Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour Fails to Hit High Notes

San Francisco, California — Kendrick Lamar and SZA, two of music’s biggest stars, took the stage together for their highly anticipated Grand National Tour on May 29, 2025, at Oracle Park. Fans flocked to the venue to see the duo, coming off their respective successes with albums that garnered critical acclaim and acclaim from fans alike.

Despite the excitement in the air, the concert raised questions about its execution. The show featured a massive production with nine different acts, lasting just over 2½ hours. While many moments were enjoyable, the format left a sense of disjointedness as the artists alternated between their vastly different musical styles.

Lamar opened the show with a gripping performance, starting with hits like “Wacced Out Murals” and “Squabble Up.” He quickly handed the spotlight to SZA, who captivated the audience with her ethereal vocals on tracks like “What Do I Do” and “Love Galore.” However, the back-and-forth nature of the performance, accompanied by a mix of over 50 songs, created a whiplash effect for some attendees.

The contrasting vibes of both artists and their individual productions added to the confusion. Lamar’s set embraced a streamlined, urban aesthetic, while SZA’s visuals featured whimsical elements that felt out of place next to Lamar’s energetic delivery.

As the night continued, the two artists performed multiple collaborations. However, the physical separation between them on stage—SZA on the left and Lamar on the right—hampered their ability to build chemistry. The final songs, including a subdued rendition of “Luther,” ultimately left some fans feeling unfulfilled compared to the earlier high-energy performances.

Despite the challenges, both artists showcased their incredible talents individually. Lamar dazzled the crowd with hit after hit, while SZA demonstrated the depth of her vocal prowess with standouts like “Nobody Gets Me.” Unfortunately, the combination of both acts struggled to match their individual greatness, making the overall experience less memorable.

As the show concluded, fans exited Oracle Park still buzzing with excitement over what they had witnessed. However, many couldn’t shake the feeling that the night could have reached even greater heights if the artists had opted for a more traditional concert format.