SZA, one of the most celebrated voices in modern R&B, is opening up about something fans rarely see behind the Grammy wins and sold-out arenas: crippling anxiety and overwhelming self-doubt.
In a candid and emotional interview with Interview Magazine, the “Kill Bill” singer revealed she often felt like a supporting act in her own life, even during the massive Grand National Tour with rap titan Kendrick Lamar.
“Everyone’s coming to see Kendrick,” she confessed. “I didn’t think I had anything exciting to offer.”
Backstage Battles: The Anxiety Fans Never See
Though her voice is unmatched and her artistry widely praised, SZA (real name Solána Rowe) revealed she regularly experienced panic attacks before stepping on stage or walking red carpets.
“Every time I had to go on stage or a red carpet, I’d have full-on panic attacks,” she said. “I’d skip things thinking, ‘I’m not going to win. No one cares I’m here.’”
This wasn’t just pre-show nerves — it was a deep-rooted fear of not being enough, a fear that lingered through even her biggest moments.
A Tour of Triumphs and Turmoil
The Grand National Tour has been a colossal success, with Kendrick Lamar and SZA packing out stadiums across North America. But behind the glam, SZA admits she couldn’t shake the feeling that fans only showed up for Kendrick.
“Despite the success, I felt like I didn’t belong. Like I wasn’t the main event.”
Her honesty is disarming — and deeply relatable. For fans watching from afar, SZA looked untouchable. But as she reveals, the lights don’t silence the doubts.
Letting Go of Fear: “Fk It, I’m Walking Through the Door”**
Despite the internal struggle, SZA is stepping into a new mindset.
“At this point, it’s like, ‘F**k it,’” she said. “I want to see where this door leads. I’m walking through it.”
It’s a powerful declaration — not just of courage, but of self-acceptance. By choosing to move forward despite the fear, SZA is showing that vulnerability and power can exist side by side.
Meanwhile in Toronto: Kendrick vs. Drake Drama Erupts
While SZA brought vulnerability to the tour, her co-headliner Kendrick Lamar brought fire — especially during his now-legendary stop in Toronto, hometown of Drake, with whom he’s been embroiled in one of hip-hop’s most personal beefs.
The moment was electric. Kendrick hit the stage with a fierce rendition of his chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us”, sending the Rogers Centre crowd into a frenzy. Fans demanded an encore. He delivered.
In a subtle but undeniable power move, Kendrick returned to Drake’s turf and made it clear: he wasn’t flinching.
Drake’s Response: Silence, Then Shade
In response, Drake postponed his livestream with Kai Cenat, which was set for the same night as Kendrick’s show. He later stirred controversy by calling a Toronto city politician a “goof” for attending Kendrick’s concert — a move that only intensified the city’s cultural divide.
But while the men traded lyrical blows, SZA offered something the rap war lacked: raw emotion, healing energy, and human connection.
Why SZA’s Story Matters
SZA’s vulnerability is striking a chord — not just with fans, but with fellow artists navigating the pressure of perfection and the fear of invisibility.
In a culture that often glorifies dominance and control, her openness about fear, insecurity, and resilience is revolutionary.
“Strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes, it’s just showing up,” one fan commented under the Interview Magazine post.
SZA’s Legacy Is Still Unfolding
From the groundbreaking success of her SOS album to her surprising side ventures — like becoming a scuba-certified environmentalist — SZA continues to evolve on her own terms.
She may have doubted her place next to Kendrick Lamar, but there’s no denying it now: SZA is a force of her own.
Quick Recap:
- SZA admits to severe anxiety and panic attacks before shows
- Feared fans were only coming to see Kendrick Lamar on tour
- Tour stop in Toronto intensified Kendrick vs. Drake feud
- SZA now embracing the unknown: “F**k it. I’m walking through the door.”
- Fans praise her honesty, calling her voice a beacon for those battling self-doubt
Join the Conversation
Have you ever doubted yourself, even when you were winning?
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