SZA has openly acknowledged that Beyoncé’s influence on her career and music runs deep, revealing she believes she owes Beyoncé a significant portion of her SOS album publishing. In a recent playful exchange on Instagram, SZA commented that due to interpolating parts of Beyoncé’s iconic Dreamgirls hit “Listen” on her 2022 LP’s title track, she
Despite SZA’s lighthearted confession, Beyoncé has not requested any share, highlighting her generosity and grace in the music industry.
The creative connection between SZA and Beyoncé has been visible over the years, with SZA frequently expressing admiration for the superstar’s artistry and achievements. Following SZA’s notable success at the 2024 Grammys, Beyoncé recognized her accomplishments through a heartfelt gesture. SZA received a bouquet from Beyoncé, accompanied by a warm note stating,
This message, both personal and encouraging, deeply moved SZA, who later shared her gratitude on social media.
On her Instagram Stories, SZA thanked Beyoncé for her unwavering support, writing,
These words reflect the inspiration Beyoncé has provided throughout SZA’s journey, as well as the positive impact she continues to leave on up-and-coming artists within the music community.
SZA’s admiration for Beyoncé is also evident in her interactions with other artists. During a candid Instagram Live session with Lizzo, the pair discussed their experiences as fans of the superstar. SZA confessed that the only time she had seen Beyoncé perform live was during her monumental Coachella show, describing it as “f**king crazy.” Lizzo revealed she had attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour three times and a total of eleven concerts overall—including Destiny’s Child performances—demonstrating the far-reaching influence and appeal of Beyoncé’s live shows.
Joking about the fierce demand for Beyoncé’s tour tickets, SZA shared,
She continued with determination, saying,
This playful exchange highlights not only SZA’s personal admiration, but also the fervor Beyoncé inspires among fans and fellow musicians alike.
The relationship between SZA and Beyoncé demonstrates how established artists can uplift newer voices, while encouraging creativity and collaboration. Beyoncé’s supportive actions, combined with her influential musical legacy, have inspired artists like SZA to explore new creative directions and embrace their own talents with confidence. As SZA continues to grow in her career, the ongoing inspiration from Beyoncé is poised to shape future projects, strengthen the bond between artists, and inspire music fans around the world.
