Adam Lambert sung Sam Smith’s praises in the series 2 premiere of Starstruck.
The Stars In Their Eyes-inspired transformation show is back for another outing, with Jason Manford, Beverley Knight, and Adam on the panel, along with new judge Shania Twain.
With Olly Murs also returning as host, the show welcomes ordinary people to become extraordinary stars for one night only.
Three men took their moment to transform into their idol, Sam, donning powerful suits and wigs to truly embody the star.
Taking to the stage, they belted out Stay With Me with ease, channelling Sam’s killer vocals and angelic high notes.
While giving feedback, American Idol star Adam was particularly moved.
Adam, who is openly gay, hailed Sam an inspiration for providing visibility for fellow LGBTQ+ people, having come out as non-binary in 2019.
‘I have the pleasure of knowing Sam, we’re friends,’ Adam began.
‘They are such a special character in pop music,’ he said of Sam, who uses they/them pronouns.
‘Sam is part of a very small group of international mainstream artists, coming out as non-binary, and it takes a lot of guys to say, “This is who I am.”
‘They’re part of a wave of people, helping everybody else out there be exactly who they should be.’
Adam added to the three performers: ‘Thank you guys so much for capturing that spirit and that heart that’s in that song.’
Viewers at home were also impressed with the impersonation, with one hailing it ‘amazing.’
Adam’s comments comes after Sam was involved in a disturbing incident when they were heckled on the street.
The Latch hitmaker was screamed at by a stranger while walking around New York City, as a woman called them ‘demonic.’
Sam has spoken in the past about the torrent of abuse they’ve received since coming out and changing their pronouns.
Speaking to Apple Music 1, they said: ‘What people don’t realise with trans non-binary people in the UK is it’s happening in the street. Like, I’m being abused in the street verbally more than I ever have.’
They added: ‘Someone spat at me like in the street. It’s crazy.’
Sam noted they are concerned for queer people who aren’t celebrities but have to deal with similar levels of abuse.
‘It’s just so sad like that we’re in 2023 and it’s still happening. It’s exhausting,’ they said.
Starstruck continues Saturday on ITV1.
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