The journey to becoming a pop star is often filled with challenges and hardships. However, there are artists, like the British singer Sam Smith, who seem to be catapulted into the world of stardom almost overnight.
Born on May 19, 1992, in the charming British village of Great Chishill, Sam Smiths musical journey began at the age of eight. A jazz singer, known to Sams parents, took them under their wing and taught them the first steps of singing. "I can vividly remember that time. It felt like someone was showing me what I was meant to do," reminisces the English singer. Sam developed a growing enthusiasm for music, with a particular affinity for female voices. "I was never really interested in male voices. My idols were Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan," Sam recounts.
In May 2014, Sam Smith released their debut album, "In the Lonely Hour." The singer could hardly comprehend their journey: "I dont know how many times a day I have to pinch myself to make sure this isnt all a dream. Im just happy and grateful for this chance, which Im determined to make the most of."
For their debut, Smith clinched four Grammy Awards, while their song "Writings On The Wall" for the 24th James Bond film, "Spectre," won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2016. Smith dedicated this award to the LGBTQ+ community, following their public coming out as gay in 2014. In the fall of 2017, Sam Smith released their second album, "The Thrill Of It All."
In the same year, via Instagram, Smith declared their preference to be addressed as non-binary, neither exclusively as a man nor as a woman, explaining, "I think I flow somewhere in between." This declaration marked a liberating moment, but it was met with a mixed reaction at the Brit Awards, where gender-specific categories were no longer an option for Smith.
In 2020, Sam Smith released their third album, "Love Goes," reaching number two on the UK charts. Their collaboration with Calvin Harris fits into the realm of hyperpop, viewed by some as a calculated response to Spotifys algorithms. Two years later, Sam Smith achieved chart-topping success with the song "Unholy," featuring the German musician Kim Petras.
Sam Smiths impact extended beyond music. Their influence led to the abolition of gender-specific award categories at the Brit Awards. Notably, in 2023, the percentage of male-identifying artists in consideration for these awards reached 81%, with 58 male and 13 female, trans, or non-binary artists. While Sam Smiths album "Gloria" showcased quality, it didnt reinvent the wheel. Nevertheless, they significantly reshaped the conservative institution of the Brit Awards.
Sam Smith, with their powerful voice and advocacy for self-expression, has become an icon in both the music industry and the broader cultural landscape, leaving an enduring mark on the world of music and society.
