Sam Smith confirms engagement to long-term partner Christian Cowan

By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor

Sam Smith has confirmed they are engaged to their long-term partner, Christian Cowan.

The Stay With Me singer, 34, told The New York Times that Cowan is now their fiance after three years of dating.

News of their engagement comes ahead of the release of Smith’s fifth studio album Hazel Eyes, which is named after Cowan’s eye colour.

The record charts the course of the couple’s relationship.

Smith began composing the first song on the album, Everlasting Love, before their first date and finished it while they were together.

Cowan, a fashion designer, worked with Smith on the costumes for the music video for their song, I’m Not Here To Make Friends, in 2023.

They were seen holding hands in New York a few months later and walked the Met Gala red carpet together in May 2024.

Cowan includes Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Heidi Klum among his celebrity clientele.

Smith previously said they wanted to keep their romantic life out of the spotlight.

Speaking to GQ in October 2022, they said: “Over the last few years, as I’ve become confident in my skin, I’ve got loads of wonderful romantic attention.

“It’s been incredible. I’ve decided that I will always keep that private now.

“I have had relationships where I’ve shared stuff online and talked about it here and there.

“And I just don’t want to do that.

“I think being loved by someone is such a gift – for yourself.

“And I think my job can get in the way of that – the purity of that love – sometimes.”

Smith’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, was released in 2014 and reached number one in the UK.

The singer came out as non-binary in 2017.