Sam Smith Took Down the Walls For Soul-Bearing Show of Their New York City Residency: 5 Best Moments

Sam Smith Takes Down the Walls for Soul-Bearing Show of New York City Residency: 5 Best Moments In a departure from their usual sold-out arena tours, Sam Smith brought their soul-bearing performance to a more intimate setting at Warsaw in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood on Wednesday night (Oct. 15). The English singer-songwriter, known for their billions of streams and seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, performed to a crowd of mere hundreds, but the energy was palpable. "I have been touring so much since I was 21," Smith told the hushed audience. "I went from playing in venues of this size to playing in arenas in one year – it was really fing intense. I stayed in those arenas for nearly 10 years, and it was a really amazing experience, and I love singing in those rooms but my favorite shows, and the ones that changed me as an artist were the gigs that were shared in rooms like this, that are built for music." This sentiment is reflected in Smith's current residency, "To Be Free: New York City," which has been trending on Billboard. The show features a stripped-down setlist, allowing Smith to connect with their audience on a deeper level. The performance was marked by several standout moments, including: A haunting rendition of "Too Good At Goodbyes" that left the crowd breathless A poignant performance of "Pray," which showcased Smith's vocal range and emotional depth A lively cover of "I'm Not The Only One," which got the audience singing along A heartfelt ballad, "Lay Me Down," which highlighted Smith's ability to convey vulnerability through their music A show-stopping performance of "Stay With Me," which brought the crowd to its feet Industry insiders note that Smith's decision to perform in smaller venues is a deliberate choice to reconnect with their fans and showcase their artistry. "Sam Smith has always been known for their raw, emotional performances," said music critic, Rachel Stevens. "This residency is a testament to their commitment to their craft and their desire to connect with their audience on a deeper level." The success of Smith's New York City residency is a testament to the enduring power of live music. With sold-out shows and critical acclaim, it's clear that this talented artist continues to captivate audiences around the world. As for what's next, Smith has announced additional dates for "To Be Free: New York City," with more cities and venues to be announced soon. Fans can expect a continuation of the intimate, soul-bearing performances that have made this residency so unforgettable. In the meantime, those who were lucky enough to attend Wednesday night's show will undoubtedly carry the memories of Smith's raw, emotional performance with them for a long time to come. *Reporting by Billboard.*