Overview

• DJ Mustard kicked off the evening with a high-energy opening set that hyped up the crowd and set a celebratory tone.
• Kendrick Lamar and SZA alternated solo sets throughout the night and reunited for collaborative renditions of fan favorites including "All the Stars" and "Luther".
• The stage design centered on a diamond-shaped network of runways and incorporated heavy pyrotechnics alongside larger-than-life visuals like butterfly wings and prancing mantis figures.
• Lamar’s opening sequence featured tracks from his new album GNX as well as established hits like "King Kunta" and "Element" accompanied by precise dance crew routines.
• SZA counterbalanced with theatrical performances drawn from SOS Deluxe: Lana, delivering soulful numbers such as "The Weekend" and "Kill Bill" amid elaborate costumes and set pieces.