“Highest song I’ve ever fucking sang.”
Sam Smith has unveiled their cover of Donna Summer’s iconic disco anthem, I Feel Love.
The modern reimagining of the 1977 classic follows Smith’s critically-acclaimed trap-pop single How Do You Sleep, and will be featured in Target’s holiday campaign, as well as the star’s upcoming third studio album.
In a statement on Twitter, Sam explained why the song was important for them record: “As a queer person ‘I Feel Love’ has followed me to every dance floor in every queer space from the minute I started clubbing.
“This song to me is an anthem of our community and it was an honour and most importantly so much fun to have a go at it. Highest song I’ve ever fucking sang. But a joy. I hope you all like it.”
In an interview with Zach Sang, Smith teased what we can expect from their upcoming album, which will be their first since 2017’s The Thrill of It All, which topped the charts in the United Kingdom and the United States.
“I feel like I have recently shown a side of me which I normally keep to myself or for my family and friends,” said Smith.
“I showed everyone it and everyone loved it. It’s almost given me permission to kinda do what I’ve always dreamed of doing but I was always scared to do, which is pop music.”
The singer-songwriter came out as “non-binary genderqueer” earlier this year, where they said they “flow somewhere in between” male and female. Back in September, they announced they wish to use they/them pronouns instead of he/him.
“Today is a good day so here goes. I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM. After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out,” they wrote.
“I’m so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision but I’ve been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but fuck it!”
Smith expressed that they are “at no stage just yet to eloquently speak about what it means to be non-binary” but that they want to be as open and visible as possible – and pointed to activists like Munroe Bergdorf and Travis Alabanza as inspirations.
“Love you all. I’m scared shitless, but feeling super free right now. Be kind,” they concluded.
Smith’s post received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many celebrity friends and fellow activists voicing their support. However, there were a few publications who misgendered them, including The Sun and The Daily Telegraph.
On Twitter, Smith said they “understand there will be many mistakes and misgendering but all I ask is you please please try, I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you.”
Related: Exclusive: Sam Smith and Renée Zellweger discuss their “super camp” Judy Garland duet.
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