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Sam Smith's Iconic SNL Performances Featured Multiple Celebrity Appearances

The Saturday Night Live three-timer blew the crowd away with both performances.

By Jessica White Jan 23, 2023, 1:38 PM ET

How to Watch

Watch Saturday Night Live Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Saturday Night Live has returned, and it kicked off 2023 perfectly with first-time Host Aubrey Plaza and musical guest Sam Smith.

The January 21st SNL episode marked Smith's third appearance as a musical guest. They made their SNL debut in 2014 and later performed again in 2017.

Smith released their album Love Goes in 2020 and has recently rocked radio waves with their smash single "Unholy" featuring Kim Petras. Smith's new album Gloria is out January 27.

Check out Sam Smith's jaw-dropping SNL performances from January 21, 2023, below.

"Unholy" ft. Kim Petras

Smith has had a chokehold on the Top 40 with their dance-worthy hit "Unholy," and they pulled out all the tricks with their SNL performance of the track. Wearing a lavishly luxurious hot pink ruffled maxi dress, Smith looked like royalty as they began singing the sultry single, but the show didn't end there. Background dancers opened up the ensemble to reveal Kim Petras hiding inside the dress, and after the reveal, she accompanied Smith for the remainder of the smash song.

"Gloria"

Smith knows how to put together a truly awe-inspiring performance, as proven by their SNL performance of "Gloria," the title track of their upcoming album. Smith was joined by a choir of sparkling hooded singers, but the main spotlight was reserved for a woman reclined on a bedazzled chaise lounge. Who was the mystery woman and main character in the performance art piece? Sharon Stone, star of the 1999 film Gloria, of course. Smith only entered from the shadows in the song's final crescendo, but their vocals mixed with the set design and backing choir made for an all-around breathtaking performance.