Singer Sam Smith has announced their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan, confirming the news in an interview with The New York Times. The couple has been together for approximately three years.
The engagement announcement comes weeks before the release of Smith's fifth studio album, titled “Hazel Eyes.” Smith told the Times that the album's title is a reference to Cowan's eye color, and that songs such as “Everlasting Love” and “My Guy” are inspired by their relationship.
Smith, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, did not share specific details about the proposal but expressed feelings of happiness. "For me, there’s something radical about being queer in this time, in this world, and singing love songs. I’m not going to allow the poison that I read and that I see to affect my way of loving," Smith stated.
Smith and Cowan, who grew up in neighboring towns near Cambridge, England, met online in 2022. In December of that year, Cowan accompanied Smith to the White House when Smith performed at an event following President Joe Biden's signing of the Respect for Marriage Act.
The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 Met Gala, where Smith wore a custom tuxedo designed by Cowan. "I always feel beautiful whenever I wear Christian’s clothes, both inside and out. Tonight’s is a particularly perfect fit," Smith said of the outfit. Cowan described Smith's Met Gala attire as "a love letter to the king of fashion illustration, and to my love, Sam."