‘A nightmare’: Sam Smith in FURIOUS backstage row at BRITs over faulty set that almost canned performance

The set, which was worth $601,605 (500,000 GBP) had malfunctioned and caused a delay in the show’s proceedings
UPDATED FEB 13, 2023
Sam Smith's BRITs performance almost did not happen, with a set malfunction and a heated argument (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Sam Smith's BRITs performance almost did not happen, with a set malfunction and a heated argument (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: The BRIT Awards ceremony was apparently not short on the drama! This comes amid reports that Sam Smith had been left fuming after their performance was almost canceled due to technical difficulties on Saturday, February 11. The singer, 30, had apparently had a heated argument backstage after their performance set, apparently worth $601,605 (500,000 GBP) had malfunctioned and caused a delay in the show’s proceedings. The verbal exchange had apparently left Smith feeling very agitated as he is said to have left right after the performance, avoiding all interactions and afterparties.

“[Their] performance might have appeared seamless but behind-the-scenes it was a nightmare,” a source spilled, according to the Daily Mail. The same source had also revealed that rapper Stormzy’s set had been moved up for the errors to be fixed, with the possibility of Smith’s performance being canceled becoming more and more probable. However, the performance did take place and was very well received by the audience.

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Sam Smith’s look for BRIT Awards

The alleged argument was not the only thing that had Sam Smith in the spotlight at the BRITs this year. Their outfit for the night, a black latex outfit that they had arrived in, was also the talk of the town! The distinctive jumpsuit, designed by Harri, had inflatable arms and legs that had quickly become the most talked about topic of the night. Their look was accessorized with platform-heeled boots. The look had some people wondering if it was a tribute to David Bowie’s famous 1973 pinstripe jumpsuit, designed by Kansai Yamamoto.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY: Sam Smith attends The BRIT Awards 2023  at The O2 Arena on February 11, 2023 in London, England.
Sam Smith's outfit for the BRITs was definitely unique (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

"Sam was having a lot of hate comments recently after 'Unholy' about (their) body image," Harri said, according to USA Today. "I wanted to create an image which people have never seen Sam in."

Sam Smith's performance of 'Unholy'

Smith’s hit song ‘Unholy’ featuring Kim Petras has been performed on many stages in the past year, but their rendition of the song for the BRITs was the raunchiest one yet. The performance even ended with two of the backing dancers sharing a passionate kiss on stage! Smith was clad in black bondage gear and a top hat with devil horns for the performance. They were soon joined by Petras, with the set made to look like a repair garage.

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