SZA Joins New Jersey Hall of Fame, Thanks Danny DeVito for Induction
SZA was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Sept. 24 in the Performing Arts & Entertainment category. Fellow New Jersey native Danny DeVito inducted her during a ceremony in East Rutherford. In her speech, SZA reflected on her local roots and the importance of community, while also joking online about meeting DeVito.
SZA was honored Sept. 24 in the Performing Arts & Entertainment category at the New Jersey Hall of Fame's 18th annual ceremony. Danny DeVito, a fellow Garden State native inducted in 2010, presented her at East Rutherford's Dream Live Performing Arts Center. Though born in St. Louis, she grew up in Maplewood and attended Columbia High School.
In her speech, she described the honor as among her greatest, recalled working at a pizzeria and a shoe shop, and celebrated the tight community that raised her. She mentioned Columbia High graduate Lauryn Hill and argued that people often bypass New Jersey for New York.
SZA's induction may strengthen New Jersey's cultural pride, especially for fans and aspiring artists from Maplewood and similar towns. Her remarks could draw more attention to local music scenes and overlooked tri-state communities. The ceremony may also raise the Hall of Fame's visibility among younger audiences, while her playful DeVito post could extend the story beyond music fans.