Sam Smith and Madonna Tease a Collaboration With a Cryptic Instagram Video

Just like a prayer, the collaboration we’ve been waiting for has been answered. Sam Smith and Madonna revealed a joint Instagram post on May 24 to seemingly announce an upcoming project together. The black and white video simply reads “S X M” before the name “Sam” is read by Smith and “Madonna” flashes onto the screen with the iconic artist whispering her name.

To add to the mystery of the collaboration, the post has no caption, no context, and no release date. Naturally, fans have been going wild in the comments. One wrote, “Why is this audio already a vibe,” while another added, “This news has literally made my entire year and we’re only in May. I can’t freaking wait.”

Madonna is heading on The Celebration Tour this summer, starting in Vancouver then heading to the UK in October. Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, released their album “Gloria” in January and has been touring around Europe for the past couple of months. Smith has blown audiences away with their incredible vocals and bold outfits and has shown support for the LGBTQ+ community with a poignant tribute to Brianna Ghey, the trans teenager who was murdered in February. But their tour has not been without its issues. Smith released a statement on May 24 after cutting their Manchester show short due to vocal problems following a virus. “I am honestly heartbroken I couldn’t finish the show tonight for you all,” they wrote on Instagram Stories. “I love you all. I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry.”

Madonna has shown support for Smith, recently introducing their headline-making performance of “Unholy” with Kim Petras at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 5. Shortly after the award show, Smith posted behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram with the “Like a Virgin” hitmaker, with the caption: “Overwhelmed, grateful and inspired. Thank you for your love and support @madonna. I’ll never forget your kindness.” Smith performed at the Brits a week later after wearing a showstopping inflatable jumpsuit on the red carpet.

There’s no doubt Madonna and Smith are two of the most forward-thinking, creative artists of our time, so we cannot wait to see what they have created together. See their cryptic announcement below.