Sam Smith

Samuel Frederick Smith{{cite web |url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&page=1&fromrow=1&torow=25&querytype=WriterID&keyid=1481472&keyname=SMITH+SAMUEL+FREDERICK&CAE=686735199&Affiliation=PRS |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140131205650/http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&page=1&fromrow=1&torow=25&querytype=WriterID&keyid=1481472&keyname=SMITH+SAMUEL+FREDERICK&CAE=686735199&Affiliation=PRS |archive-date=31 January 2014 |title=Songwriter/Composer: Smith, Samuel Frederick |work=Broadcast Music, Inc. |access-date=17 May 2014 }} was born in London on 19 May 1992{{cite web | url= https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sam-smith-mn0002509942/biography | title= Artist Biography | first= James | last= Wilkinson | work= AllMusic | access-date= 28 May 2014 | archive-date= 8 June 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140608163750/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sam-smith-mn0002509942/biography | url-status= live }} to Frederick Smith and broker Kate Cassidy.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4445012/Banker-claims-she-was-sacked-for-promoting-sons-pop-career.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4445012/Banker-claims-she-was-sacked-for-promoting-sons-pop-career.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Banker claims she was sacked for promoting son's pop career|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 February 2009|access-date=13 February 2015}}{{cbignore}} Smith grew up in Great Chishill, where they attended Thomas More Primary School.{{Cite web|url=https://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/saffron-walden-s-sam-smith-wins-oscar-5336550|title=Saffron Walden's Sam Smith wins Oscar|date=29 February 2016|access-date=25 April 2021|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425181757/https://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/saffron-walden-s-sam-smith-wins-oscar-5336550|url-status=live}} They were bullied for having breasts as a child and underwent liposuction at age 12.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Curtis M. |title=Sam Smith Opens Up About Gender Identity, Body Image in Candid Interview |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sam-smith-gender-identity-interview_n_5c8bf783e4b0d7f6b0f34199 |access-date=17 March 2019 |work=HuffPost |date=15 March 2019 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329011029/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sam-smith-gender-identity-interview_n_5c8bf783e4b0d7f6b0f34199 |url-status=live }} As part of Youth Music Theatre UK, Smith appeared in the troupe's 2007 production of Oh! Carol, a musical featuring the music of Neil Sedaka.{{cite web|url=http://www.youthmusictheatreuk.org/alumni|title=Alumni Youth Music Theatre UK|date=17 December 2013|access-date=17 December 2013|archive-date=25 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425224513/http://www.youthmusictheatreuk.org/alumni}} Before entering the musical theatre, they had been in jazz bands.{{cite web|url=http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/sam-smith-every-day-i-think-about-how-insane-this-is-145738|title=Sam Smith: "Every day I think about how insane this is"|work=The Line Of Best Fit|date=14 February 2014|access-date=24 November 2014|archive-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114142808/http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/sam-smith-every-day-i-think-about-how-insane-this-is-145738|url-status=live}} While studying singing and songwriting under jazz pianist Joanna Eden for a number of years,{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2014/05/28/sam-smith-cover-story-interview/|title=Cover Story: Sam Smith Opens up About Life and Love|work=The Fader|first=Jessica|last=Robertson|date=28 May 2014|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414144917/http://www.thefader.com/2014/05/28/sam-smith-cover-story-interview/|url-status=live}} Smith attended St Mary's Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford{{cite web|url=http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/News/Bishops-Stortford/Former-Stortford-schoolboy-Sam-Smith-gears-up-for-tonights-Brit-Awards-20140219164127.htm|title=Former Stortford schoolboy Sam Smith gears up for tonight's Brit awards|date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531131254/http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/News/Bishops-Stortford/Former-Stortford-schoolboy-Sam-Smith-gears-up-for-tonights-Brit-Awards-20140219164127.htm|archive-date=31 May 2014}} and was a member of the Bishop's Stortford Junior Operatics (now Bishop's Stortford Musical Theatre Society) and the Cantate Youth Choir.{{cite web|url=http://www.cantate.co.uk/|title=Home |publisher=Cantate.co.uk|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223002611/http://www.cantate.co.uk/|url-status=live}} Smith attended the Anglican St Mary the Virgin church, Saffron Walden, with family members, as a youth.{{cite web | last=Roden | first=Ally | title=Sam Smith Shares Self-Penned "Queer Love Hymn," "Gloria" | website=Music Mayhem Magazine | date=21 January 2023 | url=https://musicmayhemmagazine.com/sam-smith-shares-self-penned-queer-love-hymn-gloria/ | access-date=6 February 2023 | archive-date=6 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206222312/https://musicmayhemmagazine.com/sam-smith-shares-self-penned-queer-love-hymn-gloria/ | url-status=live }} Smith released two singles, "Bad Day All Week" in 2008 and "When It's Alright" in 2009.{{cite book|author=Joe Allan|title=Sam Smith - The Biography|publisher=John Blake Publishing Limited|year=2015|isbn=978-1-78418-772-9}}

