BBC One will broadcast a special concert titled Sam Smith: Live at the London Coliseum (w/t) later this month. The performance is recorded on Wednesday 9 September at the London Coliseum during the UK leg of the To Be Free residency. BBC Radio 2 will broadcast highlights of the event on Thursday 24 September between 7pm and 9pm. This radio segment includes an interview with Sam Smith and is hosted by Jo Whiley. Both the television and radio broadcasts will be hosted on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds following their initial transmission.
The project includes a partnership between Sam Smith and BBC Introducing to feature emerging UK artists. Ten performers were selected from over 1,500 submissions to open residency dates in Manchester and London. These artists include Nyah Grace, Will Parker, Bradley Jago, Becky Sikasa, Sebastian Schub, Tia Gordon, Taylor Bleu, Josie Oliver, Tamzene, and Tyler Lewis. A BBC Introducing panel created the initial shortlist before Sam Smith made the final selections.
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV, and Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, are overseeing the collaboration. The selected artists represent various regional hubs, including BBC Introducing in Scotland, London, and Manchester. These performers will receive support and exposure across the BBC Introducing network. The selected acts span pop, folk rock, R&B, and neo soul genres. The recording takes place at the London Coliseum on 9 September.