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

SZA defended Cher during an interview with Entertainment Tonight after the “Believe” singer mistakenly announced “Luther Vandross” as the record of the year winner at the Grammys on Sunday night; the award actually went to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” a tribute to the R&B singer who died in 2005.

“We share the frequency of the song,” SZA said, referring to Vandross and Cherl Lynn’s 1982 rendition of “If This World Were Mine,” which is sampled in “Luther.” “Like, that’s his frequency that allowed us to win and that allowed it to be memorable. So she’s not wrong. And she’s from that era — she probably really knew Luther Vandross.”

SZA added, “Of course her brain and energy is connecting that energy to the energy that we’re sharing. We’re mooching off of what Luther already gave us. So we’re grateful. It’s like I wish I could speak to him.”

She then said directly into the camera, “Thank you, Luther.”

Cher, who received the lifetime achievement award at this year’s Grammy ceremony, was on hand to present the record of the year award. When announcing the winner, she mistakenly said, “Oh, the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross” (mispronouncing his surname as “Grandoss”). She quickly realized the error and corrected herself, adding, “No, Kendrick Lamar! The Grammy goes to Kendrick Lamar.”

When accepting the award, Sounwave — one of the producers behind “Luther” — said on stage, “First and foremost, let’s give a shout-out to the late, great Luther Vandross.”

Lamar echoed the sentiment, adding, “This is what music is about: Luther Vandross. This is special for me. I’ve got to take my time, because he’s one of my favorite artists of all time. They granted us the privilege to do our version of [‘If This World Were Mine’]. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn near all dropped a tear, because we know how much him and Cheryl Lynn poured into that record. Being able to put our vocals of it proves that we are somewhat worthy of being just as great as them individuals. They granted us that.”