SZA’s performance left fans in genuine awe over her jaw dropping headlining set at the second day of Lollapalooza. ‘Ethereal’ is an understatement as the singer blew audiences out of the water, and transported them into the mystical realm she has created. The T-Mobile stage became a celestial forest escape, adorned with a cave on top of a tree, endless vines, and even a giant ant that doubled as a throne.

It felt as if every fan in the park knew every lyric for the entirety of her performance. Delivering back to back hits, standouts from her career-spanning setlist included “Love Galore” and “The Weekend” from CTRL, as well as “Snooze” from SOS. Kill Bill, also stemming from SOS, included a choreographed sword routine where the singer effortlessly swung two swords through the air, leaving fans stunned and overjoyed.

Even in the midst of her curated fantasy, SZA reveals herself to the be the same grounded singer fans know and love, as she puts on her glasses later on in the production. “Time for me to be a human,” as she introduces “Normal Girl,” a crowd favorite and a staple song from her album, CTRL.

At the height of the wonderful chaos, the singer announces a new, unreleased single. “This song is “Cry Baby.” It’s not out yet, but it will be.” “Wait, Chicago, do you wanna hear “20 Something?”, she asks, and is met with unanimous cries from the crowd. SZA ends her set as the crowd sways together as one, with a bittersweet, emotionally driven ending to the second day of the festival.

Review by: Jenna Houchin

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