Pop superstar Justin Bieber made a rare and unforgettable live appearance on Thursday night (May 23), stunning thousands of fans when he joined SZA onstage for a soulful duet of their hit collaboration “Snooze.” The electrifying moment took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, during the second Los Angeles stop of the Grand National Tour, co-headlined by SZA and hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar.
The concert had already been buzzing with energy, but the unexpected arrival of Bieber—one of the most recognizable figures in global pop—turned an already spectacular night into a cultural milestone.
A Night to Remember: Bieber’s First Live Duet with SZA
Dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble topped with a Balenciaga jacket, Bieber emerged from backstage as the opening chords of “Snooze” played. The track, originally featured on SZA’s Grammy-nominated 2022 album “SOS,” has been one of her biggest career-defining hits. Bieber previously added his smooth vocals to the acoustic remix released in September 2023, but until now, fans had never seen the two perform it live together.
The chemistry between SZA and Bieber was undeniable. Their voices blended effortlessly as they exchanged verses, their stage presence perfectly complementing one another. At one point, Bieber kissed SZA’s hand—a subtle but powerful moment that drove fans into a frenzy and immediately began trending across social media. The duet wasn’t just a performance; it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration that merged two worlds of artistry.
Hailey Bieber’s Heartfelt Reaction
Among the roaring audience was Bieber’s wife, Hailey Bieber, who proudly supported her husband’s surprise performance. She quickly posted a video of the duet to her Instagram Story, writing: “My 2 favorite artists.”
The post sparked an outpouring of excitement online, with clips of the performance racking up millions of views within hours. Fans praised not only the undeniable live chemistry between Bieber and SZA but also the supportive energy of Hailey, who has consistently celebrated her husband’s career milestones despite his scaled-back public presence in recent years.
The Rise of “Snooze” and Its Cultural Impact
Since its release, “Snooze” has become one of SZA’s signature songs. The track topped Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in July 2023 and also claimed the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Its success extended far beyond the charts—it became a fan favorite for its intimate lyrics, smooth instrumentation, and raw emotion.
The acoustic remix with Bieber in late 2023 brought fresh momentum, introducing the track to wider pop audiences while reinforcing Bieber’s ability to adapt to R&B-driven soundscapes. Its official video, featuring cameos from Young Mazino, Woody McClain, and Benny Blanco, only amplified its cultural reach.
What makes this live duet special is how it bridges two distinct fanbases: SZA’s audience, rooted deeply in R&B and neo-soul, and Bieber’s pop-driven global following. In many ways, the SoFi Stadium performance wasn’t just about the song—it symbolized the continued blending of genres in modern music.
Bieber’s Selective Stage Appearances
Although Justin Bieber hasn’t headlined a solo tour since September 2022, he has continued to make strategic guest appearances that remind fans of his global star power.
In February 2024, Bieber surprised fans at the NHL All-Star Draft in Toronto with a solo performance of “Snooze.”
In October 2024, he joined Don Toliver onstage for “Private Landing.”
He has also made cameos at major festivals, including Coachella 2024, where he performed the “Essence” remix with Tems and Wizkid.
Each of these appearances has been carefully chosen, signaling that while Bieber may be selective about his public performances, he remains firmly rooted in the music scene and continues to shape conversations about modern pop and R&B.
More Surprises from the Grand National Tour
The Grand National Tour has quickly earned a reputation as one of the year’s most exciting live music events. Featuring SZA and Kendrick Lamar as co-headliners, the tour celebrates not just their star power but the richness of Black artistry, storytelling, and creative unity.
On the first night of the L.A. stop (May 21), SZA shocked fans when she brought out Lizzo for a special live rendition of their “Special” remix. That surprise alone had fans buzzing, but Bieber’s appearance two days later raised the stakes even higher.
With one more SoFi Stadium show scheduled for Saturday, May 25, anticipation is sky-high. Concertgoers are speculating whether Lamar might bring out a West Coast legend, or whether SZA could have yet another surprise collaborator up her sleeve.
What’s Next for Bieber and SZA?
For SZA, the Grand National Tour has solidified her as one of the most dynamic performers of her generation. With multiple Grammy nominations, chart-topping singles, and critical acclaim, she continues to prove her versatility and star power.
For Justin Bieber, the duet with SZA feels like a powerful re-entry into the live music spotlight. While he has taken time away from full-scale touring to focus on health and family, this performance shows he hasn’t lost his passion for connecting with audiences. Rumors are swirling that Bieber is quietly working on his next studio album, with insiders hinting at a mix of R&B and pop-driven collaborations.
Final Thoughts
The SoFi Stadium duet between Justin Bieber and SZA wasn’t just another concert moment—it was a cultural event that highlighted the evolving landscape of live music. It blended genres, connected fanbases, and reminded the world of the magic that happens when two powerhouse artists share a stage.
For fans in Los Angeles, it was a night they’ll never forget. And for Bieber and SZA, it marked a new chapter in their artistic journeys—one filled with creative exploration, collaboration, and the undeniable joy of live performance.
