Sam Smith Demands Awards Shows Rethink Gender Categories With Bold Non-Binary Proposal

Sam Smith once spoke out about a change they once strongly supported, and now they are questioning how it has played out. The singer, who is non-binary, helped push the music industry toward gender-neutral award categories. But recent results have made them worry that the system may be leaving some artists behind.

In comments shared with The Sunday Times, Smith pointed to the 2023 BRIT Awards and the main Artist of the Year category. That year, not a single woman was nominated. The final list included only male artists, which Smith described as a shame.

This reaction is notable because Smith was one of the loudest voices calling for the removal of gendered categories back in 2021. At the time, they said, I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in. Let’s celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality and class.

Looking back, Smith said progress is happening, but not fast enough. Things are moving forward, but it’s obvious it’s not there yet. From seeing that list, there is still a long way to go, they said.

Smith also stressed that award shows are about more than winning trophies. This is not just about artists getting awards. Awards are for kids watching on TV, thinking, “I can make music like this,” they explained. For Smith, representation on stage matters because it shapes who feels welcome to dream big.

Outside of the awards debate, Smith has stayed busy with new music and live performances. In 2025, they released the single To Be Free and marked ten years since their debut album In The Lonely Hour with a special expanded release.

Smith is also preparing for a major live moment in early 2026. In February, they will begin an eight-night residency called To Be Free: San Francisco at the Castro Theatre. The shows will celebrate the reopening of the historic venue and its strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community.

There are also growing rumors that Smith is working on a new studio album, expected to arrive later in 2026. Their recent work continues to focus on honesty, emotion, and visibility for queer artists.

This situation shows how good intentions do not always lead to perfect results. Gender-neutral categories aim to be fair, but they still need careful attention to who is being lifted up and who is missing. What do you think? Do gender-neutral awards help equality, or do they create new problems? Share your thoughts in the comments.