{
  "id": 2056911,
  "title": "Sam Smith Says Madonna ‘Made Sure She Got Through to Me’ During ‘Unholy’ Controversy: ‘Her Music Is a Lifeline to Queer People’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/sam-smith-says-madonna-made-sure-she-got-through-to-me-during-unholy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T01:39:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/sam-smith-madonna-reached-out-unholy-controversy-1236320617/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, Sam Smith shared intimate details about the support they received from Madonna during the \"Unholy\" controversy. The song, a collaboration with Kim Petras, sparked significant backlash upon its release back in 2022. However, Madonna was quick to reach out to Smith, assuring them of her support.\n\nMadonna's influence on Smith's career is evident, as the singer credits her as their \"mother\" and describes her music as a \"lifeline to queer people.\" Smith highlighted Madonna's ability to reinvent herself throughout her career and her unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. This connection extended to their professional collaboration, with Smith and Petras teaming up for \"Vulgar\" in June 2023, just months after Madonna introduced their performance of \"Unholy\" at the 2023 Grammy Awards.\n\nThe Grammy introduction served as a powerful moment of solidarity for Smith, as Madonna positioned the duo as artists who had prevailed against criticism and controversy. As Smith prepares to release their fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes, out on Friday, they remain deeply inspired by Madonna's music and continue to draw strength from her enduring legacy.",
  "summary": "Smith praised the pop star during a discussion on The Zane Lowe Show .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}