Sam Smith dons horns and wields pitchfork in latest performance, defying past critics

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By Nasima Khatun

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Sam Smith's latest performances have once again got people talking.

The 30-year-old kicked off their highly-anticipated Gloria tour in Sheffield, UK, with a bang, giving lucky ticketholders a glimpse of what's in store for the rest of the tour.

And the 'Unholy' singer certainly made a statement - not only with their vocals, but with their fashion choices throughout the entire night, taking to the stage wearing an array of bold outfits.

One particular look that grabbed people's attention was an all-black ensemble with red and gold detailing. Alongside the corset and puffy sleeves, they also completed the devilish look with fishnets, knee-high boots, a top hat that had multiple red devil horns sticking out of it as well as a diamante-encrusted pitchfork.

And, as you probably expected, people in the comments section had something to say.

"Sam is so talented, really no need for the crazy outfits. Getting attention for the wrong reasons," one person wrote in the comments section.

A second commented: "Not the biggest fan of Sam Smith but they’re honestly SERVING".

Other unique - and very risque - costumes involved latex briefs and pasties, along with a long veil that trailed back - again playing on this religious-core kind of vibe while performing a cover of Madonna's hit 'Human Nature'.

Now, this isn't the first time we've seen Smith sporting such looks.

The Grammy-award-winning star faced intense backlash back in February over their outfit choices when they performed at the Grammys and then again a few days later at the BRIT Awards.

The 65th annual Grammy Awards saw Smith take to the grand stage with Kim Petras for a performance of the pair's Number 1 hit, 'Unholy'.

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Sam Smith performs during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Credit: REUTERS / Alamy

However, soon afterward, the performance was slammed on social media, with multiple people deeming it "satanic" - given that both Petras and Smith sported blood-red outfits and were enveloped by backup dancers dressed as the Devil. Smith even donned a red top hat complete with horns.

US Senator Ted Cruz was particularly horrified by the performance, taking to Twitter to voice his disgust. "This is… evil," he wrote in response to commentator Liz Wheeler's post that read: "Don’t fight the culture wars, they say. Meanwhile, demons are teaching your kids to worship Satan. I could throw up."

At the BRIT Awards, we saw a similar reaction when Smith took the stage with Petras once again to perform the same track.

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Sam Smith at the The 2023 Brit Awards, at the 02 Arena in London. Credit: Matt Crossick / Alamy

This performance ended up spurring multiple complaints to OFCOM, the UK's communications regulator.

A spokesperson for the company told the Daily Mail they "received 106 complaints about The Brit Awards on ITV1 on 11 February.

"The majority of complaints related to Sam Smith's performance, with the remainder about the use of offensive language and consumption of alcohol," they added.

Elsewhere during the opening night of their tour, Smith opted for more vibrant colors, giving those in attendance a look at the extravagant pink ruffled tulle gown they wore in their 'I'm Not Here To Make Friends' music video.

The 30-year-old was also seen rocking another similar puffy gown, but this time in emerald green - a look that was clearly popular amongst their fans.

Others took to Twitter to commend the star for putting on a great show.

"Loved last night's concert at @SheffieldArena. @samsmith took us on a 3 act journey from ballads to the end of a big night out," wrote one user. "I’m also very jealous of their outfits (and voice)," they added.

After an upcoming performance in London, Smith is set to embark across Europe for a string of shows in May.

Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy