Sam Smith taps Drag Race and gay adult stars for ‘Unholy’ video
Sam Smith's return to music is a provocative, cabaret-style romp.
‘Unholy’, featuring Kim Petras, is Smith’s comeback that sees its accompanying music video showcase a fabulously theatrical extravaganza.
The provocative, cabaret-style music video, directed by Floria Sigismondi, stars Smith and Petras with cameos from Drag Race’s Gottmik and Violet Chachki as well as adult film star Paddy O’Brien.
The ‘Stay With Me’ singer and Petras feature in the ‘Unholy’ video as auto repair shop workers before a customer wanders upstairs to find a different sort of service available.
On stage, Smith peers through ruby red curtains in the alluring video where they are joined by Gottmik – who tied for third place on the thirteenth season and became the first openly trans man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race – and Violet Chachki – Drag Race season seven winner – who are part of this ‘Unholy’ glittering ensemble.
As a couple’s infidelity is thrust into the spotlight, Smith and their co-stars perform hypnotising choreography from French dance collective (LA)HORDE while Petras drops onto the stage on a heart-shaped rig reminiscent of actress Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.
Racking up 5.9 million streams and counting, ‘Unholy’ marks Smith’s eighth number one single in the UK and also sits at the same spot on Apple Music and Spotify in a number of countries.
Smith shared with the world that they are non-binary in 2019, saying they “enjoy” challenging people to understand gender-neutral terminology as they themselves continue to feel “more comfortable” with their identity.
Smith also led calls for gender-neutral award categories, writing in a statement that music is about “unification not division” and that they hope awards shows can adapt to reflect the diverse society that we live in, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality.
The Brit Awards heard the suggestion and announced they would be scrapping the traditional male and female categories to be more inclusive.
Smith has two upcoming dates at the Royal Albert Hall (21 and 22 October), marking their first headline show since mid-2019, and they shared they’re planning “a special show” for the comeback.
If ‘Unholy’ is just a taster, we’re itching to hear the full scope of Smith’s new music on their upcoming highly-anticipated fourth studio album.
You can find out more information about the Royal Albert Hall shows and ticket information here.