SZA Credits Drew Barrymore as Inspiration in Emotional Talk Show Debut

NEW YORK — Grammy Award-winning artist SZA made her talk show debut on “The Drew Barrymore Show” Monday, January 13, 2025, ahead of her acting debut in the film “One of Them Days.” During the interview, SZA revealed how Barrymore has been a lifelong inspiration, even naming a song after the actress.

“When you’re younger and you’re a Black woman, there’s not a lot of examples all the time, and one of the few lovely white women that I looked up to so much on television, it was you because you were so yourself,” SZA said. “You were quirky, your smile wasn’t perfect.”

The R&B singer, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, released the song “Drew Barrymore” on her 2017 album “Ctrl.” She explained that the track was not just named after Barrymore but was deeply inspired by the actress’s authenticity and confidence. “It was inspired by the way you’ve made me feel my entire life,” SZA said.

SZA also shared how Barrymore’s quirks helped her embrace her own imperfections. “I have a slight speech impediment, and people laugh all the time,” she said. “But it’s like I love the way you talk and just all the you-ness of you, your laugh … It just reminds me of all the things about myself that make me nervous, but on you it shines so brightly. You gave me permission to be myself and feel like this is so cool.”

Barrymore, visibly moved by SZA’s words, reciprocated the admiration. She recalled her experience filming a cameo for the music video of “Drew Barrymore” in 2017 and expressed gratitude for the singer’s heartfelt explanation. “I think maybe what you picked up when you were young, ’cause it’s no different now, is this lack of assumption,” Barrymore said. “We are looking for permission to be ourselves.”

SZA’s acting debut in “One of Them Days,” a buddy comedy produced by Issa Rae and co-starring Keke Palmer, hits theaters Friday, January 17. The film follows SZA and Palmer as they navigate eviction threats while trying to maintain their friendship.

The full interview is available to watch on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”