Musical icons Sam Smith and Hikaru Utada are joining forces to bless your eardrums and potentially ruin all other songs for you. Why? Because their voices together are basically the audio equivalent of a gourmet meal prepared by a Michelin-star chef who also happens to be a wizard.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Sam Smith’s debut album In the Lonely Hour (which, yes, is somehow a decade old — we’re all ancient now), the 32-year-old vocal powerhouse decided it was time to give the classics a makeover. And like any smart person would, they’re teaming up with a global roster of artists, because why not turn “Stay With Me” into a United Nations meeting of musical excellence?
Enter Hikaru Utada, the 41-year-old Japanese pop legend whose song “First Love” has been causing dramatic karaoke performances for decades. Sam and Hikaru have come together to create a rendition of “Stay With Me” that’s so beautiful, it may cause you to shed a single tear, dramatically stare out a window, and reconsider all your life choices.
“I first heard Sam’s voice at a festival in London after moving from Tokyo, and I was like, ‘Hold up, who’s responsible for this magic?'” Hikaru reminisced in a statement. Apparently, after that, Hikaru’s playlist was 90% Sam Smith, and the other 10% was just waiting for this moment to happen.
But don’t think Hikaru’s just sitting around collaborating with Sam and binge-watching their own music videos. Nope! They’re currently busy blowing minds on their 2024 Science Fiction Tour, where they probably ride onto the stage on a space shuttle and serenade the audience with futuristic ballads while dressed as a stylish robot (probably).
Sam Smith and Hikaru Utada singing together is the musical event you didn’t know your soul was craving. So grab your tissues, maybe a space helmet, and prepare to be emotionally overwhelmed by the sheer vocal brilliance of these two.