Smith was featured on the Disclosure song "Latch", which was released on 8 October 2012 and peaked at No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. In February 2013, Smith released the first single from their debut album, "Lay Me Down", and later in the year featured on Naughty Boy's single "La La La". It was released on 19 May 2013 and peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Smith's first EP Nirvana was released the following year. The first song on the EP, titled "Safe with Me", is produced by Two Inch Punch and was first broadcast on MistaJam's BBC Radio 1Xtra show on 24 July 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.crackintheroad.com/music/23303-new-sam-smith-safe-with-me/|title=New: Sam Smith – Safe With Me|publisher=Crack in the Road|date=24 July 2013|access-date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006123254/http://www.crackintheroad.com/music/23303-new-sam-smith-safe-with-me|archive-date=6 October 2014}} The second song on the EP is titled "Nirvana" and is produced by Craze & Hoax and Jonathan Creek. The EP also includes Smith's acoustic solo version of "Latch" and a live version of "I've Told You Now".{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nirvana-ep/id708375165|title=iTunes Music – Nirvana – EP by Sam Smith|publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=17 September 2013|archive-date=27 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027133213/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/nirvana-ep/id708375165|url-status=dead}} Smith released the Disclosure, Nile Rodgers, and Jimmy Napes collaboration "Together" on 25 November 2013 as the only single from Settle: The Remixes. In December 2013, Smith was nominated for the 2014 Brit Critics' Choice Award and the BBC's Sound of 2014 poll,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25216850|title=Brits announce Critics' Choice 2014 shortlist|publisher=BBC|date=5 December 2013|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213023305/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25216850|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ky6g6/profiles/samsmith|title=Sound of 2014 Profile: Sam Smith|publisher=BBC|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=28 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228151148/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01ky6g6/profiles/samsmith|url-status=live}} winning both.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/10511427/Brits-Critics-Choice-Award-2014-Sam-Smith-announced-as-winner.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/10511427/Brits-Critics-Choice-Award-2014-Sam-Smith-announced-as-winner.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Brits Critics' Choice Award 2014: Sam Smith announced as winner|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 December 2013|access-date=19 December 2013}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25635440 |title=BBC Sound of 2014: Sam Smith |publisher=BBC |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110164557/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25635440 |url-status=live }}

File:Sam Smith 2 (15425586230).jpg in 2014]]

The second single from Smith's debut album, titled "Money on My Mind", was released on 16 February 2014. It was announced on 16 December that Smith's debut studio album, titled In the Lonely Hour, would be released on 26 May 2014 through Capitol Records. Smith described the album as "all about unrequited love" stemming from personal experience, having never been loved back by any previous love interests.{{cite web|url=http://soundofboston.com/angel-cambridge-sam-smith/|title=The Angel of Cambridge: Sam Smith|work=Sound of Boston|last=Ollman|first=Jonah|date=28 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014|archive-date=30 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330013345/http://soundofboston.com/angel-cambridge-sam-smith/|url-status=live}} The album reached number one in the UK Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200, and by 5 November it had become the second biggest selling album of 2014 in the US behind only 1989 by Taylor Swift.{{cite news|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|title=Official: Taylor Swift's '1989' Debuts With 1.287 Million Sold In First Week|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6304536/official-taylor-swifts-1989-debuts-with-1287-million-sold-in|date=4 November 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120232630/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6304536/official-taylor-swifts-1989-debuts-with-1287-million-sold-in|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smiths-debut-album-on-track-to-knock-coldplay-off-number-1-3042/|title=Sam Smith's debut album on track to knock Coldplay-off Number 1|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=6 November 2014|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529084805/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smiths-debut-album-on-track-to-knock-coldplay-off-number-1-3042/|url-status=live}} In January 2015, In the Lonely Hour was named the second best selling album of 2014 in the UK, behind x by Ed Sheeran.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30641372 "UK album chart for 2014 dominated by British artists"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127144202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30641372 |date=27 November 2018 }}. BBC. Retrieved 1 January 2014.

A live version of album track "I've Told You Now", performed at St Pancras Old Church, was made available as a free download as part of an Amazon.com promotion on 27 December 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Told-Live-Pancras-Church-London/dp/B00HG1ANVM|title=I've Told You Now (Live at St Pancras Old Church, London): Sam Smith|website=Amazon UK|date=27 December 2013|access-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402175656/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Told-Live-Pancras-Church-London/dp/B00HG1ANVM|archive-date=2 April 2016}} The album track "Make It To Me", co-written by Howard of Disclosure and Jimmy Napes, was made available as a free download as part of an iTunes Store promotion on 13 January 2014.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/make-it-to-me-single/id785860884|title=iTunes – Music – Make It To Me – Single by Sam Smith|publisher=iTunes Store|date=13 January 2014|access-date=13 January 2014|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602222427/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/make-it-to-me-single/id785860884|url-status=dead}} Smith went on their debut American headlining tour in the second quarter of 2014, with a setlist of primarily new material. On 20 January 2014, Smith made their American television debut performing "Latch" with Disclosure on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Smith also performed on Saturday Night Live on 29 March 2014, performing the gospel-tinged "Stay with Me" and an acoustic version of "Lay Me Down".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1724912/meet-sam-smith-british-bartender-set-take-saturday-night-live-stage.jhtml|title=Meet Sam Smith: The British Bartender Set To Take The 'Saturday Night Live' Stage|publisher=MTV|last=Montgomery|first=James|date=27 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014|archive-date=31 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331102509/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1724912/meet-sam-smith-british-bartender-set-take-saturday-night-live-stage.jhtml}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-03-28/sam-smith-saturday-night-live|title=Get To Know Sam Smith Before He Plays Saturday Night Live – Music News + Gossip – VH1 Music|publisher=VH1|last=Exton|first=Emily|date=28 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014|archive-date=10 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510071205/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-03-28/sam-smith-saturday-night-live/}}{{cite web|url=http://www.queerty.com/is-sam-smith-the-worlds-next-great-male-diva-20140327|title=Is Sam Smith The World's Next Great Male Diva? / Queerty|work=Queerty|last=Tharrett|first=Matthew|date=27 March 2014|access-date=29 March 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001742/http://www.queerty.com/is-sam-smith-the-worlds-next-great-male-diva-20140327|url-status=live}} "Stay with Me" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100.[https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20140525/7501/ "2014 Top 40 Official Singles Chart UK Archive (31 May 2014)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421091100/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20140525/7501 |date=21 April 2015 }}. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 December 2014.[https://www.billboard.com/artist/5811918/Sam+Smith/chart?f=379 "Sam Smith Album & Single Chart History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719031346/https://www.billboard.com/artist/5811918/Sam+Smith/chart?f=379 |date=19 July 2018 }}. Billboard. Retrieved 5 December 2014. The fourth single from the album, "I'm Not the Only One", reached number three in the UK and number five in the US. Smith performed "Stay With Me" live at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on 24 August at The Forum in Inglewood, California.{{cite news|title=Sam Smith Is Performing at the 2014 VMAs And Tears Are Unavoidable|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1902436/sam-smith-vma-perfomer/?utm=share_twitter|access-date=20 August 2014|archive-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408181854/http://www.mtv.com/news/1902436/sam-smith-vma-perfomer/?utm=share_twitter}} On 15 November 2014, they joined the charity group Band Aid 30 along with other British and Irish pop acts, recording the latest version of the track "Do They Know It's Christmas?" at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, to raise money for the 2014 Ebola crisis in Western Africa.{{cite news|title=Band Aid 30: One Direction among celebrity line-up|last=Singh|first=Anita|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=11 November 2014|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/11220735/Band-Aid-30-line-up-revealed.html|archive-date=11 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|access-date=6 December 2014}}{{cbignore}}

