Sam Smith Teases Madonna Collaboration

Just “Like a Prayer”, the collaboration we’ve been waiting for has been answered. Sam Smith and Madonna revealed a joint Instagram post on 24 May to seemingly announce an upcoming project together. The black and white video simply reads “S X M” before the name “Sam” is read by Smith, and “Madonna” flashes onto the screen with the iconic artist whispering her name.

To add to the mystery of the collaboration, the post has no caption, no context, and no release date. Naturally, fans have been going wild in the comments. One wrote, “Why is this audio already a vibe”, while another added, “This news has literally made my entire year and we’re only in May. I can’t freaking wait.”

Madonna is heading on “The Celebration Tour” this summer, starting in Vancouver and coming to the UK in October. Smith released their album, “Gloria” in January and has been touring around Europe for the past couple of months. They have blown audiences away with their incredible vocals, bold outfits, and have showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community with a poignant tribute to Brianna Ghey, the trans teenager who was tragically murdered in Feb. But the tour has not been without its issues. Smith released a statement on 24 May after cutting their Manchester show short due to vocal problems following a virus. “I am honestly heartbroken I couldn’t finish the show tonight for you all”, they wrote on Instagram stories. “I love you all. I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry.”

Madonna has shown support for Smith, recently introducing their headline-making performance of “Unholy” with Kim Petras at the Grammy Awards on 5 Feb. Shortly after the award show, Smith posted behind the scenes photos on Instagram with the “Like a Virgin” hitmaker, with the caption: “Overwhelmed, grateful and inspired. Thank you for your love and support @madonna. I’ll never forget your kindness”. Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, performed at the Brits a week later after wearing a show-stopping inflatable jumpsuit on the red carpet.

While there’s no doubt Madonna and Smith are two of the most forward-thinking, creative artists of our time, we cannot wait to see what they have created together. See their cryptic announcement below.

Image Source: Getty / Ian West / Christopher Polk