Sam Smith and BBC Introducing launch search for artists

Announced by Sam Smith on Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders, Sam Smith will partner with BBC Introducing and offer 10 up-and-coming artists the opportunity to open for their UK residency shows in Manchester and London in September.

Artists will be able to upload their music to the BBC Introducing Uploader from Wednesday 29 July until Wednesday 5 August, selecting the ‘Sam Smith’ tag, to be considered for the opportunity to open for one of the biggest artists in the world.

Shortlisted artists will be selected by a BBC Introducing panel with Sam Smith choosing the final ten artists to open for their shows. The winners will be announced later this summer.

Alongside performing for one of Sam Smith’s residency shows, winning artists will get the opportunity to be featured across BBC Introducing.

Sam Smith’s Manchester and London residencies will follow the release of their latest album, Hazel Eyes, in August. The multi award-winning musician will play two nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall in September, followed by eight nights at London’s Coliseum.

Sam Smith says: “It’s exciting to be part of this amazing new initiative. The discovery process for artists and audiences is so important and being able to play a part in that is fantastic.”

Lorna Clarke, Director of BBC Music, says: “This partnership with Sam Smith and BBC Introducing reflects the full breadth of BBC Music’s work, from supporting emerging artists with their earlier recordings and live performances to connecting our audiences with globally renowned stars. Championing new talent and showcasing established artists is at the heart of what we do and we’re delighted to be partnering with Sam Smith for their upcoming residency shows.”

Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, says: “BBC Introducing exists to support and champion new artists across the UK and so we're thrilled to be partnering with Sam Smith to give ten emerging artists a chance to open for their special September shows. I have no doubt that it will provide an incredible opportunity to showcase some of the next generation of UK music and we’re delighted that Sam is trusting BBC Introducing artists with this opportunity."

Sam Smith’s partnership with BBC Introducing forms part of the BBC's Summer of Music 2026, bringing audiences an unmissable season of live performances, exclusive music content, landmark documentaries, festival coverage and special programming.

Highlights for the BBC’s Summer of Music include exclusive performances from Charli xcx and Calvin Harris, with more artists to be announced, alongside new documentaries celebrating music icons including Madonna, Wham! and David Bowie. Audiences can also enjoy coverage from some of the UK's most-loved festivals and live music events, including Radio 1 at Reading & Leeds, 1Xtra Salutes Carnival, Radio 2 in the Park, the BBC Proms, Boomtown, Radio 1 in Ibiza and Radio 1 in Malta.

From Thursday 3 September, Sam Smith will perform 10 residency shows in the UK with up-and-coming artists opening for each show as part of a partnership with BBC Introducing.

GD2

Follow For More