File:Sam_Smith_Lollapalooza_2015-3.jpg in 2015]]

In 2015, it came to light that singer Tom Petty, noting similarities between "Stay with Me" and his 1989 hit song "I Won't Back Down", had negotiated an out-of-court settlement with Smith in October 2014. Petty and co-composer Jeff Lynne were awarded 12.5 percent of the royalties from "Stay with Me", and the names of Petty and Lynne joined James John Napier (known professionally as Jimmy Napes) in the ASCAP song credit.{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2015/01/tom-petty-awarded-songwriting-royalties-for-sam-smiths-stay-with-me/|title=Update: Tom Petty awarded songwriting royalties for Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" |work=Consequence of Sound|date=29 January 2015|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218235728/http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/01/tom-petty-awarded-songwriting-royalties-for-sam-smiths-stay-with-me/|url-status=live}} At the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, held on 8 February 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Smith performed "Stay with Me" and also received four Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (for "Stay with Me") and Best Pop Vocal Album (for In the Lonely Hour).[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31164562 "Grammy Awards: Sam Smith wins four prizes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406154500/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31164562 |date=6 April 2015 }}. BBC. Retrieved 26 February 2015. At the 2015 Brit Awards held at The O2 Arena in London on 25 February, they performed "Lay Me Down", and won the Brit Awards for British Breakthrough Act, and Global Success.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30839967 "Brit Awards 2015: Winners list"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011114840/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30839967 |date=11 October 2018 }}. BBC. Retrieved 26 February 2015. In March 2015, "Lay Me Down" was re-released as the sixth single from the album, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Smith's third US top 10 single).{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6502503/mark-ronson-bruno-mars-hot-100-sam-smith-fetty-wap|magazine=Billboard|title=Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars Lead Hot 100; Sam Smith, Fetty Wap Hit Top 10|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=18 March 2015|access-date=20 March 2015|archive-date=21 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321000012/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6502503/mark-ronson-bruno-mars-hot-100-sam-smith-fetty-wap|url-status=live}} The same month, Smith recorded another version of the song, featuring John Legend, for the British charity telethon Comic Relief, which reached number one in the UK.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/31902835 "Sam Smith scores double number one in the UK charts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318025827/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/31902835 |date=18 March 2015 }}. BBC. Retrieved 20 March 2015 At the 2015 Billboard Music Awards on 17 May, Smith received three Billboard Awards: Top Male Artist, Top New Artist, and Top Radio Songs Artist.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list|title=Billboard Music Awards 2015: See the Full Winners List|date=17 May 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=22 August 2015|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108105456/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/6568580/billboard-music-awards-2015-winners-list|url-status=live}} They featured on Disclosure's single "Omen", which was released on 27 July 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2015/07/disclosure-new-song-and-video-omen-f-sam-smith|title=Disclosure and Sam Smith Connect On "Omen"|website=Complex Networks|date=27 July 2015|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-date=29 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729233556/http://www.complex.com/music/2015/07/disclosure-new-song-and-video-omen-f-sam-smith|url-status=live}}

On 8 September 2015, Smith and Jimmy Napes confirmed that they had composed "Writing's on the Wall", the theme song to Spectre, the 24th James Bond film.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34176304|title=Sam Smith records Bond's Spectre theme tune|work=BBC News|date=8 September 2015|publisher=BBC|access-date=8 September 2015|archive-date=8 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908190220/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34176304|url-status=live}} The song was released on 25 September 2015 and became the first James Bond theme to reach number one in the UK. On 19 October, Smith was presented with two Guinness World Records—one for recording the first James Bond theme song to go to number one in the UK and another for scoring the most consecutive weeks in the UK top 10 by a debut album, for In the Lonely Hour.{{cite news|title=Sam Smith's Stay With Me named song of the year|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34571560|publisher=BBC|date=20 October 2015|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127143748/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34571560|url-status=live}}

