S Poddar
Viewers were wowed last night with the amazing show from Sam Smith at the BBC Proms, singing live at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert appeared on BBC2 on the Saturday night of August 24, and within minutes, it had captured the plaudits of the at-home television audience.
Just as the situation was, donned in a traditional black suit, the chart-buster opener from Smith was “Good Thing,” setting the scene for the night of deeply felt music. Enlisting the help of the BBC orchestra led by Simon Hale, with the 16-piece LJ Singers choir, this full-blown powerful sound resounded through this traditional auditorium.
The dominant figure in music for well over a decade now, Smith kept things going with “I’m Not The Only One.” Social media was all over it, and there was nothing that could be done to stop it. Here is what one of the subsequent viewers wrote: “This is all rather impressive. #bbcproms #samsmith,” encapsulating the general atmosphere experienced by those watching from their living rooms.
After his second song, Smith took a moment to breathe it all in, reflecting perhaps on what it meant for him to play such a prestigious venue. “Since I was a kid, I’ve been thinking about this—I just want to say to the BBC and everyone here, thank you for having me,” he said, during a very moving moment with the audience.
While this was happening, the social media reaction was no less emotional as fans took up the opportunity to showcase Smith’s prowess in vocal performance. “Say what you want about Sam Smith but they’re a supremely talented singer.” Another noted of singer’s polished look, “The respectable look suits Sam Smith very well, loving their Proms gig! #bbcproms.” His playlist for that night was a variety of probably his most famous songs: “Like I Can,” “Lay Me Down,” and “Stay With Me.” The performances uniquely showed his personal ability to connect with listeners, combining raw emotion and the technical artistry of delivery.
How about this one, from an excited Twitter user who let it all out: “Wow! I am watching the @SamSmith at the Proms. #LovingIt I’m listening to #IKnowImNotTheOnlyOne.” Another seconded this when they wrote, “@samsmith is making my heart happy at the Proms.”
But it wasn’t only his voice. One experienced listener on social media commented, “Hey have the most wonderful unique perfectly toned multi-layered voice!” “I am still listening regularly to #InTheLonelyHour – it never fails to bring enjoyment to my ears! Sam you are fabulous.” That pretty much sums how his music is really evergreen and still interesting to old and new fans.
As the night set in, so clearly it was apparent that Sam Smith at the BBC Proms was a concert that gave so much more. It was something to ooze into an artistic moment past words for those present. Listeners would feel the power of the voice, the vastness of spaces filled with sound in the Royal Albert Hall, and the BBC Orchestra providing first-class backing for a night that was to be magically filled with powerful memories. An object lesson in what real musicality looks like in an age of live shows that too often just sound weaker than the record, Sam Smith at the BBC Proms showed a show marking a decade of his career. It was mature and invigorating, leaving fans to anticipate what Sam Smith does next.
