This coming Sunday night will unequivocally represent the biggest night of Sam Smith’s life — at least as far as his music career goes.
Up for six awards, Smith ties industry veterans Beyonce and Pharrell as the show’s most-nominated artist. And if that fact is not impressive enough, note that four of the English singer-songwriter’s nominations come in the ceremony’s most important categories.
Smith is up for Best New Artist, Album of the Year (for “In the Lonely Hour”), Record of the Year (for “Stay with Me”) and Song of the Year (for “Stay with Me”). A win in any of those categories, let alone in several of those categories, would add significantly more prestige to the artist’s already impressive transformation from talented prospect to international superstar.
Victorious or not, Smith will also have the opportunity to leave an unforgettable impression on stage. Smith is one of the evening’s performers, and veteran Mary J. Blige is booked as his duet partner.
While Smith vies to establish himself as one of music’s most important overall talents, Miranda Lambert will aim to cement her dominance within the country community. Up for four awards, Lambert has the chance to dominate the Grammy ceremony as impressively as she does country awards shows. Like Smith, she will also share her ability on the stage.
Smith, Blige and Miranda Lambert all participated in Friday’s rehearsals. Photos of those rehearsals, which also included work from duet partners Brandy Clark and Dwight Yoakam and visits from social media correspondent Bow Wow and host LL Cool J, follow (courtesy CBS).
CBS’ Grammy Awards ceremony airs on February 8 at 8PM ET.