At the 73rd Golden Globe Awards on 10 January 2016, they received the Award for Best Original Song for "Writing's on the Wall".{{cite news|title=Golden Globes 2016: The Revenant wins top three awards|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35267777|publisher=BBC|date=11 January 2015|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127203505/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35267777|url-status=live}} On 14 January, the song earned Smith an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/oscar-nominations-complete-list-855398 |title=Oscar Nominations: The Complete List |work=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=14 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-date=21 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121121016/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/oscar-nominations-complete-list-855398 |url-status=live }} In the nominations for the 2016 Brit Awards announced on 14 January, the song was among the nominees for Best British Video.{{cite news |title= Brit Awards 2016: The nominations |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35319213 |work= BBC News |date= 14 January 2016 |access-date= 22 January 2016 |archive-date= 17 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160117215320/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35319213 |url-status= live }} Smith performed "Writing's on the Wall" at the Academy Awards on 28 February and, along with Napes, collected the prize for Best Original Song.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-wins-oscar-for-his-james-bond-spectre-theme-song-writings-on-the-wall__13954/|title=Sam Smith wins Oscar for his James Bond Spectre theme song|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=29 February 2016|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302011319/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-wins-oscar-for-his-james-bond-spectre-theme-song-writings-on-the-wall__13954/|url-status=live}} In their acceptance speech, Smith referenced an article by Ian McKellen published before the awards ceremony that claimed no openly gay man had won an Oscar for Best Actor; Smith misquoted McKellen as saying that no gay man in general had won an Oscar. This was quickly discredited by openly gay recipient Dustin Lance Black,{{cite web| url = http://www.musictimes.com/articles/66393/20160229/sam-smith-mistakenly-thought-first-openly-gay-man-win-oscar.htm| title = Sam Smith Gaffes at Oscars with Misinformed Acceptance Speech, Shaky Performance| date = 29 February 2016| website = Music Times| access-date = 1 March 2016| archive-date = 1 March 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301100127/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/66393/20160229/sam-smith-mistakenly-thought-first-openly-gay-man-win-oscar.htm| url-status = live}} but McKellen mentioned that the error "doesn't detract" from Smith's achievement.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/01/arts/sam-smith-the-only-openly-gay-oscar-winner-not-really.html |title=Sam Smith, the Only Openly Gay Oscar Winner? Not Really |work=The New York Times |first=Yonette |last=Joseph |date=29 February 2016 |access-date=2 March 2016 |archive-date=2 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302001014/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/01/arts/sam-smith-the-only-openly-gay-oscar-winner-not-really.html |url-status=live }}

File:Sam Smith Xcel Energy Center 8-24-2018 - 0001 129.jpg in Minnesota in 2018]]

On 8 September 2017, Smith released a new single titled "Too Good at Goodbyes", which debuted at number one in the United Kingdom and number five on the US Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|last1=White|first1=Jack|title=Sam Smith scoops his sixth UK Number 1 single with Too Good at Goodbyes|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-scoops-his-sixth-uk-number-1-single-with-too-good-at-goodbyes__20436/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=15 September 2017|date=15 September 2017|archive-date=18 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118062119/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-scoops-his-sixth-uk-number-1-single-with-too-good-at-goodbyes__20436/|url-status=live}} Their second studio album, The Thrill of It All, debuted atop the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, becoming their first number one album in the US.{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8038264/sam-smith-billboard-artist-100-the-thrill-of-it-all|title=Sam Smith Hits No. 1 on Billboard Artist 100, Thanks to 'The Thrill of It All' Debut|magazine=Billboard|access-date=15 November 2017|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115025243/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8038264/sam-smith-billboard-artist-100-the-thrill-of-it-all|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-s-the-thrill-of-it-all-debuts-at-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart-this-is-a-dream-come-true-__20979|title=Sam Smith's The Thrill Of It All debuts at Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart: "This is a dream come true"|publisher=Official Charts Company|author=Rob Copsey|date=10 November 2017|access-date=10 November 2017|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113191512/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-s-the-thrill-of-it-all-debuts-at-number-1-on-the-official-albums-chart-this-is-a-dream-come-true-__20979/|url-status=live}} On 20 March 2018, Smith started the Thrill of It All Tour, which visited Europe, North America, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa until 2019. On 27 March 2018, they released "Pray" featuring American rapper Logic. On 17 August 2018, the singer collaborated as the main vocalist on Calvin Harris's new track "Promises".{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenocturnaltimes.com/calvin-harris-sam-smith-debut-promises/|title=Calvin Harris & Sam Smith Debut "Promises"|website=thenocturnaltimes.com|date=17 August 2018|language=en-US|access-date=2 December 2018|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819084251/http://www.thenocturnaltimes.com/calvin-harris-sam-smith-debut-promises/|url-status=live}} The song became Smith's seventh number one hit on the UK Singles Chart and their first top song on Billboard{{'s}} Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart.{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8478334/calvin-harris-ties-rihanna-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart-toppers|title=Calvin Harris Ties Rihanna for Most Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart No. 1s With 'Promises'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2 December 2018|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005124044/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8478334/calvin-harris-ties-rihanna-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart-toppers|url-status=live}} They also released the song "Fire on Fire" as the Watership Down soundtrack.

In January 2019, Smith released the song "Dancing with a Stranger" with Normani as a single and it reached the top ten in the UK, the US and other countries. In February, Smith performed a medley of songs alongside Calvin Harris, Rag'n'Bone Man and Dua Lipa at the 2019 Brit Awards held at the O₂ Arena in London. "How Do You Sleep?" was released on 19 July 2019.{{Cite magazine |date=19 July 2019 |title=Sam Smith Dances His Feelings Away in 'How Do You Sleep?' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-sam-smith-how-do-you-sleep-video-860975/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501181921/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-sam-smith-how-do-you-sleep-video-860975/ |url-status=live }} In December 2019, the Official Charts Company named In the Lonely Hour the best-selling debut album of the 2010s and the sixth best-selling album of the decade in the UK, while at 10 weeks, Smith's albums collectively spent the fourth-most weeks at number one in the UK in the 2010s, behind Ed Sheeran, Adele and Eminem.

