Sam Smith

Under the stunning backdrop of the historic Royal Albert Hall Sam Smith graced the stage for Prom 18 of the BBC Proms. The fusion of Sam’s powerful yet soulful voice and the grandeur of the BBC Concert Orchestra created an unforgettable experience and was a true testament to the magic of live music.

Beyond their own hits, Sam treated us to several of covers. Each one showcased the versatility of their voice, from soulful ballads to jazz.

Sam’s performance of “Good Things”?marked the beginning of the Prom, with Sam’s vocals effortlessly filling the hall. The orchestra’s rich accompaniment added depth, setting the perfect tone for the evening, and was reflected in every song.

For Sam’s performance of “Lay Me Down” Sam invited LaDonna Young to duet. They stood side by side, their voices merging into a tapestry of emotion. Ladonna’s rich and soulful voice complemented Sam’s perfectly. The orchestra, swelled behind them, creating a beautiful connection between the artists, orchestra and audience.

After the interval, Sam surprised the audience with a costume change. Their suit from the first half of the Prom gave way to a stunning dress, which was met with thunderous applause.

Midway through the second half of the performance, they introduced the incredible Clare Teal, a jazz singer whose music had left mark on Sam. As the spotlight shifted to Clare, Sam shared a personal anecdote where their father had taken them to a Clare Teal concert when they were just 13 years old. They sang two songs together including “Fever”, where the audience was in rapt attention, and transported to a smoky jazz club. This felt like it was more than just a performance; it felt like it was a musical homecoming.

When Sam sang “Writing’s on the Wall,” the haunting Bond theme, the hall reverberated with a collective awe, both with the power of the orchestra and Sam’s voice. Sam’s emotional delivery left no heart untouched, and this song sent shivers down spines.

The prom drew to a close with a poignant finale, a cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, joined by all of the guest performers. This iconic melody evoked a sense of nostalgia in the audience and touched every heart. The final notes hung in the air to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

In summary, Sam Smith’s BBC Proms performance transcended mere entertainment. It was a symphony of emotions, and a shared journey which left a beautiful mark on all of those in the audience.