Applications open on 29 July via the BBC Introducing Uploader, with the final shortlist personally selected by the pop star ahead of September’s shows. Credit: Collier Schorr Announced 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 London and Manchester in September. Alongside performing for one of Sam Smith’s residency shows, winning artists will get the opportunity to be featured across BBC Introducing. How to enter to open for Sam Smith Artists will be able to upload their music to the BBC Introducing Uploader from Wednesday 29July 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. Sam Smith residencies 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.” 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.
