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on Sunday night, where she joined forces with hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar for a dazzling display of musical brilliance.
And if there were any doubts about her ability to command the stage on one of the world’s biggest platforms, SZA left absolutely no crumbs.
Despite the immense pressure that comes with performing at the biggest televised event of the year, the 35-year-old singer admitted she wasn’t nervous before stepping onto the grand stage. And it showed. Her stage presence, vocals, and energy were flawless, leaving no crumbs behind.
SZA sported a red leather “Crybaby” jacket from Born X Raised, pairing it with red pants featuring lace-up accents on the sides and a fluffy belt around her waist. She also donned matching red sneakers and styled her long, red hair to complement the Chiefs-red ensemble. Around her neck, she wore a “Lana” diamond nameplate tennis necklace by Lana Jewelry, referencing both her album and her name, Solana.
SZA’s hairstylist, Devante Turnbull, styled the Grammy winner’s long, vibrant, deep, auburn shade voluminous curls. Her makeup features glittering eyelids in a lovely pink hue, accented with bold eyeliner and luxurious lashes, finished off with a bright shimmery white shadow in the inner corners to reflect the bright stage lights.
Adding an interesting layer to the performance, SZA’s choice to share the stage with Kendrick Lamar raised some eyebrows, given her past relationship with Drake. The singer and the Toronto rapper reportedly dated in 2009 and rekindled their romance in 2023. However, despite their history, she had no hesitation in aligning herself with Kendrick, who has long been considered Drake’s biggest rap rival.
“THANK YOU, @kendricklamar, for consistently putting the world on your back. At all times. Thank you for lifting me up. Thank you for encouraging me and being so willing to bend to whatever I may need,” SZA posted on Instagram early Monday morning with a collection of photos and videos from the duo’s groundbreaking performance.
She continued, “Thank you to your incredible team and mine! You’re a prophet. But you knew that. I wasn’t nervous today. I was ready to rep for u. For US. Thank you, God, Dot, and the NFL, for this opportunity #SUPERBOWL2025 wrapped.”
But this isn’t the last time we’ll see SZA and Kendrick together. The two are set to hit the road this spring for their highly anticipated Grand National Tour, which kicks off in Minneapolis on April 19. The 23-stop tour will span the United States and Canada, giving fans even more opportunities to witness their electric synergy live.