BBC Proms coverage begins tonight as the first night of the annual event launches, and Sam Smith, whose scheduled appearance has sparked some backlash, has made a promise ahead of their appearance.
The 32-year-old, who is non-binary and uses “they/them” pronouns, was at the centre of an Ofcom storm last year due to a raunchy performance at the BRIT Awards and has been accused of using “Satanic” symbolism during stage routines.
Smith talked about their excitement for the gig during an interview with Nick Grimshaw and Annie Macmanus on BBC Sounds’ Sidetracked earlier this week.
They revealed their plans to perform debut album In The Lonely Hour to mark a decade of its success.
“In the first half [of the show] I’m going to celebrate [10 years of] In the Lonely Hour… and then the second half is a little surprise,” they stated, adding: “I’m so excited.”
Addressing the backlash, they continued: “I love the proms, it’s great. And everyone needs to relax, I’m not going to get my clothes off!”
Sam Smith has vowed not to dress in a controversial manner at The Proms
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Grimshaw mocked the “hysteria” that surrounded the announcement Smith’s Proms performance, with Smith responding: “Because can you imagine if I turned up in a thong at the proms?”
Macmanus went on to joke Smith should wear “bondage gear” which Grimshaw said would be “great”.
Smith quashed the suggestion though, explaining: “Absolutely not. There’s a time and a place.”
The singer has recently hit headlines for performing in thongs and fishnets, leaving some unhappy with the decision for them to be at the prestigious musical event.
Sam Smith said they ‘wouldn’t wear a thong’ at this year’s BBC Proms
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Smith will be performing at a concert for the Proms on August 2 alongside an orchestra in what will be the singer’s only UK performance of the year.
Earlier this year, BBC Radio 3 controller Sam Jackson has insisted Smith’s Proms performance will be “appropriate”.
He said, according to the Daily Mail: “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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Sam Smith’s Proms announcement was met with some controversy
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However, the reassurance hasn’t stopped critics from slamming the BBC for adding a singer whose previous concerts have been marred in controversy to the Proms line-up.
Soon after Smith’s spot in the line-up was confirmed, X, formerly Twitter, was awash with complaints – with some fellow famous faces hitting out at the decision.
Henry Bolton, former UKIP leader, took to the social media site to slam: “The plan for Sam Smith to headline the @bbcproms is a disgusting insult to Britain.
“The BBC are doing all they can to make a mockery of Britain, our history, culture and identity.”
Others on the social media site included one Proms fan who fumed: “Oh dear- standards dropping even further at the BBC.”