Sam Smith Talks Getting Support from Madonna During 'Unholy' Controversy | Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip

Sam Smith is opening up about getting support from Madonna during a controversial time.

During a new interview on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show, the 34-year-old Grammy and Oscar winner looked back at the controversy surrounding their 2022 Grammy-winning hit song “Unholy” with Kim Petras and shared how the 68-year-old pop icon reached out for support.

“Madonna is my mother,” Sam began. “She’s just unf–kingreal.”

“The minute it happened, she made sure she got through to me,” continued Sam, who said Madonna‘s music has always been “a lifeline” to them and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. “You feel that in her music.”

That support was evident on stage at the 2023 Grammy Awards when Madonna introduced Sam and Kim‘s performance of “Unholy.” She named the two as artists who had risen above criticism and controversy.

“I’m here to give thanks to all the rebels out there forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it. You guys need to know — all you troublemakers out there — you need to know that your fearlessness doesn’t go unnoticed. You are seen, you are heard; and most of all, you are appreciated,” Madonna said. “So now, speaking of controversy, it gives me great pleasure to introduce two incredibly talented artists who have risen above the noise, the doubt, the critics; into something beautifully unholy.”

Sam and Kim wore red latex and devil horns for the performance, instantly making them a target for ring-wing conservatives, who denounced the performance as “evil” and demonic.”

Days after the awards show, Sam was verbally assaulted with homophobic and transphobic comments.

Months later, Madonna extended her support to Sam when she asked them to collaborate on the song “Vulgar,” which was released just in time for Pride.

“She’s so aware of queer news and what’s happening in the community, to the artists within the community,” Sam said of Madonna. “Her music is a lifeline to queer people and just all of the eras of her and her stamina and how she’s just always carried on and on and on. I just find it very inspiring.”

Back in 2023, Kim shared the words of encouragement Madonna gave her before the Grammys performance.

Posted To:Madonna Sam Smith