Kendrick Lamar and SZA set record for highest grossing co-headlining tour

The tour, which spans just 23 dates across the United States and Canada, has already grossed over $256 million. This monumental figure not only cements their status as two of the most influential artists of their generation but also sets a new benchmark in the touring industry for collaborative performances.

While Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour set a high bar in 2023 with its elaborate staging, intricate choreography, and record-breaking $579 million gross, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour takes a different yet equally impactful approach. Beyoncé performed solo, commanding massive global audiences, while Kendrick and SZA’s co-headlining dynamic offered fans two distinct yet complementary performances in one show. 

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the efficiency with which the record was broken. Averaging an astounding $11.1 million per show, the Grand National Tour has seen more than 1.1 million tickets sold across all stops. Each show has drawn in an average of 48,000 fans, filling stadiums and large arenas with die-hard supporters eager to witness two of hip-hop and R&B's most celebrated voices share the stage.

The tour’s name, “The Grand National,” carries weight. It evokes themes of Black excellence, competition, unity, and triumph—fitting given the historic nature of this collaboration. While both Kendrick and SZA have previously toured individually to great success, the combined power of their artistry, storytelling, and performance has proven to be a cultural force unlike any other.

Their chemistry on stage reflects years of collaboration and mutual respect. Both artists are rooted in the same creative label family, Top Dawg Entertainment, and have worked together on tracks like “All the Stars,” which featured prominently on the Black Panther soundtrack and earned them Grammy nominations as well as an Oscar nod.

From a business standpoint, the success of the Grand National Tour is groundbreaking. In an era where concertgoers are becoming increasingly selective due to high ticket prices and economic factors, the tour's ability to draw massive crowds consistently speaks volumes about Kendrick and SZA’s cultural significance and fan loyalty.

The significance of this tour goes beyond numbers. It marks a cultural milestone for Black artistry and co-headlining acts, proving that joint tours can not only succeed but surpass traditional solo tours in scale and scope. Historically, co-headlining tours have often featured acts from different genres or stages in their careers. In contrast, Kendrick and SZA are both at the peak of their powers, offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience two generational voices at the height of their craft.