SZA just took center stage at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. She shared the stage with longtime collaborator, Kendrick Lamar and I must say this performance is continued evidence as to why she’s one of today’s biggest artists. She just captivated the eyes of millions of viewers with her raw talent and energy. With this moment, it's clear... SZA’s season is in full effect.
SZA’s unapologetic embrace of her quirks and artistic instincts has propelled her to remarkable heights, proving that success doesn’t come from fitting into a mold but from staying true to who you are—even when the world expects otherwise. Being able to connect with your audience takes a level of authenticity that not everyone embraces, because they fear risk of not fitting in. SZA shared in a recent press interview, “I trust myself artistically and I feel like that is the value even though I may be…insecure in some moments when it comes to like being in front of people and like being a human being,” and I resonate with that because people expect me to be extroverted because my career is in media, but I am a very reserved and shy individual. However, I have an uncanny brand of shine to me that exudes when I’m being creative and authentic that has allowed me to accomplish great things. Through her acting debut, groundbreaking music, and fearless creative expression, SZA proves that embracing your individuality can lead to limitless possibilities.
Society has a way of grouping people based on their talents, trade, profession, personalities and we’re expected to stay in that box, because society thrives off a “decorated order.” SZA’s music is considered a mix between R&B and neo-soul and with each project the production is experimental because she’s always integrating new components into her artistry, However, ever since her first released song "If I Had A Soldier", she’s always displayed herself authentically, and clearly that’s what got her first signed deal to Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013. The singer-songwriter appears to be a hidden performer. She comes across as reserved and at-times quiet, but when she releases a project her talents and confidence emerges in a major way. I can connect with SZA’s journey in that way because me being reserved has not held me back as a media correspondent. With any talent I interview, my foundation is creating an engaging experience for the talent and viewers who will see it. I pride myself in getting to know the person in a way most don’t see and making them comfortable to share and inspire viewers. I do that by being authentic when I interview them and remember they are human just like me, and that has opened a new caliber of celebrities I have the privilege to speak with.
It’s SZA Season!
Let’s take a look at how SZA’s ability to embrace authenticity has shown in her recent successes:
SZA just shut down the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show Not only will SZA be co-headlining on tour with Kendrick Lamar, but she just shared the stage with him for the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show. She came out looking stunning in all red with the smooth vocals to her song with Kendrick, “Luther” along with “All The Stars.”
SZA just had her first acting debut in the film, “One of Them Days.” The film produced by Issa Rae, and co-starring Keke Palmer was released in theaters on January 17th, and it has hit a box office milestone of exceeding over $25 million with a budget of $14 million.
ONE OF THEM DAYS - Official Trailer (HD) SZA will be a co-headliner with Kendrick Lamar for their upcoming concert tour Longtime collaborators SZA and Kendrick Lamar will be taking their talents on a 19- stadium concert tour across North America. The Grand National Tour begins in April.
SZA’s latest album hits No. 1 on the Billboard 200 After two years, SZA recently released her album SOS Deluxe: LANA. 15 new songs were added to the deluxe from her original album SOS released in 2022.
SZA just won a GRAMMY SZA has won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for “Saturn.” This brings her to a total of five grammy’s to add to her collection.
As SZA has embraced her quirkiness, she has been an example of what it’s like to remain authentic. There are many lessons I’ve learned from SZA along her journey, but I want to share my top three takeaways. The first one being, it is okay to be yourself. Being yourself does not limit you, it opens new doors. I can say from experience that me being genuine has not opened just any doors, but the right doors. Another key takeaway is that being yourself allows room for genuine connection and relationship building. SZA being quirky exudes an energy to society that is often misunderstood, and if you do not remain authentic in those moments it becomes conformity and can be isolating. It’s important not to suppress your true self to fit in. I’ve learned it only leads you to a feeling of disconnect. And lastly, discernment is key. SZA’s approach to her artistry and fame is selective. She’s careful to make sure whatever she’s involved in aligns with her purpose. I realize that it is important to protect your peace by being in productive environments and surrounded by people who don’t dim your light, but instead make it shine brighter.
From film acting debuts to winning Grammy’s to shutting down the Super Bowl stage, SZA has started 2025 off with a bang. But it’s due to not only her hard work, but her dedication to being authentic that has gotten her the success that she has. Let this be encouragement to embrace your quirkiness, your strengths and uniqueness. Remember that sky's the limit, society is not the limit. Let your authenticity be your superpower.
Cheers to your authenticity and success!
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