SZA makes guest appearance on “Sesame Street”
SZA continues to show the world why she’s one of today’s most dynamic entertainers. In just a few short months, she’s shared joy on Sesame Street, dropped new music, earned another Grammy, and now she’s set to hit the road with Kendrick Lamar for one of 2025’s most anticipated tours: the Grand National World Tour. Her ability to move from children’s programming to arena stages reveals her true range—not just as a performer, but as a cultural force.
SZA Spreads Gratitude and Joy on Sesame Street
Back in January, Sesame Street announced a star-studded guest list for its 55th season. Among the featured artists were Michael B. Jordan, Samara Joy, Reneé Rapp, and SZA—each bringing their unique energy to the beloved show. The goal for the season? Helping kids navigate emotions and build emotional intelligence through music and storytelling.
When SZA made her appearance, it wasn’t just a cameo. She delivered a heartfelt performance of a song centered on gratitude, titled “Be Kind to Me, Be Kind to You.” She joined characters like Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Gabrielle in promoting the idea of thankfulness. The segment featured a “gratitude jar,” encouraging children to focus on what they’re thankful for each day.
It was a standout moment—not only for fans who grew up watching Sesame Street, but also for new parents and younger audiences who are just getting to know the singer. The segment aligned perfectly with the show’s themes of empathy, self-worth, and positive social behavior.
Winning Big: SZA Takes Home Another Grammy
SZA’s presence in the entertainment world hasn’t slowed down since her appearance on Sesame Street. In February 2025, she won Best R&B Song at the Grammys for her hit “Saturn.” This marked her second consecutive win in the category and added to her growing list of accolades. Competing against powerful talents like Kehlani, Muni Long, and Tems, SZA’s win solidified her standing as one of the most respected voices in R&B.
“Saturn” struck a chord with listeners for its themes of transformation, inner peace, and rebirth—something that seems to run through much of her recent work. And while her lyrics often explore vulnerability and healing, they also offer messages of empowerment. That duality is part of what makes her music so impactful.
Expanding the “SOS” Universe: The Deluxe Album
That same month, SZA dropped SOS Deluxe: Lana, the extended edition of her acclaimed 2022 album SOS. The deluxe release came with four new tracks, each showcasing a slightly different side of her sound.
The updated album gave fans more of what they love—lush vocals, sharp writing, and vulnerable storytelling—while offering something fresh. It also helped maintain momentum for her upcoming tour and allowed her to continue setting trends in the genre.
The original SOS album was already historic: it spent 10 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidified her as a commercial powerhouse. With Lana, she’s proving she’s in it for the long run, creatively and culturally.
Get Ready: The Grand National World Tour
Now, fans have even more to celebrate. SZA is about to head out on the Grand National World Tour alongside none other than Kendrick Lamar. Set to kick off on April 19 in Minneapolis, the stadium tour will hit major cities across North America through June 2025.
This isn’t the first time the two have worked together. Their 2018 joint tour under Top Dawg Entertainment was a massive success. But this time around, the stakes feel even higher. Both artists are at the peak of their powers—Kendrick fresh off the cultural impact of tracks like “Not Like Us,” and SZA coming off back-to-back years of award-winning projects.
The tour’s branding plays up the concept of national pride in hip-hop and R&B, blending themes of artistic excellence with Black cultural legacy. The excitement is already palpable, with many stops selling out during presales.
Why This Moment Matters
SZA’s arc over the past few years has been nothing short of inspiring. From releasing CTRL—an album that became a touchstone for a generation—to commanding stadiums in 2025, she’s proven that vulnerability can be a superpower. Her music provides comfort and strength in a time when emotional honesty is more important than ever.
But it’s not just about the music. Her Sesame Street appearance signals something deeper: a desire to make a positive impact beyond charts and sales. By engaging children and families, she’s helping raise a generation that values kindness and emotional awareness.
That kind of legacy will outlast even her biggest hits.
An Artist in Full Bloom
There’s something evergreen about SZA’s rise. Whether it’s her lyrical storytelling, her authentic presence, or her cross-generational appeal, she continues to expand what’s possible in R&B and beyond. She’s an artist who understands that influence isn’t just measured in streams or awards—but in the moments she creates for people to feel seen and heard.
With the Grand National Tour around the corner and her Sesame Street feature still making waves, SZA is showing no signs of slowing down. She’s redefining what it means to be a modern-day superstar—one who can top charts, teach kids about gratitude, and sell out stadiums, all in the same season.
So whether you’re tuning in from your living room or showing up at SoFi Stadium this spring, one thing’s for sure: SZA is in a league of her own.
