Sophia Michaels
Image Source: Getty / Dave Kotinsky
SZA proved that brevity really is the soul of wit at the Webby Awards on May 15. While accepting the artist of the year award at the annual ceremony in New York City, the singer kept things short and sweet with a five-word speech that had the audience in stitches. “The internet scares me,” she said while holding her new trophy with a huge smile on her face. After a few glances out into the crowd, she added a quick “thanks” and split. The honesty! The relatability! It’s only a matter of time before clips of her to-the-point revelation start circulating Twitter as a reaction meme.
Celebrity choreographer Parris Goebel, who’s collaborated with SZA through the years, presented her with the award and shared far lengthier comments about the songwriter’s talent. “SZA is an undeniable force in music, and her power on the internet has moved the world,” Goebel said. “She stopped time and blew us all away when she dropped her debut album, ‘Ctrl,’ and hasn’t slowed down ever since. . . . Her music has inspired countless trends across social media, she dominates every playlist, and it’s safe to say she’s the queen of going viral.” Goebel concluded, “It’s SZA’s world, and we’re living in it,” before a mashup of the singer’s many music videos played on screen.
SZA’s acceptance speech is quite ironic, seeing as the Webby Awards celebrate “the best of the internet.” Other Webby Awards honorees this year included Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Vol. 4 show, Doja Cat’s Taco Bell partnership, and Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty brand.
“The internet scares me. Thanks.” 🫢
Webby Awards Artist of the Year @sza delivers her 5-Word Speech at the 27th Annual Webby Awards #Webbys #SZA pic.twitter.com/cks3Q3x8Gz
— The Webby Awards (@TheWebbyAwards) May 16, 2023