File:Calvin Harris, Rag'n'Bone Man, Sam Smith and Dua Lipa performing at the BRIT Awards 2019 3.jpg, Rag'n'Bone Man and Dua Lipa at the 2019 Brit Awards in London]]

On 13 February 2020, Smith revealed that a third studio album, then titled To Die For, was scheduled to be released on 1 May.{{cite web|publisher=MTV|author=Trey Alston|date=13 February 2020|access-date=13 February 2020|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3156531/sam-smith-to-die-for-album-announcement/|title=SAM SMITH TEASES NEW ALBUM WITH A (LITERALLY) GRABBY PHOTO|archive-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213180349/http://www.mtv.com/news/3156531/sam-smith-to-die-for-album-announcement/}} On 30 March, Smith announced that, due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they would be delaying the release of their third album and would include a number of changes to the album track list and the title, as they would continue to work on it. However, they did state that it would still be released sometime within 2020.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sam-smith-releases-cover-coldplay-fix-you-9413785|title=Sam Smith Finally Released Their Emotional Cover of Coldplay's 'Fix You'|magazine=Billboard|last=Kaufamn|first=Gil|date=6 July 2020|access-date=9 July 2020|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711031044/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/pop/9413785/sam-smith-releases-cover-coldplay-fix-you|url-status=live}}

"I'm Ready", a collaboration with American singer Demi Lovato was released on 16 April and charted well in the top 40 of several countries.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9356689/sam-smith-demi-lovato-tease-upcoming-song-collaboration|title=Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Announce New Collaboration|magazine=Billboard|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|access-date=13 April 2020|date=12 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417235716/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9356689/sam-smith-demi-lovato-tease-upcoming-song-collaboration|url-status=live}} On 6 July, Smith released their cover of Coldplay's "Fix You". They had originally performed the song earlier in May for the iHeartRadio Living Room Series. On 17 September, they released a new single, "Diamonds", and then announced the new title for their third album, Love Goes, which was released on 30 October.{{Cite magazine|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |date=17 September 2020|title=Sam Smith Dances Solo in Electrifying 'Diamonds' Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-diamonds-video-love-goes-1061100/|access-date=13 February 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128202006/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-diamonds-video-love-goes-1061100/|url-status=live}} On 29 September they announced that they would be performing a livestream concert on 30 October from Abbey Road Studios in London, their only live performance of 2020.{{cite magazine |last=Brooks |first=Dave |title=Sam Smith Announces Virtual Concert From Abbey Road Studios |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9457033/sam-smith-concert-abbey-road-studios |magazine=Billboard |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=14 April 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414154126/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9457033/sam-smith-concert-abbey-road-studios |url-status=live }} The concert featured guest appearances by British actress Jade Anouka on "My Oasis" and singer Labrinth on "Love Goes", and included a cover version of "Time After Time", which drew praise from the song's original singer and writer Cyndi Lauper.{{cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |title=Watch Sam Smith Cover Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' at Abbey Road Studios |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-time-after-time-cyndi-lauper-cover-1144650/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=19 March 2021 |access-date=14 April 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410020726/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-time-after-time-cyndi-lauper-cover-1144650/ |url-status=live }} The concert was recorded and released as a live album, Love Goes: Live at Abbey Road Studios, on 19 March 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/sam-smith-set-to-release-abbey-road-livestream-as-album-2931|title=Sam Smith Set To Release Abbey Road Livestream As Album|publisher=abbeyroad.com|date=9 March 2021|access-date=18 March 2021|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309150913/https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/sam-smith-set-to-release-abbey-road-livestream-as-album-2931}} The same year, Smith recorded a cover of "You Will Be Found", in collaboration with Summer Walker, for the soundtrack album of the 2021 film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen. Their version of the song also plays during the closing credits of the film itself.{{Cite web|url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/1582547856|title = Dear Evan Hansen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Ben Platt, SZA, Sam Smith & Benj Pasek & Justin Paul|date = 24 September 2021|access-date = 31 August 2021|archive-date = 27 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210827084843/https://music.apple.com/us/album/1582547856|url-status = live}}

File:Sam Smith live in the Netherlands.jpg in June 2024]]

On 25 August 2022, Smith announced that they had collaborated with German singer Kim Petras on a song titled "Unholy", with Petras calling it "the best song" she has been part of.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/sam-smith-kim-petras-collab-unholy-coming-1235131010/|title=Sam Smith Teases Their 'Unholy' Collab With Kim Petras Is 'Coming Soon'|magazine=Billboard|last=Daw|first=Stephen|date=25 August 2022|access-date=26 August 2022|archive-date=25 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825234700/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/sam-smith-kim-petras-collab-unholy-coming-1235131010/|url-status=live}} The first single from Smith's fourth studio album Gloria, it reached number one in the UK, the US (Smith's first US chart topper), Australia and other markets.{{cite news |title=Sam Smith and Kim Petras set for fourth consecutive week at Number 1 with Unholy |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-and-kim-petras-set-for-fourth-consecutive-week-at-number-1-with-unholy__37595/ |access-date=25 October 2022 |publisher=Official Charts Company |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025050011/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/sam-smith-and-kim-petras-set-for-fourth-consecutive-week-at-number-1-with-unholy__37595/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sam-smith-kim-petras-unholy-number-one-hot-100-1235160237/|title=Sam Smith & Kim Petras' 'Unholy' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=25 October 2022|access-date=25 October 2022|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024180152/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/sam-smith-kim-petras-unholy-number-one-hot-100-1235160237/|url-status=live}} The song made Smith and Petras the first openly non-binary and first openly transgender musicians, respectively, to release a song that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. On 18 November, Smith released the single "Night Before Christmas", which was added to their EP The Holly & the Ivy.{{cite web|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/sam-smith-shares-night-before-christmas/|title=Sam Smith shares 'Night Before Christmas'|last=Iahn|first=Buddy|date=18 November 2022|website=The Music Universe|access-date=18 November 2022|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118185428/https://themusicuniverse.com/sam-smith-shares-night-before-christmas/|url-status=live}} Gloria was released on 27 January 2023, garnering generally favourable reviews from critics.{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/27/gloria-by-sam-smith-review-entire-album-feels-slipshod-and-confused-18169798/|title=Gloria by Sam Smith review: Entire album feels slipshod and confused|website=Metro|last=Madden|first=Emma|date=27 January 2023|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=27 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127060641/https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/27/gloria-by-sam-smith-review-entire-album-feels-slipshod-and-confused-18169798/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sam-smith-gloria-review-the-most-vital-work-of-their-career-3387484|title=Sam Smith – 'Gloria' review: the most vital work of their career|work=NME|last=Levine|first=Nick|date=27 January 2023|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=17 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317012953/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sam-smith-gloria-review-the-most-vital-work-of-their-career-3387484|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sam-smith-gloria-review-brits-song-of-the-year-unholy-b1055590.html|title=Sam Smith: Gloria album review – well crafted but oh so sensible|website=Evening Standard|last=Smyth|first=David|date=27 January 2023|access-date=27 January 2023|archive-date=30 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130011954/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/sam-smith-gloria-review-brits-song-of-the-year-unholy-b1055590.html|url-status=live}}

