Kendrick Lamar and SZA Deliver Stadium-Sized Spectacle on Grand National Tour
CHICAGO — In a co-headlined performance that defied the norms of joint tours, Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their Grand National Tour to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, transforming the space into a fully immersive celebration of their musical legacy. The pair delivered a massive 52-song setlist over two and a half hours, blending intimate solo moments with electrifying shared performances.
Their tour — already dubbed the biggest co-headlining tour in history with 39 shows across North America and Europe — celebrates both Lamar’s 2024 chart-dominating GNX and SZA’s deluxe release of SOS.
Dueling Styles, Unified Stage
While Lamar’s explosive energy and SZA’s emotive vocal style may seem like contrasting forces, their onstage chemistry proved undeniable. The artists alternated mini-sets early in the night — five to six songs each — creating a dynamic rhythm that kept fans fully engaged.
Kendrick ignited the stadium with “King Kunta”, “ELEMENT”, and “Backseat Freestyle”, accompanied by pyrotechnics and bursts of fire, evoking memories of his Super Bowl halftime performance. Meanwhile, SZA matched that energy with reworked renditions of “Broken Clocks”, “30 for 30”, and her ballads “Kill Bill” and “Good Days.”
Minimalism Meets Theatrical Brilliance
The duo opted for minimal distractions — no over-the-top costume changes or overwhelming visuals. Instead, Kendrick prowled the circular stage with hypnotic intensity, while SZA added visual flair with nature-themed dancers, a giant green ant, and even butterfly wings during her high-flying sequences.
Both artists embraced solo moments that highlighted their distinct personas: Lamar, a confrontational wordsmith channeling political and personal tension, and SZA, a deeply reflective singer unafraid to dive into themes of heartbreak and identity.
A Decade-Long Collaboration Hits Its Peak
Their duets were emotional high points — especially a soaring version of “All the Stars” and their new collaborations “Luther” and “Gloria.” The synergy between them reflects a partnership rooted in over ten years of mutual respect and growth.
The show concluded in cinematic fashion, with both artists disappearing beneath the stage in a prop car, evoking the image of riding off into the sunset — a fitting close to a night that felt more like a film than a concert.
Viral Highlights and Fan-Favorite Moments
Kendrick didn’t hold back during the night’s most talked-about moment: a searing live rendition of “Not Like Us,” his widely publicized diss track aimed at Drake. The crowd erupted as he performed it as song #50, proving it was the most anticipated moment of the evening.
Meanwhile, SZA’s technical hiccups with her in-ear monitors didn’t dull her vocals — she delivered a captivating performance of “Nobody Gets Me” after confessing, “It’s crazy how you can go from being engaged to complete strangers.”
Were you there for Kendrick and SZA’s London takeover? Drop your favorite setlist moment or lyric from the Grand National Tour at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.