Sam Smith's Soulful Serenade
Article written and photos by Alec Moody
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Jessie Reyez took the stage in Salt Lake City, radiating a charisma that immediately connected her with the crowd. What made her performance truly unique was the intimate moments she shared between songs, creating a sense of connection that made each audience member feel like they were part of something personal and special. Reyez had a knack for engaging with her fans, often referring to the concert as a collective "first date," a metaphor that encapsulated the excitement and anticipation that hung in the air.
One of the highlights of the set was when Reyez launched into a surprise rendition of "One Kiss," originally by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa. She paused briefly before she began the performance to explain that she had originally written the song, shedding light on her songwriting prowess and adding a personal touch to the evening. Her charisma and energy were infectious throughout the whole show, causing everybody to laugh at her crowd work and feed the very same energy she was giving back to her.
As her set drew to a close, Reyez set the stage for her final song, "Figures" The room was transformed into a beautiful sea of twinkling lights as each person in the Delta Center pulled out their cellphones, activating their flashlights and swaying them in unison. This breathtaking sight turned the arena into a galaxy of stars, with Reyez's voice cutting through the night like a beacon of emotion. The beauty of the moment was a perfect testament to the artist's ability to craft an experience that transcended the act of performing, turning it into a shared memory that we the audience will cherish for years to come.
Sam Smith’s set kicked off with a mesmerizing opening act, featuring a woman draped in an all-gold ensemble. She gracefully traversed the stage in front of an expansive sheet that concealed a mysterious surprise. With each step, anticipation built, until she reached the opposite end and unveiled a colossal golden figure sprawled across the stage. As the instrumental swelled, a figure rose from the back of the colossal giant - the figure was none other than Sam Smith themselves, poised to captivate the audience with their ethereal presence.
The performance was a masterclass in stagecraft, with Sam Smith seamlessly transitioning between their soulful ballads and up-tempo hits. "Stay With Me" resonated through the venue, their voice rang through the venue with raw emotion that left an indelible mark on the audience's hearts. Throughout the set, Smith's wardrobe transformed in sync with the mood of the music, each costume change a visual representation of their multifaceted artistry. A standout moment was when they graced the stage in a long, flowy, shimmery silver dress that sparkled under the lights, a radiant reflection of Smith's star power.
As the show reached its climax, Smith's performance of "Unholy" was nothing short of impactful and incredible. The song's haunting melody and powerful lyrics were intensified by Smith's dynamic stage presence. With every note, they commanded the audience's attention, the atmosphere was so charged with emotion that it could be felt in every corner of the venue. The combination of Sam Smith's extraordinary vocals, the elaborate stage design, and the electrifying energy of the crowd created an unforgettable experience that left an indelible impression, solidifying Smith's place as a true musical luminary.
Make sure to catch a show on their Gloria tour and keep up with Sam below!