In February 2023, Smith and Petras won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Unholy". This made Smith the first openly non-binary artist to win a Grammy, and Petras the first openly transgender artist to win a major-category Grammy.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/kim-petras-2023-grammy-win-makes-history-sam-smith-1235213081|title=Kim Petras Makes History As First Openly Trans Woman to Win a Grammy|first=Jessica|last=Nicholson|magazine=Billboard|date=5 February 2023|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206134113/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/kim-petras-2023-grammy-win-makes-history-sam-smith-1235213081/|url-status=live}} In April of that year, Smith embarked on the Gloria World Tour to promote the album. The concert tour visited Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania throughout the year. In July 2023, Smith and Scottish DJ Calvin Harris collaborated for a second time, and released a song titled "Desire" on 28 July 2023 with Sony Music.{{Cite web |title=Calvin Harris & Sam Smith Team Up for New Song "Desire" |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20230728-20466 |access-date=27 August 2023 |website=pm studio world wide news |language=ja |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927150538/https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20230728-20466 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Calvin Harris Teases New Sam Smith Collaboration [Listen] - That Grape Juice |url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2023/06/calvin-harris-teases-new-sam-smith-collaboration-listen/ |access-date=27 August 2023 |website=thatgrapejuice.net |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927150637/https://thatgrapejuice.net/2023/06/calvin-harris-teases-new-sam-smith-collaboration-listen/ |url-status=live }} The song peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs.{{Cite magazine |title=Calvin Harris |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/calvin-harris/ |access-date=27 August 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130150429/https://www.billboard.com/artist/calvin-harris/ |url-status=live }}

In August 2024, Smith performed at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.{{Cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=Phil |last2=Duggins |first2=Alexi |last3=Wardell |first3=Simon |last4=Vassell |first4=Nicole |date=24 August 2024 |title=TV tonight: an evening of belting pop hits at the Proms with Sam Smith |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/aug/24/tv-tonight-an-evening-of-belting-pop-hits-at-the-proms-with-sam-smith |access-date=13 September 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Prom 18: Sam Smith |url=https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/proms/bbc-proms-24/prom-18/ |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=royalalberthall.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0022flg/bbc-proms-2024-sam-smith-at-the-proms |title=BBC Proms - 2024: Sam Smith at the Proms |language=en-GB |access-date=13 September 2024 |publisher=BBC}}

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}}

Smith cited Adele and Amy Winehouse as primary influences.{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/sam-smith/news/adele-inspiration/|title="I Look Up To Her" – Sam Smith On Being Inspired By Adele|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323185806/http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/sam-smith/news/adele-inspiration/|url-status=live}}"This Week's Fresh Music" (17 May 2014). 4Music. Retrieved 28 July 2015 They admire Adele's "honesty in her music" and the way she has handled fame; they expressed a wish to maintain a similar public image. Winehouse's debut album Frank was the first album Smith ever bought.{{cite magazine|last=Wallace|first=Amy|url=https://www.gq.com/story/sam-smith-new-rat-pack|title=Sam Smith: The New Face of Soul|date=6 January 2015|magazine=GQ|access-date=7 March 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414131215/https://www.gq.com/story/sam-smith-new-rat-pack|url-status=live}} Early in their career, Smith received advice from Mary J. Blige and Chaka Khan, both of whom they listened to during their youth; Smith said that this inspired them to offer help to new artists themself. They called Taylor Swift a "role model" and praised her "soulfulness" as well as her "honesty".

