However, fans of the “Speed Drive” star were left displeased with the decision to include Smith on the record. In a TikTok that was posted a few days ago by XCX, which confirmed the duo’s collaboration, many expressed that the “Unholy” singer should not be featured in the song. One user wrote: “Charli I want the version just yours”, whilst another person commented: “In The City ft Charli XCX and Charli XCX only please.”

@charlixcx this one is really cute and fun and i’m so lucky to have @Sam Smith ♬ In The City – Charli XCX & Sam Smith

Despite the negativity, XCX has hit back against those who were unimpressed with the choice to include Smith. The 35-year-old musician has now defended Smith in a new TikTok post. She said: “I’m about to release a song with Sam Smith and the experience so far has been really interesting because never in my life have, I seen somebody receive so many hateful comments. It’s been really disheartening, but at the same time I’m so proud of Sam’s ability to withstand that – because I know I certainly couldn’t.”  

@charlixcx♬ original sound – Charli XCX

The star continued: “So I just want to say Sam, I love you. I love our song together and I’m in awe of your strength.”  

The sweet message to Smith, who featured in XCX’s “Speed Drive” video in the summer, led to an array of fans to also leave kind words. One person wrote: “I love Sam Smith more than I can express. Their existence and persistence in this world is a guiding light for my own”. Meanwhile another person said: “The hate is so unnecessary, so excited for this new track from you guys!” 

Listen to “Speed Drive.”

“In The City” will mark the first collaboration between the two artists. Smith, who released his fourth studio album Gloria earlier this year, has been at the centere of public scrutiny over the past year. This has come because of a change in Smith’s evolution as an artist and performer. At the 2023 Brit Awards, the star received backlash over his performance of his smash hit “Unholy”, which featured singer Kim Petras. The performance, which received over 100 Ofcom complaints, faced a similar reception when the duo performed at the Grammys a week prior. The Grammy performance has led to many conservative US politicians branding the two as “satanic” and “evil”.  

Watch the “Unholy” performance at the Grammys.

However, this outrage did not affect the song’s commercial success. The track has gone on to receive multiple Platinum certifications across the world and was certified Diamond in France.

Charli XCX shared a preview of the track on her official TikTok page. The “Beg for You” singer captioned the post: “This one is really cute and fun and I’m so lucky to have Sam Smith on it with me.” Fans can pre-save the song here. 

@charlixcx this one is really cute and fun and i’m so lucky to have @Sam Smith ♬ In The City – Charli XCX & Sam Smith

The new song, which will be released next week, will mark the first collaboration for Charli XCX and Smith. Smith, who released his fourth studio album Gloria earlier this year, appeared in Charli XCX’s music video “Speed Drive” for the 2023 Barbie movie. The video, which has just under four million views on YouTube, received a positive reception. One person wrote: “The fact that she keeps her hyper pop/car aesthetic intact whilst adapting her music to her audience is actual talent”, whilst another person commented: “Charli XCX does it again. Seems like she’s never had a bad song release. Speed Drive doesn’t feel overwhelming nor underwhelming to listen to. It’s a bop that’ll continue sticking around with you for a long time. Kinda had this on repeat many times at this point.” 

Watch the “Speed Drive” video.

Charli XCX, who had teased the song last week on her Instagram, is gearing up for her next album. The “Fancy” singer, who earned the star the 2015 NME Award for Dancefloor Filler, released her last studio LP in 2022. Crash, the singer’s fifth album, became the star’s first album to top the UK Albums Chart with over 16 thousand copies sold in its first week. Across the pond, the album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 with over 31 thousand copies sold – becoming the 31-year-old “Boom Clap” singer’s highest charting album in the US. 

Listen to Crash on Spotify.

Whilst it remains to be seen if the star will top the success of her fifth studio album, the singer has been working on her next album. Last month, the star had shared several photos and a video on her Instagram in a gallery – and captioned the post “album 6 I guess.” The post, which received over 241 thousand likes, had fans buzzing with anticipation over her next project.  

The duo, consisting of Sam Smith and Kim Petras, performed a dark, sinister-like yet entrancing performance on Saturday night. Which undoubtedly provoked a rummaged reaction from the rest of the world. The live delivery showcased a sexually naughty attitude involving black latex and leather outfits, devil horns, fire sparks and a bouncing car in the background. A show was requested and delivered no doubt by the pair.

Both their performances were strongly carried out, however, the Grammy’s performance was quite the milestone for the non-binary duo as it was the first ever award a transgender, Kim Petras, has ever won. Not too dissimilar to the Brits performance, it characterised a fiery satan-like tribute, dominated by a red setting, roaring fire, devilish backing dancers and Kim Petras locked in a cage. The obvious delegation of being unholy as being the devil.

Following up a week later with another “Unholy” performance, viewers haven’t been able to hold back in voicing their opinion about the disputed presentation. It is clear Smith was willing to cause some sort of controversy by displaying formerly known taboos on stage, as to which some saw as “Iconic” and others as “Idiotic”. Either way, an impact was certainly made.

Alongside this uproar, Sam Smith turned up at the BRITS with a remarkable fitting made by the indian designer known as Harri, famously recognised by his sculpture-looking designs. All eyes were on the voluminous, latex, inflatable-looking black suit. As eye catching as it was, however, it didn’t receive the most positive response one would hope for. Some claiming it to be an attention seeking move from the singer.

The singer didn’t go home with any awards that night after being nominated for Best Song of The Year and Best R&B/Pop Act. Both awards fell in the hands of the “As It Was” popstar, Harry Styles, who finished the night with an impressive four victories. Smith did, however, win the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy’s alongside Kim Petras.