Sam Smith has been praised for their ‘wonderful’ BBC Proms performance as fans lauded their ‘respectable’ clothing choices on the night.
The singer, 32, has put on a series of controversial shows in recent years and is often seen wearing risqué and sexualised outfits on stage but ahead of the show the BBC had reassured that the performance would be ‘entirely appropriate for the festival’.
And Sam opted for a more understated look as they headlined the concert, wearing a custom-made Vivienne Westwood gown by Andreas Kronthaler.
As they opened the show they said: ‘I have been thinking about this since I was a kid, and I just want to say to the BBC and everyone here. Thank you for having me.’
Fans of the show rushed to social media to give a positive reaction to the performance as they penned: ‘This is all rather impressive… #bbcproms #samsmith.’,
‘Say what you want about Sam Smith but they’re a supremely talented singer’,
‘The respectable look suits Sam Smith very well, loving their Proms gig!! #bbcproms.’
‘Hey have the most wonderful unique perfectly toned multi layered voice! I am still listening regularly to #InTheLonelyHour it never fails to bring enjoyment to my ears! Sam you are fabulous’,
‘Wow! I am watching Sam Smith at the Proms. #LovingIt I’m listening to #IKnowImNotTheOnlyOne’
‘@samsmith at the Proms is making my heart happy.’
The singer, who previously walked the runway for the brand Vivienne Westwood during their Paris fashion show in February, sang their heart out to some of their best hits including Lay Me Down.
The stylish gown boasted a red velour asymmetrical neckline, a dramatic layered silk skirt with a train, and a sash, and came with matching silk gloves.
During the performance, the hitmaker later opted for a quick outfit change and slipped into a stylish black polka dot double-breasted suit.
Sam teamed a long bow tie with the sensational suit and wore a plain white shirt underneath.
The BBC Proms with the BBC Concert Orchestra is billed as a retrospective look at Sam’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, which was released 10 years ago.
The performance was filled with soulful music and a mixture of Sam’s original and cover versions.
The performer was also backed by a swooning orchestra and the 17-piece LJ Singers choir to showcase their voice in its raw form.
Throughout the show, Sam introduced several guests including their early singing teacher Joanna Eden and jazz singer Clare Teal.
Sam ended the show with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a nod to Judy Garland’s famous 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, one of their favourite ever vocal performances.
Sam announced they were non-binary in 2019 and asked people to use they/them pronouns when being referred to.
The classy performance comes after Sam’s 2023 raunchy BRITs performance which garnered over 100 Ofcom complaints over ‘devil worship’ and a passionate kiss.
Later in the evening Sam was spotted heading into a bar in London with his pals for late night drinks.
Sam performed the song dressed as the devil, complete with horns coming out of their hat, a similar look which sparked the ire of viewers at the Grammys the week before.
Their Gloria tour last year also raised eyebrows with some fans who complained it wasn’t fit for a younger audience.
But Sam Jackson, the director of Radio 3, previously insisted Sam’s show for the Proms would be appropriate saying: ‘I think what you’ll see is a performance that is entirely appropriate for the Proms and entirely appropriate for the audience in attendance.’
‘The focus will be on Sam Smith and their music and there will be a focus on the unique orchestral arrangement, and the fact that this will be the only opportunity to see Sam Smith in the UK this year.’
‘This is very much a Prom – it’s not Sam Smith at the Royal Albert Hall. The look and feel will be entirely appropriate for that festival.’
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
