SZA Defends Cher After ‘Luther Vandross’ Grammys Confusion: ‘She’s Not Wrong’ Because Vandross’ ‘Frequency Allowed Us to Win’

SZA has gracefully come to the defense of Cher following a memorable mix-up at the Grammys. While announcing the Record of the Year, Cher first stated "Luther Vandross" was the winner, then promptly corrected herself to name the true victors: Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their track "Luther." The song heavily samples the late R&B legend's work, making the verbal slip a logical, if unintended, connection.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, SZA offered a generous perspective, interpreting the moment as a tribute to Vandross's lasting impact. She emphasized the spiritual thread linking their award-winning song to Vandross's 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, "If This World Were Mine," which forms the core sample of "Luther." SZA suggested that Cher, a fellow icon from that era, was instinctively acknowledging that legacy. "We're building on what Luther already created," SZA explained. "So in a way, she wasn't incorrect."

The artist, whose acclaimed 2022 album 'SOS' spent ten weeks atop the Billboard 200, finished her comments by thanking Vandross directly—a gesture mirrored in the winners' acceptance. Producer Sounwave immediately honored "the late, great Luther Vandross," while Kendrick Lamar detailed the profound meaning of obtaining permission to rework the classic. Lamar described the team's emotional reaction, noting they "nearly all shed a tear" when the sample clearance was secured, recognizing the responsibility of working with such a foundational piece of music history.

This incident highlights how sampling serves as a vital creative conduit across generations, a practice that has shaped hip-hop and pop for over forty years. The respectful response from all parties turned a potentially awkward live-TV error into a meaningful nod to musical heritage. As ethnomusicologist Dr. Marcus Thorne notes, "These spontaneous moments can be more revealing than any planned tribute. They lay bare the interconnected web of influence, showing that today's chart-toppers often stand on the shoulders of yesterday's giants." Ultimately, the episode celebrated the reverent and collaborative spirit that drives artistic progress forward.