Sam Smith has become one of the freshest faces in pop music. The flag bearer of the new British invasion, the U.K. pop star has rapidly risen to become one of the most well-endeared pop acts in the world. He has made the rounds of television appearances, including David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Saturday Night Live and more. Now he brings his talents to daytime, stopping by with self-proclaimed enormous fan Ellen DeGeneres on Ellen to perform his new single "I'm Not the Only One" and sit down for a short interview.
Sam Smith's performance is vintage Smith, crooning with his careful and well-timed delivery. Bringing in tow a large band, Smith shows off his impeccably soulful voice for the in-studio audience as he performs the latest single from his June album In the Lonely Hour.
The interview focuses on Sam Smith's decision to come out and how that has affected his career. They discuss the challenges of being a spokesman for the gay community, and Sam Smith notes that he is just "22 and is still trying to figure things out." It is easy to forget that many of these pop acts headlining the biggest stages in the world are so young and still maturing as people.
He spoke to The Fader about his decision to come out and how his album related his struggles with love.
"I've never been in a relationship before. I've only been in unrequited relationships where people haven't loved me back. I guess I'm a little bit attracted to that in a bad way. In the Lonely Hour is about a guy that I fell in love with last year, and he didn't love me back. I think I'm over it now, but I was in a very dark place."
Ellen also gifts him with his most unique award yet: a platinum toilet brush to commemorate the work he did in the past cleaning toilets, and hopefully look forward to where he will never have to do it again.
Smith will be heading out on a 16-date tour early next year that includes a stop at Madison Square Garden. See his itinerary here.
