Drew Barrymore and SZA share a connection that beautifully blends music, admiration, and authenticity. What started as a surprising tribute in the form of a song has blossomed into years of mutual support and respect between the Hollywood actress and the Grammy-winning singer. Recently, Barrymore took to Instagram to post a throwback photo with SZA, instantly stirring up nostalgia for fans of both the beloved actress and the R&B star.
A ‘Pinch Me’ Moment
On August 21, Barrymore shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a selfie with SZA. The photo, taken on the set of the 2017 “Drew Barrymore” music video, shows both women bundled up in coats, smiling warmly as they posed together.
“Throwback to this ‘pinch me’ moment,” Barrymore wrote in her caption. “I still can’t believe you wrote such a beautiful song and named it my name! I’m the luckiest girl in the world! You’re the greatest.”
The post was more than just a casual throwback — it was a reflection of how much this cross-industry connection still means to Barrymore years later.
The Legacy of “Drew Barrymore”
Back in 2017, SZA released “Drew Barrymore” as the lead single from her now-iconic debut album, Ctrl. While the track never entered the Billboard Hot 100, it became an instant fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of her signature songs. The album itself soared to No. 3 on the Billboard 200, cementing SZA’s place as one of the most influential new voices in R&B.
The song struck a chord with listeners because of its vulnerability. Lyrics about insecurity, love, and self-worth resonated deeply with fans who felt SZA was voicing their own experiences. The choice to name it after Drew Barrymore, a beloved actress known for her authenticity and relatability, was unexpected yet fitting.
Why Drew Barrymore?
The answer to why SZA chose Barrymore as her song’s namesake was revealed years later. During an emotional appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in January, SZA explained that she admired Barrymore for being unapologetically herself on screen.
“Growing up, one of the few lovely white women that I looked up to so much on television was you,” SZA told Barrymore. “Because you were so yourself. You were quirky. Your smile wasn’t perfect … I love the way you talk and the you-ness of you.”
She went on to say that Barrymore reminded her of all the qualities she sometimes felt self-conscious about. “It just reminds me of all the things about myself that make me nervous, but on you, shine so brightly. It gave me permission to be myself.”
This heartfelt revelation shows that the connection between them is much deeper than just a song title. SZA saw in Barrymore a role model of self-acceptance and authenticity, qualities she wanted to embrace in her own career and personal journey.
Their Time Together on Set
Though Barrymore’s appearance in the “Drew Barrymore” video is brief, it’s memorable. In a poignant scene, SZA sits on an outdoor staircase, appearing vulnerable and reflective. Barrymore walks past, glances at her, and offers a soft, reassuring smile.
That small gesture captured the essence of what Barrymore symbolized for SZA — warmth, encouragement, and the permission to be unapologetically human.
Reflecting on the day of the shoot, Barrymore recalled, “I was just so excited to show up for you.” To which SZA responded with disbelief and gratitude: “I couldn’t believe you did that.”
A Bond That Stands the Test of Time
While many celebrity interactions are fleeting, the connection between SZA and Drew Barrymore has endured. Even years after the song’s release, Barrymore continues to celebrate the moment and honor the bond that grew from it.
For SZA, the tribute wasn’t just about naming a song after an actress — it was about celebrating a figure who unknowingly helped her embrace her individuality. For Barrymore, the honor was both humbling and validating, as it showed how her authentic self had quietly inspired a new generation of artists.
This mutual admiration reflects something rare in the entertainment industry: two women from very different worlds finding common ground through honesty, art, and respect.
SZA’s Ongoing Journey
Since the release of Ctrl, SZA has only grown in influence and acclaim. Her sophomore album SOS dominated charts worldwide, and her ongoing Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar has further solidified her status as a global star.
She continues to push boundaries with her music, blending R&B, hip-hop, and alternative sounds while staying deeply personal and authentic. Fans often point to “Drew Barrymore” as the song that first revealed SZA’s ability to marry raw honesty with universal relatability — a skill that now defines her career.
Drew Barrymore: Always an Icon
Meanwhile, Drew Barrymore remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. From her early child star days in E.T. to her romantic comedy reign in the late ’90s and 2000s, to her current role as a talk show host, Barrymore has reinvented herself while maintaining the same charm and relatability that SZA once admired.
Her willingness to embrace imperfections, celebrate individuality, and bring warmth to every project is what continues to make her a cultural icon.
A Lasting Friendship in Pop Culture
What makes this story so captivating is that it’s not just about a song or a cameo. It’s about two women who represent different corners of the entertainment world coming together in a way that feels genuine. Their story is a reminder of how art — whether music, film, or television — has the power to build unexpected bridges and lasting friendships.
As Barrymore’s Instagram post proves, even years later, that “pinch me” moment is still as meaningful today as it was back in 2017.