Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Sam Smith has praised Madonna for her lasting influence on LGBTQ+ communities, describing the pop icon’s music as a “lifeline” for queer people.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Smith said Madonna has been a powerful personal inspiration and a figure who consistently understands and supports queer artists.
Smith also revealed that Madonna personally reached out during the backlash surrounding their 2022 hit Unholy with Kim Petras. The singer said Madonna was quick to check on them and showed a deep awareness of what was happening to queer artists.
For Smith, that support demonstrated that Madonna’s impact extends beyond music and into moments when artists feel particularly vulnerable.
The comments arrive as Smith enters a new phase of their career with the release of their latest album, Hazel Eyes. Their tribute highlights Madonna’s continuing cultural influence while reinforcing the importance of visibility, resilience and support within the LGBTQ+ music community.
For Smith, Madonna remains not only an artistic inspiration but a symbol of strength for generations of queer listeners and performers.
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