SZA Shuts Down MSG With 'SOS' Tour on Night 2
On Sunday night, SZA performed her SOS tour at Madison Square Garden for the second consecutive sold-out show at the famous NYC venue. Unlike the previous night's surprise appearances by Cardi B and Phoebe Bridgers, night two was still an exceptional experience on its own. The crowd was already buzzing with excitement during the opening act, Omar Apollo, and the energy continued to soar during the DJ's set. As soon as the screen displayed "The SOS Tour Starring SZA," the audience erupted into screams, and the show began.
SZA appeared on an elevated platform, resembling the SOS album cover, and performed "PSA." The show featured multiple set and costume changes, with seamless transitions between each segment, accompanied by music and visuals. The stage design was consistent with the aquatic theme of the album, starting on a dock with dancers and musicians, including the impressive guitarist AriO'Neal. The next scene featured a ship until it ultimately sank, and SZA rode a lifeboat over the crowd. Finally, the show went under the sea, complete with a massive anchor prop on stage.
The show was a stunning display of artistry, from the mesmerizing visuals to the skillful dancers and SZA's own commanding presence. The performance and setlist were flawless, with nearly all of SOS, a significant portion of CTRL, and other hits such as "Kiss Me More" and "All the Stars." The audience reacted enthusiastically to every song, singing along and cheering with fervor, whether it was a stadium-sized single or a tender acoustic ballad. SZA's vocals were exceptional, particularly during her powerhouse belting, and her band delivered faithful reproductions of the album tracks while adding new arrangements for the live show. The entire concert was an exhilarating experience.
As the show concluded, SZA, originally from New Jersey and having lived in New York, expressed her gratitude for headlining Madison Square Garden and the opportunity her fans gave her. Her heartfelt words were a touching end to a fantastic evening. Additionally, she provided a sneak peek of her upcoming music video for "Low" and announced its release coming soon.