During Thursday night’s (April 8) GLAAD Media Awards, Sam Smith took home the award for outstanding music artist for their third studio album, Love Goes. Presenting Smith with their award, fellow pop star Katy Perry appeared to offer fans some words of encouragement in quarantine.
“Music helped us get through this very difficult time, when not much else did,” she said. “I mean, our fabulous clothes just stayed on the hangers while we lived in sweats every single day. Some of us even went up a couple of sizes — I did, I also had a baby.” The singer then went on to “salute” the nominees for bringing a sense of “hope, happiness, resilience, and even just plain old escapism” to the last year, before announcing Smith as the winner.
Appearing in a simple blue sweater and a pair of glasses, Smith thanked GLAAD for the award, remarking that this was their first time winning one. “I watch these award shows every year, and it really means a lot to me to be getting this so thank you very much,” Smith said from home.
Smith went on, stating how honored they were to be nominated with so many of their peers, especially when their music is what’s helped them stay sane during a yearlong quarantine. “Music has remained this constant force of unity throughout the world for people. And looking at this category tonight, of all of these albums, these are the albums that got me and got all of us through this year,” they said, before lifting a mug into the air. “So I just wanted to raise a cup of tea — having a tea party — for everyone in this category. I really hope that we can all be together and I can go to a GLAAD Awards someday and meet everyone.”
The “Diamonds” singer was up for the award against a number of other LGBTQ artists, including Adam Lambert, Brandy Clark, Halsey, Kehlani, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Pabllo Vittar, Peppermint and Ricky Martin.
Smith and Perry weren’t the only artists attending the annual ceremony: Chika, who won her first GLAAD award hours before the ceremony’s streaming, appeared for a special performance, along with fellow performers Rebecca Black and Jessica Betts. The cast of Glee also appeared during the ceremony for a special segment remembering Naya Rivera and her character, Santana Lopez.
Check out Smith’s full acceptance speech below:
