Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Chart-topping artist Sam Smith has partnered with BBC Introducing to find 10 emerging acts to open their upcoming UK residency shows in Manchester and London.
The 34-year-old announced the initiative on Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders.
Aspiring musicians can upload their music to the BBC Introducing Uploader between Wednesday 29 July and Wednesday 5 August, using the "Sam Smith" tag.
A BBC Introducing panel will shortlist entries, with Smith personally selecting the final 10.
Successful artists will perform at a residency show and be featured across BBC Introducing, the broadcaster's platform for new talent. Winners will be revealed later this summer.
Smith said: “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.”
British singer Sam Smith and BBC Introducing are on the hunt for up-and-coming artists to open for the singer’s UK residency shows in Manchester and London (AFP/Getty)
The singer will play two nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall on September 3 and 4, followed by eight nights at London’s Coliseum from 8 to 19 September.
The shows will follow the release of Smith’s latest album, Hazel Eyes, on 21 August.
Smith rose to fame when they were featured on Disclosure’s 2013 single, Latch, and earned their first number one as a featured artist on Naughty Boy’s La La La the same year.
They released their debut album, In The Lonely Hour, in 2014.
They have since won five Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.