Sam Smith took to Instagram yesterday to announce that they are preparing to head to Australia to perform at this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The event is one of the biggest, annual LGBTQ gatherings in the world. Also confirmed to perform at this year’s event is fellow Brit, Dua Lipa, and the US singer, Kesha.
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The main Mardi Gras parade takes place Saturday, February 29, with associated parties and other activities taking place around that date.
Smith came out last year as non-binary and asked people to use they/them pronouns when referring to them. Smith posted a video message to their Instagram.
They said: “’Hello, everyone! I’m coming to you from LA right now and I just wanted to send a message to all of my beautiful fans and friends in Australia.
“I just wanted to say that I have an announcement to make today which is honestly for me one of the highlights of my career. Australia has meant so much to me as a queer person and I am going to be singing at Mardi Gras this year.
“I cannot wait to be with you all after such a challenging time and hopefully we can spread that love and celebrate and sing and dance. Mardi Gras, I can’t wait to see you!”
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Australia continues to fight extreme bush fires that have wreaked devastation in many rural communities and towns, with smoke and smog also smothering other parts of the country. Several lives have been lost and up to a billion animals may have perished. Celebrities such as Elton John and Kylie Minogue are among those who have donated significant amounts of money to help firefighters and those affected.
Related: Elton John donates $1million to help fight Australia’s bushfires
Commenting on Smith’s participation, Mardi Gras creative director Kat Dopper said in a statement: “Sam was always a name we were chasing for the festival.
“Sam is such a great advocate for our community and has been incredible at raising awareness, visibility and acceptance for our community.”
Smith will take part in the main Mardi Gras parade and perform at the after-party. In the hours after Smith made their announcement, tickets for the after-party sold out.