LOS ANGELES (AP) — SZA might be known for hit songs like “Kill Bill” and “Snooze,” but the R&B star unveiled another impressive skill beyond music that drew high praise from gymnastics superstar Simone Biles.
The multiple Grammy winner showed off her nimble athletic abilities during a friendly handstand contest with Biles during an NBC promo spot released Monday. It was the first meeting between SZA and Biles, who secured her third trip to the Olympics after her victory at the U.S. trials Sunday night.
In the two-minute video, SZA met Biles at the gymnast’s family-owned World Champions Centre training facility in Spring, Texas. As both stretched, Biles asked SZA about pivoting from gymnastics to music, the latter of which the singer called her “hidden talent.”
“When it was clear to me that I wasn’t going to be a national gymnast, I was like ‘OK, let me see what else I can do and be good at,’” said SZA, who won three Grammys this year. The singer was heavily involved in gymnastics for more than a decade before she reached music stardom.
“I needed something I could be competitive at,” SZA continued.
When SZA went into her handstand, Biles thought she was practicing until the singer firmly held her stance for a few seconds.
“Oh, she’s practicing. Wait, that’s good,” said Biles, who applauded SZA’s skills with excitement.
Both then went into their handstands at the same time. After around 15 seconds, Biles’ feet dropped first to the mat, first making SZA the winner.
“That was so good,” said Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history.
SZA added: “That was so difficult.”
The video is one of the latest from NBC, which has inserted more pop culture into the network’s coverage heading into the Paris Olympics that begins July 26. Some of the previous promo spots have included Cardi B, Sha’Carri Richardson, Lily Collins and Noah Lyles.
“SZA and Simone’s mutual admiration for each other’s talents provide a preview of the incredible competition in store at the Paris Olympics,” said Joseph Lee, senior vice president of creative marketing, sports and entertainment at NBCUniversal. “Their shared joy in being together shows the cultural excitement we will experience as we watch these athletes compete.”
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More AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
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Rephrased content:
SZA, the renowned R&B artist known for hits like “Kill Bill” and “Snooze,” showcased her athleticism in a handstand contest with gymnast Simone Biles. The duo’s friendly competition was captured in a two-minute NBC promo spot released on Monday, marking their first meeting. The encounter took place at Biles’ family-owned training facility in Texas.
During the video, SZA discussed transitioning from gymnastics to music, labeling music her “hidden talent” after realizing she wouldn’t pursue a national gymnastics career. Biles, a three-time Olympian, lauded SZA’s unexpected prowess in the handstand challenge, which SZA eventually won.
NBC has been incorporating pop culture elements into its coverage leading up to the Paris Olympics, including features on artists like Cardi B and athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson. Joseph Lee, NBCUniversal’s senior vice president of creative marketing, highlighted the excitement and mutual admiration displayed by SZA and Biles as a hint of the thrilling competition to come at the upcoming Olympics.
