Sam Smith returns to Brazil in a surprising show at Lollapalooza

In 2019, when Sam Smith stepped into the Lollapalooza Brazil, everything was very different. Responsible for hits such as “Stay With Me”, “I’m Not the Only One” It is “Leave Your Lover”, Sam He was already rehearsing a way out of the melancholic box in which he had been placed as an artist and was beginning to use his voice to speak directly to his peers.

In September of the same year, he came out as a non-binary person and promoted a personal revolution – the target of unfounded criticism -, but which did not cause Sam lower your head. Now, five years later, she returns to re-introduce herself to Brazil in a show that is not remotely reminiscent of her previous appearances. Sam cross country.

The flares used to begin their presentation, on the same stage as years before, are the first reminder that the revolution remains firm and strong. Amidst the smoke, Sam takes the stage, dressed in a Vivienne Westwood look, reminiscent of homoerotic works by the Irish artist Tom of Finland, and begins “Stay With Me”his first big hit and a reminder of a past that no longer exists.

“I’m Not The Only One” It is “Like I Can”also present on the first album by Sam, “In The Lonely Hour” (2014), complete the journey to the past. Afterwards, he abandons his jacket and cap, and is ready to have fun. Sam invites the public to join in, but with one requirement: that they be free, that they be who they really are, without fear.

So warm up with the crying “Too Good At Goodbyes”from his second album, “The Thrill of It All” (2017), but soon transforms the mud at the Autódromo de Interlagos – the result of the heavy rains of the last few days – into a dance floor, by splicing “Diamonds”, “How Do You Sleep?” It is “Dancing With a Stranger”.

Every costume change is a reason for screams from the audience. Make yourself comfortable, Sam takes the stage in a long black dressand receives an ovation. Before singing “Good Thing”talks to the public about the ten-year anniversary of “In the Lonely Hour” and confesses that he didn’t expect to celebrate a decade of career, but thanks to the support of his fans, to whom he dedicates the song, he reached the milestone.

In sequence, Sam still pays homage to backing vocalLaDonnawith whom he has shared vocals in shows since the beginning of his career, with an emotional version of “Lay Me Down”before giving a new twist to the presentation, resuming the party at an even more intense pace.

By surprise, the Canadian Jessie Reyez appears on stage to accompany him in “Gimme”driving the audience crazy. “Lose You”, “Promises” It is “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” come next and sensuality dominates the stage, exciting the audience even more. Lollapalooza.

When Sam appears wearing a Brazil t-shirt amidst “Desire”, ecstasy is collective. To crown the segment, he rips off his shirt, after “Latch”before leaving the stage, amidst screams, to prepare for the grand finale of the performance.

If “Stay With Me” would be the reason for the public’s anxiety in 2019, now the track of the moment is “Unholy”collaboration with the German Kim Petras. When Sam reappears on stage, wrapped in a veil and to the sound of “Glory”the audience already knows what is coming and raises their cell phones, ready to record the great moment forever.

When the song ends, the dancers help to undress Sam, who is in lingerie in the middle of the stage. New pieces are added to the costume and, within seconds, the first notes of the long-awaited “Unholy” and a breathtaking performance unfolds enshrining the rebirth of an artist – who stepped out of his box and refuses to be placed in any other – in total control of his art and, most importantly, of himself.