Sam Smith Scraps Performances For Recovery And Health

Published: April 25, 2019 at 11:43 AM

British singer-songwriter Sam Smith poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2019 in London on February 20, 2019. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE NO POSTERS NO MERCHANDISE NO USE IN PUBLICATIONS DEVOTED TO ARTISTS (Photo credit should read TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images)Tolga Akmen / AFP/Getty Images

Sam Smith has cancelled a pair of upcoming appearances to focus on his health.

The singer was scheduled to perform “Dancing with a Stranger” with Normani at the Billboard Music Awards on May 1 and, a few days earlier, to headline a concert at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

“In the wake of cutting his South African tour short last week, Sam’s medical specialists are requiring him to have further rest,” read a statement shared on social media.

“We apologize for the disappointment for those affected, but the primary focus at this time needs to be on Sam’s recovery and health.”

On April 16, Smith ended a concert in Cape Town after only 45 minutes due to vocal strain. Shows scheduled for April 17 and 18 at the same venue were cancelled. “Sam is deeply upset that he is unable to perform for his fans in Cape Town but needs to rest at this time,” read a statement from the promoter.