Sam Smith delivered a soulful performance at the London Coliseum, showcasing material from their latest album, *Hazel Eyes*. The show, held in 2023, highlighted the singer’s shift toward a more classic, jazzy soul sound, contrasting with their previously provocative image.

Opening the concert standing by a grand piano, Smith appeared in an oversized brown suit accented with kilt-like fabric, receiving enthusiastic applause from a predominantly female audience. The set began with “Love Is a Stillness,” a delicate piece marked by subtle vocal imperfections that underscored emotional vulnerability. This was followed by “My Guy,” a tender tribute to a male partner, before Smith transitioned into a country rock-influenced “Constant Companion,” accompanied by a costume change into leather trousers and thigh-high boots.

Throughout the evening, Smith encouraged a relaxed atmosphere, urging attendees to use their phones without restriction, noting humorously, “It’s not Les Misérables.” While the performance incorporated elements reminiscent of musical theatre, the overall tone remained grounded in comforting and consoling themes, diverging from the more challenging or confrontational persona Smith has exhibited publicly in recent years.

One of the concert’s pivotal moments came as Smith returned wearing a floor-length gown to perform “Hold On,” a gospel-infused ballad urging resilience through difficult times. Addressing fans, Smith spoke directly to femme queer youth, offering a message of hope: “If things are tough, just hold on, because one day you might be in a dress like this.” The evening concluded with the well-known hit “Stay with Me,” reaffirming Smith’s place within mainstream pop music.

The performance serves to illustrate the multidimensional nature of Smith’s artistry, balancing a bold public identity with a repertoire rooted in soulful, accessible melodies. Despite past controversies, including a widely publicized 2023 Grammy Awards performance of “Unholy” that sparked criticism from some political figures, the London Coliseum concert emphasized Smith’s strengths as a vocalist and entertainer.