SZA’s SOS Tour takes fans on an emotional voyage in Inglewood

Figuratively and quite literally, SZA was on cloud nine at the Kia Forum during her first of two headlining evenings in Inglewood on Wednesday, March 22.

Dangling from the edge of a diving board, mirroring the Princess Diana-inspired “SOS” album cover as the show commenced, she sat in isolation as the rich blue ocean waves and soft white sky beamed on a three-sided screen as she looked off into the crowd. The intricate, yet robust stage production reflected how, like the sea with all its ebbs and flows, can weave a greater sense of emotional turbulence in relationships that SZA has been known to put on full display throughout a pair of studio albums.

Then, after she splashed into the water, she rose to deliver “Seek & Destroy” with a gusto that comes after taking a quick dip to regain mental and emotional clarity. Metaphorically, it was evident that for the entire 90-minute set, just like a vigorous ship at sea, SZA too could weather any storm that may come her way.

This tour is in support of SZA’s 2022 record “SOS,” a 23-track R&B-pop and trap love synopsis reflecting on the vulnerability of desperation, revenge and the occasional longing for someone she periodically calls “utterly toxic.” Solána Imani Rowe, professionally known as SZA, amassed mainstream buzz around the record, staying on the Billboard charts at No. 1 for 10 consecutive weeks, being the first woman to do so in over seven years since Adele’s reign with “25.”

Fans packed the arena, carrying SZA tote bags and other merch; some even sporting show opener Omar Apollo gear. The Mexican-American, newly-nominated Grammy artist had fans ready to party before SZA took the stage as he sang songs off his debut album “Ivory,” including “Tamagotchi,” “Evergreen” and “Killing Me.” He was suave, dancing at each end of the stage as fans cheered him.

“Los Angeles, this is my first arena tour, this is crazy,” he said. And it was, considering his rapid rise to fame.

But the fans were there for SZA, who weaved in and out of her 2017 breakout record “Ctrl” and “SOS.” From the moment she arrived on stage, it was all hands on deck with four backup dancers and a live band to accompany. She sang “Broken Clocks” and “Love Galore,” while walking along what looked like a seaside dock. The crowd belted out the lyrics as she gave the mic over for Travis Scotts’ verse “last time I checked you were the one that left me in a wreck,” on the latter track.

Though she didn’t bring out any surprise guests, SZA was more than enough. She held the audience in the palm of her hand and she never left their sight, even during quick costume changes. At one point, the screens switched to a black and white submarine-like camera, showing SZA changing into a flowy, beach-ready black dress as she perfectly rapped every line of “Smoking on my Ex Pack.” Then, as she was getting her makeup touched up and new mics ready to go, she ascended onto a large sailboat nestled on the stage. The rhythmic beat for “All The Stars,” the collaborative hit with Compton native Kendrick Lamar, began with SZA and backup dancers pacing the stage with some tight-knit choreography.

The best outfit change of the night was during the third act, where SZA, now hovering over the crowd in a lifeboat with a yellow tulle dress, sang “Supermodel” as she threw gold confetti to fans below. With ease, she glided to the opposite end of the arena to a flickering lighthouse, symbolizing the 33-year-old star’s getaway to emotional freedom.

“This song is about a guy who I was supposed to get engaged to but ended up blocking me on everything,” she said as she transitioned into “Nobody Gets Me.” Again, the crowd went crazy, with some tears and screams.

Near the end of the set, SZA made her graceful return to the stage, as the screens depicted the calming waves. Swapping out a dress for a black moto jacket and cargo pants, she exchanged the peaceful seaside moment for a ferocious one as she recreated “Kill Bill,” her standout track, and a shot-by-shot recreation of a scene from director Quentin Tarantino’s film. Coming out swinging with a spiked ball and chain, SZA was ready to take on any ex-boyfriend in sight. Fans also showed they were right there with her, by yelling out the chorus and showing off a middle finger, or two, during “I Hate You.”

Before the house lights came on, she returned to the dock and sat on the diving board as the light transitioned, turning the set into a cotton candy-like sky as she sang “Good Days,” wearing a pink, feathery dress. The encore was ethereal, allowing fans and, most importantly herself, the permission to recognize that after heartache, the sun will shine and tranquility will be found even amid painful turbulence.

SZA: SOS Tour

When: Wednesday, March 22

Where: Kia Forum, Inglewood