SZA shows off her gymnastic skills in a friendly handstand competition with Simone Biles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — SZA could also be known for hits like “Kill Bill” and “Snooze,” however the R&B star showcased one other impressive skill that extends beyond music, one which drew praise from gymnastics star Simone Biles.

The multiple Grammy Award winner showed off her agile athletic skills in a friendly handstand competition with Biles during NBC promotional spot posted Monday. It was the primary meeting between SZA and Biles, who secured her third trip to the Olympics after winning the U.S. qualifier on Sunday night.

In the two-minute video, SZA met Biles on the gymnast’s family training facility, the World Champions Center, in Spring, Texas. As the 2 stretched, Biles asked SZA about transitioning from gymnastics to music, which the singer called her “hidden talent.”

“When it became 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 what I can be good at,'” said SZA, who won three Grammy Awards this yr. The singer was heavily involved in gymnastics for greater than a decade before she rose to music stardom.

“I needed something I could be competitive in,” SZA continued.

When SZA did a handstand, Biles thought she was doing an exercise until the singer held the position for several seconds.

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“Oh, she works out. Wait, that’s good,” said Biles, who enthusiastically applauded SZA’s skills.

They then each moved into handstands at the identical time. After about 15 seconds, Biles’ feet landed first on the mat, giving SZA the win.

“It was really good,” said Biles, essentially the most decorated gymnast in history.

SZA added: “It was very difficult.”

The video is the newest in a series of NBC videos which have introduced more popular culture elements into its coverage of the Paris Olympics, which begin July 26. Previous promos have featured Cardi B, Sha’Carri Richardson, Lily Collins and Noah Lyles.

“SZA and Simone’s mutual admiration for each other’s talents provides a taste of the incredible competition that awaits us at the Paris Olympics,” said Joseph Lee, senior vp of creative marketing, sports and entertainment, NBCUniversal. “Their shared joy in being together showcases the cultural excitement we will experience when we watch these athletes compete.”