On June 6, 2025, Kendrick Lamar and SZA delivered a show-stopping joint performance at Soldier Field in Chicago as part of their acclaimed ‘Grand National Tour’. The night served as a testament to the musical synergy between the two superstars, drawing a massive, energized crowd and turning the stadium into a thunderous celebration of hip-hop and R&B artistry.
A High-Energy Showcase of Iconic Hits
The evening opened with roaring applause as Kendrick Lamar took the stage, launching into “Wacced Out Murals,” a powerful track from his 2024 album “GNX.” The crowd erupted as he moved seamlessly into hits like “King Kunta,” “HUMBLE.,” and “Alright,” each number charged with lyrical intensity and Kendrick’s commanding presence.
Following Kendrick’s opening salvo, SZA emerged in a butterfly-themed ensemble that sparkled under the stadium lights. She immediately captivated the crowd with “Kill Bill,” one of her signature tracks from the acclaimed “SOS” album. The energy soared higher as she delivered flawless renditions of “Good Days,” “Snooze,” and “I Hate U,” weaving emotional vulnerability and vocal precision into each song.
Unmatched Artistic Synergy
While both artists shone in their solo sets, it was their collaborative moments that truly defined the night. Their chemistry was undeniable during a powerful duet of “All the Stars,” which drew fans to their feet with the sheer magnitude of their combined stage presence.
Another standout was their joint performance of “LOVE.,” with Kendrick’s introspective verses intertwining seamlessly with SZA’s melodic hooks. The set culminated with “Gloria,” a song that showcased their lyrical depth and closed the night on a deeply emotional and cinematic note.
Throughout the performance, the duo emphasized storytelling not just through lyrics but through visual artistry, sound design, and choreography. The transitions between songs felt like scenes in a film, highlighting their commitment to delivering a cohesive artistic vision.
A Production Spectacle
The stage design at Soldier Field was an immersive experience in itself. Towering LED screens, dramatic lighting, and kinetic visual effects brought each track to life in vivid color. Kendrick made his entrance flanked by dancers and pyrotechnics, including a sleek GNX-inspired car that rolled dramatically onto the stage.
SZA’s portion leaned heavily into ethereal, dreamy visuals, featuring butterflies, floating lanterns, and swirling cosmic imagery. Her set created a surreal ambiance that balanced Kendrick’s high-octane energy with emotional gravity.
Costume changes, thematic interludes, and moments of audience interaction punctuated the night, drawing fans further into the world the artists created together. The pair demonstrated that the ‘Grand National Tour’ was not merely a concert—it was a multi-sensory event that celebrated music, identity, and transformation.
A Night to Remember in the Windy City
The crowd—comprised of fans from across the Midwest—was enthralled throughout the two-and-a-half-hour spectacle. The standing ovation that followed the final number spoke volumes about the impact of the performance.
Attendees praised not just the music, but the authenticity and vulnerability both artists brought to the stage. For many fans, the concert was more than entertainment—it was an emotional journey that reflected their own lives and stories.
In the broader scope of the tour, Chicago stood out as one of the most memorable stops. As both Kendrick and SZA continue on their tour across North America, their Chicago performance will be remembered as a masterclass in live performance, collaboration, and genre-blending innovation.
