Sam Smith

Sam Smith's voice arrived before the world knew what to make of 'em — a singular, achin', impossibly pure tenor that seemed to emerge fully formed from the British singer-songwriter tradition. Born in 92 in London, raised in Cambridgeshire. Studied jazz at Youth Music Theatre UK before breakin' through as a featured vocalist on Disclosure's Latch (12) and Naughty Boy's La La La (13). Two collaborations that would've been enough to launch a career — but Sam was only just gettin' started.

Their debut In the Lonely Hour (14) was a masterclass in heartbreak pop. Written largely about unrequited love for a man who didn't return their feelings. Stay With Me — built around a choir and gospel-inspired piano line — became a global number one. Two Grammys — Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Brits for British Breakthrough Act and Global Success. Money on My Mind, I'm Not the Only One — raw emotional directness connectin' with millions.

In 2015, Sam made history as the first openly gay man to win an Oscar. Writings on the Wall, written for James Bond film Spectre, earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song. A milestone for LGBTQ+ representation. Number one in the UK. An Oscar, multiple Grammys, an Ivor Novello — by the age of 23.

Their second album The Thrill of It All (17) debuted at number one on both sides of the Atlantic. Too Good at Goodbyes, Pray — a deepenin' emotional palette. Then in 2019, Sam came out as non-binary, changin' to they/them pronouns. One of the most high-profile non-binary artists in the world, openin' doors for conversations about gender identity in popular culture.

Love Goes (20) and Gloria (23) continued to explore identity, love, and liberation. Unholy with Kim Petras became a global smash and earned another Grammy. Sam Smith is far more than a powerhouse vocalist. A pioneer of visibility and vulnerability. A voice that gave language to love in all its complexity. Proved that gentleness — in music and in person — could shake the world as profoundly as any roar.