Smith stated that the story of Lady Gaga's career beginnings encouraged them to move to London to start their own career.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/sam-smith-on-lady-gaga-tom-petty-boy-george-and-his-next-album/story-e6frfn29-1227304979980|title=Sam Smith on Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, Boy George ... and his next album|last=Adams|first=Cameron|date=15 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207070048/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/sam-smith-on-lady-gaga-tom-petty-boy-george-and-his-next-album/news-story/9e8a23f4c7d8d17f4089fb1a1f10856f|archive-date=7 February 2018|publisher=News Corporation Australia|access-date=11 February 2022}} They also credited her with helping them come out as non-binary.{{cite web|title=Sam Smith credits Lady Gaga as the reason they came out as non-binary: "She gave me permission to be proud of my queerness"|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/10/28/sam-smith-lady-gaga-non-binary-come-out-makeup-vogue|date=28 October 2020|access-date=4 June 2021|website=PinkNews|first=Josh|last=Milton|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604225332/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/10/28/sam-smith-lady-gaga-non-binary-come-out-makeup-vogue/|url-status=live}} Smith described Robyn as a major influence on Love Goes and said that they listened to her "nonstop" while making the album because they "could dance and be sad at the same time and feel empowered".{{cite magazine|title=Why 'Love Goes' Is Sam Smith's 'First Proper Heartbreak Album'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9473046/sam-smith-love-goes-apple-music-interview|date=26 October 2020|access-date=4 June 2021|magazine=Billboard|first=Stephen|last=Daw|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101021313/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9473046/sam-smith-love-goes-apple-music-interview|url-status=live}} They further cited Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera as sources of inspiration and empowerment. Speaking to Rolling Stone in January 2016, Smith named Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as the greatest R&B voices.{{cite magazine|title=Sam Smith Breaks Down 10 Great R&B Voices|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/sam-smith-breaks-down-10-great-r-b-voices-20140513|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=13 May 2014|access-date=21 January 2016|archive-date=18 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518064227/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/sam-smith-breaks-down-10-great-r-b-voices-20140513|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Sam Smith: 5 Fact Facts About The 2015 Grammy Winner|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/sam-smith-5-fact-facts-about-2015-grammy-winner-1809396|date=8 February 2015|access-date=21 January 2016|website=International Business Times|first=Rebecka|last=Schumann|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128150048/http://www.ibtimes.com/sam-smith-5-fact-facts-about-2015-grammy-winner-1809396|url-status=live}} Smith's other influences include Britney Spears{{cite web|title=Sam Smith Talks How Britney Spears Inspired their New Album, Love for Normani, & More [Watch]|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/09/sam-smith-talks-new-music-love-for-normani-britney-spears-inspired-their-new-album/|publisher=That Grape Juice|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810055943/https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/09/sam-smith-talks-new-music-love-for-normani-britney-spears-inspired-their-new-album/|url-status=live}} and Brandy.{{cite web|title=Brandy: I look forward to seeing SA through my daughter's eyes|url=https://www.news24.com/channel/music/news/brandy-i-look-forward-to-seeing-sa-through-my-daughters-eyes-20171121|date=21 November 2017|access-date=4 June 2021|website=News24|first=Graye|last=Morkel|quote=Young artists like Rihanna, Sam Smith and Ariana Grande have credited her as an inspiration.|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604204459/https://www.news24.com/channel/music/news/brandy-i-look-forward-to-seeing-sa-through-my-daughters-eyes-20171121|url-status=live}}

In an October 2017 interview for Attitude magazine, Smith spoke of the impact of their close friend Ed Sheeran's success: "It makes you push yourself. Watching him this past year has just been incredible, but yeah, of course it makes me hungry."{{cite news|title=Sam Smith: Watching Ed Sheeran makes me push myself|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/sam-smith-watching-ed-sheeran-makes-me-push-myself-36130631.html|date=13 September 2017|access-date=29 June 2021|website=Belfast Telegraph|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629160200/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/sam-smith-watching-ed-sheeran-makes-me-push-myself-36130631.html|url-status=live}} They had previously mentioned to GQ in January 2015 that they "envy the competition that people like [Frank] Sinatra would have ... because you could tell he was working off them".

A VH1 profile of Smith's vocal coach Joanna Eden noted that Smith's vocal range "can soar from baritone to tenor for dramatic effect".{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/54655/sam-smith-vocal-coach-joanna-eden-team-celeb|title=Meet The Woman Who Taught Sam Smith How To Sing|publisher=VH1|first=Benjamin|last=Smith|date=5 February 2015|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014203259/http://www.vh1.com/news/54655/sam-smith-vocal-coach-joanna-eden-team-celeb|archive-date=14 October 2015}} Smith places a lot of emphasis on their voice and stated they tried to make it the main element of their debut album In the Lonely Hour. Following the release of the album, their vocals were often compared to those of Adele.{{cite magazine|title=In the Lonely Hour (Album Review)|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/in-the-lonely-hour-126709|date=17 June 2014|access-date=29 June 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Caryn|last=Granz|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515085815/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/in-the-lonely-hour-126709/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Review: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sam-smith-in-the-lonely-hour|date=18 June 2014|access-date=29 June 2021|website=Slant|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830213921/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/sam-smith-in-the-lonely-hour/|url-status=live}} Jessica Robertson of The Fader considers that Smith represents "a return of the virtuosic vocalist in popular music", in the vein of Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. Jim Farber wrote for The New York Daily News that Smith is "utterly unafraid to sound feminine";{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/sam-smith-lonely-hour-jennifer-lopez-album-reviews-article-1.1831614|title=Sam Smith's 'In the Lonely Hour' album review|website=The New York Daily News|first=Jim|last=Farber|date=17 June 2014|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014203259/http://www.vh1.com/news/54655/sam-smith-vocal-coach-joanna-eden-team-celeb|archive-date=14 October 2015|url-status=live}} Mary J. Blige thought that Smith was a black woman when she first heard them sing on Disclosure's "Latch". Asked about the "diva quality" of their voice, Smith remarked in January 2014:

{{blockquote|It's all I listened to. I actually didn't listen to male vocalists until about two years ago. I just listened to Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan. Massive voices.{{cite news|title=BBC Sound of 2014: Sam Smith|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25635440|work=BBC News|first=Mark|last=Savage|date=10 January 2014|access-date=29 June 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130231601/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25635440|url-status=live}}}}

