Today, Capitol Records released Sam Smith’s new single, “I’m Ready” with Demi Lovato. The accompanying video received its global broadcast premiere earlier today on MTV Live, mtvU, MTV International and the iconic Viacom Times Square billboards. Download / stream “I’m Ready” HERE and watch the video below.
“I’m Ready” is an unabashed slice of pop perfection – a bold declaration by the pair that they are ready to be loved. Their emotive vocals soar over a powerful gospel chorus and pulsating bassline. The global superstars announced their collaboration earlier this week via Instagram.
The video finds Sam and Demi competing in a variety of Olympian events – wrestling, diving, synchronized swimming, gymnastics and a 100 meter race – culminating in a medal ceremony as the song reaches its epic climax. It was helmed by award-winning director Jora Frantzis (Cardi B, Rosalia) and renowned choreographer Sean Bankhead (Normani, Missy Elliot). The remarkable cast of competitors includes Valentina (James Leyva), Karis (Charis Wilde), Alok (Alok Vaid-Menon), Gigi Goode (Samuel S. Geggie) from Season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Shea Diamond (Shagasyia Diamond) and Jeffrey Williams.
“I’m Ready” will appear on Smith’s third studio album, due out later this year. The single is the first of the new music Smith promised fans in this recent album postponement announcement.
Since the release of their 2014 debut album, In The Lonely Hour, Smith has sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide. They have won four GRAMMY Awards®, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BRIT Awards. Smith’s sophomore album, The Thrill Of It All, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2017 and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Awarded four stars by Rolling Stone, the album included the hit single “Too Good At Goodbyes,” which recently became Smith’s second song to receive over a billion streams on Spotify, after “Stay With Me.”
In the course of the last year, Smith has released a trio of smash singles. The chart-topping collaboration with Normani, “Dancing with a Stranger,” has sold more than 10 million units and racked up over two billion streams worldwide. It was followed by “How Do You Sleep?,” which has amassed over 600 million global streams, and “To Die For,” which bowed on Valentine’s Day along with its accompanying video.