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Sam Smith: 'Singing at the Oscars was the worst moment of my life'


Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
March 1, 2016
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Sam Smith went through a rollercoaster of emotions during his appearance at the Oscars on Sunday night. The British star experienced shock and sheer delight as he was awarded his first Academy Award for the Bond theme tune, but has admitted that performing his winning track was "worst moment of his life".Speaking to the BBC shortly after the ceremony alongside Writing's on the Wall composer Jimmy Napes, Sam spoke of the pair's surprise as they were named winners of the Best Original Song trophy. "We're in complete shock," Sam admitted. "The whole thing's just amazing."

sam smith

Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes celebrating their Oscars win

Of the moment their names were read out, the singer added: "I've never felt like that in my life. I felt overwhelmed, happy, insecure… all those things at the same time. Just amazing. "The star was then asked about having to perform the track on the night. "That was honestly the worst moment of my life," he said, as Jimmy laughed. "Singing was horrible. I hated every moment of it, I was so nervous. That's the truth."

sam oscars.jpg © Photo: Getty Images

Sam battled with his nerves during his live performancf

Sam gave a heartfelt and moving speech on Sunday as he dedicated his award to the LGBT community. However, the star mistakenly referred to himself as the first openly gay man to win an Oscar – he misquoted Sir Ian McKellan who had actually said no openly gay man had won a best actor Oscar – and the slip saw Sam widely castigated.Among those who tweeted to inform Sam of his mistake was Dustin Lance Black, the partner of diving champion Tom Daley, who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Milk in 2009.Sir Ian, meanwhile, clearly doesn't mind that he was misquoted, focusing instead on the fact Sam had won an Academy Award. He tweeted: "I'd said no openly gay actor had received #Oscars – that doesn't detract from @samsmithworld achievement. Congratulations to him & all others!"