In May 2014, Smith came out to the public as gay and acknowledged they had been in a brief relationship with actor and model Jonathan Zeizel.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/546310/sam-smith-opens-up-about-being-gay-reveals-album-is-about-a-guy-who-didn-t-love-him-back|title=Sam Smith Opens Up About Being Gay, Reveals Album Is About a Guy Who Didn't Love Him Back|last=Malec|first=Brett|date=29 May 2014|publisher=E!|access-date=28 May 2014|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218013135/http://www.eonline.com/news/546310/sam-smith-opens-up-about-being-gay-reveals-album-is-about-a-guy-who-didn-t-love-him-back|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30931139|title=Sam Smith confirms break-up on stage in Toronto|publisher=BBC|date=22 January 2015|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123173059/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30931139|url-status=live}} In 2015, at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards when "Stay with Me" won an award for Record of the Year, they said, "I want to thank the man this record is about, whom I fell in love with last year. Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys!".[http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Sam-Smith-Grammys-Acceptance-Speeches-2015-36819757#photo-36819757 Sam Smith's acceptance speeches] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209181622/http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Sam-Smith-Grammys-Acceptance-Speeches-2015-36819757#photo-36819757 |date=9 February 2015 }}. Popsugar.com. Retrieved 9 February 2015. In October 2017, Smith stated that their album The Thrill of It All showed "the gay guy I've become".{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/sam-smith-i-feel-just-as-much-a-woman-as-i-am-man/news-story/1ffc1d95c5d053b246c89d80bd3887b5|title=Sam Smith: 'I feel just as much a woman as I am man'|date=24 October 2017|website=news.com.au|access-date=25 October 2017|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308083125/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/sam-smith-i-feel-just-as-much-a-woman-as-i-am-man/news-story/1ffc1d95c5d053b246c89d80bd3887b5|url-status=live}} In September 2017, Smith revealed a relationship with actor Brandon Flynn in an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In June 2018, it was announced that Smith and Flynn had split after nine months of dating.{{cite news|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/28/sam-smith-brandon-flynn-split-entertainment-13-reasons-why/|title=Sam Smith and 13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn have split up after nine months|last=Glass|first=Jess|date=28 June 2018|website=PinkNews|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628153734/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/28/sam-smith-brandon-flynn-split-entertainment-13-reasons-why/|url-status=live}}

In October 2017, Smith came out as genderqueer,{{cite web|url=http://www.towleroad.com/2017/10/sam-smith-genderqueer-feel-just-much-woman-man/|title=Sam Smith Comes Out as Genderqueer: 'I Feel Just as Much Woman as I am Man'|last=Towle|first=Andy|date=23 October 2017|publisher=Towleroad|access-date=8 April 2018|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605033420/http://www.towleroad.com/2017/10/sam-smith-genderqueer-feel-just-much-woman-man/|url-status=live}} saying, "I feel just as much a woman as I am a man" and speaking of a period in their youth where they "didn't own a piece of male clothing and would wear full makeup while attending school".{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/sam-smith-comes-out-as-gender-nonbinary/10/2017/|title=Sam Smith Comes Out As Gender-Nonbinary|last1=Voss|first1=Brandon|author-link1=Brandon Voss|date=22 October 2017|website=newnownext.com|publisher=Logo TV|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608111805/http://www.newnownext.com/sam-smith-comes-out-as-gender-nonbinary/10/2017/|archive-date=8 June 2019|access-date=8 June 2019}}{{cite news|url=http://whatstrending.com/pop/24989-sam-smith-comes-out-as-gender-queer/|title=Sam Smith Comes Out As Gender Queer|last=Firer|first=Alex|date=23 October 2017|work=What's Trending|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-date=2 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902042540/http://whatstrending.com/pop/24989-sam-smith-comes-out-as-gender-queer/|url-status=live}} In September 2019, they came out as non-binary and changed their pronouns to they/them, stating, "After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out{{nbsp}}...".{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49688123 |title=Sam Smith changes pronouns to they/them |last=Hunte |first=Ben |date=14 September 2019 |access-date=14 September 2019 |work=BBC News |archive-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914110655/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49688123 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Blackmom |first1=Michael |title=Sam Smith Announced That Their Gender Pronouns Are They/Them |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/michaelblackmon/sam-smith-announced-that-their-preferred-gender-pronouns |website=Buzzfeed News |date=13 September 2019 |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-date=13 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913215623/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/michaelblackmon/sam-smith-announced-that-their-preferred-gender-pronouns |url-status=live }}

Smith has struggled with body image issues since preteen years and been open about this in interviews. They identify as a feminist.{{cite web|url=http://www.macleans.ca/culture/arts/the-interview-sam-smith-on-why-hes-a-feminist/|title=The Interview: Grammy winner Sam Smith|last=Iannacci|first=Elio|date=16 January 2015|website=Maclean's|access-date=20 November 2015|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213065608/https://www.macleans.ca/culture/arts/the-interview-sam-smith-on-why-hes-a-feminist/|url-status=live}}

Smith is the godparent of close friend and collaborator Jimmy Napes' son.{{cite web|url=https://instagram.com/p/0QED0yR2Tm/|title=Instagram|author=Smith, Sam|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407172116/https://www.instagram.com/p/0QED0yR2Tm/|archive-date=7 April 2016}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2024}}

Smith confirmed their then-two-year-long relationship with fashion designer Christian Cowan to the New York Times in May 2024.{{Cite news |last=Cherelus |first=Gina |date=6 May 2024 |title=Christian Cowan and Sam Smith's Met Gala Debut as a Couple |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/06/fashion/sam-smith-christian-cowan-met-gala.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

{{main|Sam Smith discography}}

• In the Lonely Hour (2014)
• The Thrill of It All (2017)
• Love Goes (2020)
• Gloria (2023)

• In the Lonely Hour Tour (2015)
• The Thrill of It All Tour (2018–2019)
• Gloria the Tour (2023)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Sam Smith}}

• List of highest-certified music artists in the United States
• List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart
• List of best-selling singles in the United States

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{commons category|Sam Smith}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20180828040110/http://www.samsmithsinger.com/ Profile], samsmithsinger.com. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20131206174625/http://www.mtv.com/artists/sam-smith/ Smith profile], MTV.com. Retrieved 14 February 2015.

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Category:1992 births

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Category:Singers from London