Sam Smith puts on a show-stopping performance in a red velour gown as they take to the stage at The BBC Proms – after bosses hit back at concerns the show would be ‘inappropriate’

Sam Smith gave a sizzling performance in a red velvet dress as they took to the stage at the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday. The broadcaster had stressed that the show would be ‘completely fitting for the festival’.

The 32-year-old singer has performed a number of controversial shows in recent years and is often seen on stage in racy and sexualised outfits.

However, Sam opted for a more understated look as they headlined the concert, wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood gown designed by Andreas Kronthaler, 58.

The singer, who previously walked the catwalk for the brand at their fashion show in Paris in February, sang along to some of their biggest hits, including Lay Me Down.

The stylish dress featured an asymmetrical neckline in red velvet, a dramatic layered silk skirt with a train and a sash. It came with matching silk gloves.

The singer has performed a series of controversial shows in recent years, but opted for a more subdued look during their show

During the performance, the singer decided to quickly change and put on a stylish black polka-dotted double-breasted suit.

Sam paired a long bow tie with the sensational suit and wore a plain white shirt underneath.

The BBC Proms with the BBC Concert Orchestra is billed as a retrospective of Sam’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, which was released 10 years ago.

The performance was full of soulful music and a mix of Sam’s original songs and covers.

The artist was also supported by a beautiful orchestra and the 17-piece choir LJ Singers, who showed his voice in its purest form.

During the show, Sam introduced several guests, including his early singing teacher Joanna Eden and jazz singer Clare Teal.

Sam closed the show with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a nod to Judy Garland’s famous 1961 Carnegie Hall concert. It was one of their favorite singing performances ever.

Sam announced in 2019 that they are non-binary and asked people to use the pronouns “they” and “them” when referring to them.

However, the star exuded class as she headlined the concert in a custom-made Vivienne Westwood gown by Andreas Kronthaler, 58

During the performance, the singer opted for a quick outfit change and slipped into a stylish black polka dot double-breasted suit

The suit featured structured shoulder pads, notched lapels and an all-over polka dot pattern.

The stylish performance follows Sam’s racy performance at the 2023 BRITs, which drew more than 100 complaints from Ofcom due to ‘devil worship’ and a passionate kiss.

Later that evening, Sam was spotted having a drink with his friends at a bar in London.

Sam performed the song while dressed as the devil, complete with horns coming out of his hat, a look that drew the ire of viewers at the Grammys the week before.

Their Gloria tour last year also caused a stir among some fans, who felt that the tour was not suitable for a younger audience.

But Sam Jackson, the director of Radio 3, had previously indicated that Sam’s show would be appropriate for the Proms: ‘I think what you’re going to see is a performance that is completely appropriate for the Proms and completely appropriate for the audience here.’

‘The focus is on Sam Smith and his music, as well as the unique orchestral arrangement. Plus, this is the only chance to see Sam Smith in the UK this year.’

‘This is very much a Prom – it’s not Sam Smith at the Royal Albert Hall. The look and feel will be totally in keeping with that festival.’

Sam paired a long bow tie with the sensational suit and wore a plain white shirt underneath

The performance was filled with soulful music and a mix of Sam’s original and cover versions and Sam introduced several guests including their early singing teacher Joanna Eden and jazz singer Clare Teal