Today, Sam Smith is practically unrecognizable compared to when they first became a household name. Their transformation is no small feat—from award-winner to truly accepting themselves for who they are unapologetically.
With the release of “Unholy” with trans singer Kim Petras, Smith is back on everyone’s radar like never before. It was previously unheard of that both a non-binary and a trans artist topped the charts—before “Unholy,” that is. This time marks a new beginning for the artist, with new songs, a new style, and new confidence.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sam Smith’s evolution throughout the years.
Debuting with “Latch”
In 2012, pop star Sam Smith skyrocketed in popularity with the breakthrough single “Latch.” Two years later, in 2014, “Stay with Me” brought the singer even more success, becoming a chart-topper in both the UK and the US.
A style transformation
When Sam Smith first came on the scene, they were known for a minimalist style, avoiding bright colors and instead sticking with muted shades like gray, black, and white. After 2017, they began experimenting with more daring looks like colorful suits, heels, corsets, and dramatic ballgowns. The before-and-after difference was striking, but why?
Embracing their true gender identity
The shift in 2017 came after Sam Smith revealed their true identity, coming out as genderqueer. While Sam previously presented himself as a gay man, they now identify as non-binary. In an interview where he spoke with GQ UK, the celebrity admitted that they always felt they were non-binary trans and didn’t enjoy dressing up in masculine outfits when they were first in the spotlight.
Social media hate
Smith already had to deal with their fair share of online hatred for presenting as a gay man, and now it was even worse, with comments saying horrific things about the singer’s sexuality, gender identity, and body type. Many people were sad that the old Sam Smith was gone—besides Sam Smith, that is! There’s nothing more powerful than a queer person accepting themselves unapologetically and being a role model for other young people out there in similar situations.
A struggle with weight loss
Sam Smith’s body acceptance journey has been a long one, and only recently has Smith overcome a lot of their demons and body dysmorphia in this area. In interviews, they admitted that they had liposuction at the young age of 12 and that they used to feel uncomfortable undressing on holiday. The star’s body weight has always fluctuated. After embracing and speaking openly about their gender identity, as well as going to therapy, Smith has come to terms with their body and says that this new chapter in life is the most comfortable in their skin that they’ve ever felt.
Dozen of awards
Despite dealing with self-esteem problems, this singer has no shortage of awards under their belt. Although many of these wins, like the BET Awards, Brit Awards, Billboard Awards, Academy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, took place during their first boom of fame in 2014 and 2015, more recent wins, like the 2023 Grammy Award For Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Juno Award For Music Video of the Year (both for “Unholy”) show that they’re still very much on pop music’s radar and churning out hits.
Sam Smith’s most show-stopping looks yet
Earlier, we touched base on their style, but in 2023 and 2024, Smith has been taking increasingly adventurous fashion risks. At Paris Fashion Week, they rocked some stunning looks, but no one can forget the 2023 BRIT Awards, where they wore that iconic latex inflatable look on the red carpet. There was also that epic red top hat and cape moment when Sam and their entourage came out at the 2023 Grammys.
A tour across Europe
Sam Smith’s “Gloria: The Blackout” tour is taking place across Europe in venues and at festivals all over. It started in March and will wrap up on September 8th at Lollapalooza in Germany.
