SZA's Viral Tour Moments: Activism, Artistry, and iPhone 17 Debate

SZA BioSnap a weekly updated Biography. SZA has grabbed headlines and the internet’s attention repeatedly this past week for both electrifying artistry and controversial commentary. While on the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, SZA ignited social media when she stormed off during a meet-and-greet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona after a fan threw a bracelet at her face. The incident was captured in a viral TikTok clip, sparking widespread outrage among fans and raising new concerns about performer safety at public events. TikTok users reacted with a mix of sympathy and disappointment, lamenting the behavior of the crowd. SZA herself addressed it in an Instagram Story, telling her twenty-three million followers she wasn’t angry, explaining the person who threw the bracelet hadn’t realized he hit her, and reassuring fans that she was not hurt, saying “God is good all the time,” as quoted by BuzzFeed. Major headlines kept rolling as SZA took the SoFi Stadium stage in Los Angeles, bringing out her close friend Lizzo for a surprise duet of the remix of Lizzo’s hit “Special.” The crowd went wild, and Lizzo posted on Instagram, “BABYS FIRST STADIUM PERFORMANCE— I love u @sza u r THEE DIVA!” Their performance highlighted SZA’s ongoing co-headline tour with Kendrick Lamar, which continues to rack up box office records and glowing reviews, grossing over $55 million on just three nights at SoFi according to Hits Daily Double, making this tour one for the hip-hop history books. On the business front, SZA’s influence is expanding with reports suggesting new brand partnerships and releases in the pipeline. Office Magazine spotlights her debut campaign collaboration with Vans, which champions self-reflection and empowerment alongside the iconic Knu Skool sneaker, merging music, fashion, and culture for a fresh generation. Social media exploded into debate when SZA commented on the ethical implications of Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Her post, “Children in Congo literally died for this phone,” catalyzed discussion about cobalt mining and the ethics of consumer technology. The backlash was swift—with some branding her as a “fake activist” for calling out exploitation while herself being an iPhone user, according to reports in IB Times and Soapcentral.com. Still, others praised her for using her platform to shine a light on labor issues and environmental racism, a cause she’s previously championed. SZA also showed her support for mental health and fellow artists, lauding Reneé Rapp’s cover of “Good Days” on BBC Radio 1 and noting Renee as a “huge inspiration” on Instagram Stories, as reported by Rolling Stone. With the Grand National Tour powering forward and her social and activist voice louder than ever, SZA continues to use every stage—from stadiums to social feeds—to challenge, connect, and inspire. Her presence is felt everywhere: in hashtag trends, music charts, sold-out arenas, viral moments, and headline-making remarks that define This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.