As they took the stage to claim their Best New Artist trophy at the 2015 GRAMMYs, Sam Smith was visibly emotional, and no wonder. Having walked into the ceremony with six nominations, Smith walked out with four golden gramophones — the first GRAMMYs they'd ever received.
In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind, let's turn back the clock to the moment Smith heard their name called as the winner of Best New Artist. The singer was beaming as they stepped up to the podium and addressed the crowd, but admitted it was a little difficult to hold back the tears.
"Oh my gosh, I've gotta try and say something now without crying," Smith said with a sheepish smile. They kept their speech brief and heartfelt, offering thanks to the people who'd been in their corner for the creation of their landmark debut album, 2014's In the Lonely Hour.
"Thank you to my amazing label. To my amazing management," Smith said. "...to Capitol Records. Nick, Joe, Steve, everyone there, I love you."
Smith kept their composure throughout the short speech, but allowed the excitement to shine through as they concluded their time onstage with a message to their parents and siblings. "Mom and dad, Lily and Mabel...I won a GRAMMY!" Smith said, holding the trophy aloft.
The Best New Artist trophy wasn't the only General Field GRAMMY Smith took home that night. They celebrated wins in the Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories, both for "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)." Smith was also the winner in the Best Pop Vocal Album category that year, thanks to In the Lonely Hour.
Press play on the video above to watch Smith's short but emotional acceptance speech for Best New Artist, and keep checking back to GRAMMY.com for more new episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.
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