SZA made a special appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night (March 12), sharing exciting insights about her eagerly awaited Grand National Tour alongside Kendrick Lamar. She expressed her enthusiasm for the tour, discussed her childhood dreams of being on Sesame Street, and skillfully sidestepped a playful inquiry regarding her relationship with Drake, keeping the audience intrigued and entertained.
When Jimmy Kimmel inquired whether the Grand National Tour would replicate their memorable Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance, the talented “Saturn” singer playfully hinted that fans should prepare for something completely new and original. She emphasized that this upcoming tour is designed to bring a fresh experience to the audience, full of surprises and creativity.
“Oh, we’re doing a new thing,” SZA responded enthusiastically. “We’re both just kind of throwing all the paint at the wall… This is a significant moment for us as it’s our first stadium show, so we feel the need to go all out and deliver an unforgettable performance.” Her excitement was palpable as she described the unique approach they plan to take, ensuring fans leave with lasting memories.
While SZA and Kendrick Lamar are set to co-headline the tour, she hinted that the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers rapper has a distinct creative style that sets him apart. Their collaboration is sure to be a blend of their individual artistry, making for an electrifying show that fans will not want to miss.
“Well, he’s a wizard, so that’s different,” she joked when asked about their interactions behind the scenes. “Wizards tend to be solitary beings, from my observation… I think he’s doing the Merlin thing backstage, getting us ready to take off.” This playful analogy highlights her admiration for Kendrick’s artistry while also hinting at his unique approach to performance preparation.
The “Kill Bill” singer also responded to Kimmel’s not-so-subtle question about the tour’s Toronto stop, where one particular rapper is known to reside. This reference piqued the audience’s curiosity, setting the stage for an entertaining exchange.
“But what if you-know-who shows up?” Kimmel teased, hinting at the Canadian superstar, Drake. The playful nature of this inquiry added a lighthearted touch to the interview, leaving fans wondering how SZA might respond to such a surprise appearance.
SZA simply shrugged and replied, “Who knows? Who knows?” before Kimmel joked that Kendrick would “wave his wand, and he will disappear.” The light banter between SZA and Kimmel showcased her playful personality and ability to navigate the spotlight with ease.
“That’s what he’s the man behind the curtain,” she quipped, referencing Kendrick’s enigmatic presence and artistry. This witty remark further highlighted the chemistry between the two artists and their understanding of each other’s creative processes.
Beyond the upcoming tour, SZA shared her excitement about a lifelong aspiration coming to fruition—making an appearance on Sesame Street. This long-standing dream reflects her love for childhood television and the joy it brings to fans of all ages.
“That was actually the most intense room of celebrities I’ve ever been in,” she joked. “Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch… I got to talk to Cookie Monster.” Her enthusiasm for this experience emphasized her genuine excitement and childhood nostalgia, showcasing a lighter side of the artist.
When Kimmel asked about Cookie Monster’s conversational skills, she laughed and said, “Terrible diction and alliteration. Very poor vocabulary, but tons of enthusiasm, I was so inspired!” This playful exchange demonstrated SZA’s ability to connect with her audience through humor and relatability.
“It was like a true indicator that I’ve made it,” SZA reflected on her appearance on the show. “Shout out to the Super Bowl but Sesame Street is something else.” This heartfelt sentiment revealed how deeply meaningful this experience was for her, transcending even her major professional achievements.
The highly anticipated Grand National Tour is set to kick off on April 19 in Minneapolis, with numerous stops planned across North America before the tour heads overseas, promising fans an unforgettable musical journey.