Sam Smith has discussed their decision to change their pronouns, revealing they are “liking myself for the first time.”
Smith, 27, came out as non-binary and asked people to refer to them as “they” in September last year.
The singer then set to work on recording new music, releasing singles To Die For and I’m Ready, a collaboration with Demi Lovato, this year.
Speaking to Press Association, Smith has opened up about recording the music while they were “really deep into exploring my gender, exploring my queerness.”
Sam Smith at BBC Radio 1
1/8 Sam Smith
Sam Smith outside BBC Broadcasting House in London, where he appeared on on The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw
Victoria Jones/PA
2/8 So excited
Victoria Jones/PA
3/8 So much love
Victoria Jones/PA
4/8 Say cheese
Victoria Jones/PA
5/8 He’s back
Victoria Jones/PA
6/8 Comeback king
Victoria Jones/PA
7/8 Taking cover
Victoria Jones/PA
8/8 All smiles
Victoria Jones/PA
1/8 Sam Smith
Sam Smith outside BBC Broadcasting House in London, where he appeared on on The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw
Victoria Jones/PA
2/8 So excited
Victoria Jones/PA
3/8 So much love
Victoria Jones/PA
4/8 Say cheese
Victoria Jones/PA
5/8 He’s back
Victoria Jones/PA
6/8 Comeback king
Victoria Jones/PA
7/8 Taking cover
Victoria Jones/PA
8/8 All smiles
Victoria Jones/PA
“I changed my pronouns and I was feeling so happy to be myself,” they said. “I was going out in Los Angeles a lot and I was dancing and I was drinking loads, having a wonderful time with all my friends.
“I went into the studio and the guys who were writing with me said: ‘What do you want to say?’
“And I literally said in that moment: ‘I finally feel like I’m ready to fall in love. I’m ready to show myself to someone. Because I’m liking myself for the first time and accepting myself.”
His collaborator Lovato, 27, recently endured a tumultuous two years, including a near-fatal drug overdose and prolonged break from music.
The technicolour Olympics-themed video for I’m Ready, directed by Jora Frantzis and filmed in a “proper LA high school” before the coronavirus outbreak, features queer dancers and performers, and a glamorous 100-metre sprint.
“If I see artists speaking up and trying to help queer people – people like me – then it immediately makes me love them more,” Smith said of Lovato.
“I feel they’re rooting for basic human rights,” they added.
Smith recently announced that their upcoming third studio album will be renamed and delayed in light of the coronavirus crisis.
The record was due to be called To Die For but in late March, the singer said “the title of my album and imminent release doesn’t feel right.”
“I will be renaming my album and pushing back the release date — both of which are to be confirmed at this time,” Smith wrote. “Don’t worry though, there will be an album this year, I promise!”
Additional reporting by Press Association
