Minneapolis was on fire last night as Kendrick Lamar and SZA kicked off their highly anticipated Grand National Tour, and let’s just say — fans got way more than they bargained for. From jaw-dropping surprise appearances to emotional performances, this opening show set the tone for what might be one of the most iconic tours of the decade.
Here are the 13 best moments that had the crowd screaming, crying, and completely losing it:
1. Kendrick’s Explosive Entrance
The lights went out, and BOOM — Kendrick rose from the stage floor in a cloud of smoke with “DNA” echoing through the arena. The roar from the crowd could probably be heard across the city.
2. SZA’s Floating Stage
Yes, she floated — literally. During “Good Days,” SZA was lifted above the crowd on a glowing platform, singing her heart out while fans waved their flashlights like stars.
3. First-Ever Live Performance of “Euphoria”
Kendrick gave fans a moment to remember by performing his viral Drake diss track “Euphoria” live for the first time. The crowd lost its mind.
4. The Surprise Appearance by Baby Keem
When Baby Keem appeared onstage for “Family Ties,” fans went nuts. The energy doubled instantly as cousins Kendrick and Keem delivered pure fire.
5. SZA’s Acoustic “Snooze” Set
SZA took it down a notch mid-show with an intimate acoustic performance of “Snooze” — just her and a guitar. It was one of the most emotional moments of the night.
6. Kendrick’s Tribute to Minneapolis
In a heartfelt moment, Kendrick gave a shoutout to Prince and the Minneapolis sound, even playing a snippet of “Purple Rain” on the screen behind him.
7. Crowd Sing-Along to “Alright”
Thousands of voices sang in unison to Kendrick’s anthem “Alright.” It felt less like a concert and more like a movement.
8. SZA’s Powerful Speech on Self-Love
Before diving into “Special,” SZA shared a personal message about growth, healing, and loving yourself. The audience responded with a standing ovation.
9. Cinematic Visuals That Blew Everyone Away
Both artists pulled out all the stops with stunning visuals, from holograms to animated sequences that told a story throughout the show.
10. Mash-Up Performance of “All the Stars”
The duo finally reunited onstage to perform their Black Panther hit “All the Stars,” and it was magical. Chills. Literal chills.
11. Fans Got Free Merch (Yes, Really!)
Lucky fans in the front rows were surprised with free signed merch thrown into the crowd by Kendrick and SZA themselves.
12. Emotional “Kill Bill” Finale by SZA
She closed her solo set with “Kill Bill,” and the entire arena screamed every lyric. The red lighting and slow-motion visuals made it feel like a movie.
13. Epic Encore With Both Stars on Stage
The encore was electric. Kendrick and SZA came back out together, performing “LOVE” and “Broken Clocks” as confetti rained from above. A perfect ending to a perfect night.
Minneapolis just got blessed with one of the greatest tour openers in recent memory. If this is how it starts, we can’t imagine what’s coming next.
Stay tuned — this tour is going to be legendary.