Sam Smith Praises “Mother” Madonna for Her Support During ‘Unholy’ Backlash

Sam Smith has nothing but love for Madonna.

The singer heaped praise on the Queen of Pop, revealing just how much the music icon has come to mean to them.

Full story below…

Sam Smith praises Madonna in @AppleMusic interview:

“When I had the controversy around the ‘Unholy’ video, I talked to current artists and they didn’t even know it happened. The minute it happened, Madonna made sure she got through to me…she’s so aware of queer news.” pic.twitter.com/LjLGh2luJa

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 19, 2026

During a candid new interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Smith described Madonna as one of the most important artists in their life, declaring:

“Madonna is my mother.”

Smith went on to recall how Madonna reached out following the controversy surrounding ‘Unholy‘ and the intense media attention that accompanied it, sharing:

“When I had the controversy around the ‘Unholy’ video, I talked to current artists and they didn’t even know it happened. The minute it happened, Madonna made sure she got through to me…she’s so aware of queer news.”

According to Smith, the icon’s awareness of issues impacting queer artists and the wider LGBTQ+ community makes her support all the more meaningful.

Smith also hailed Madonna’s music as a “lifeline” for queer people and praised her longevity, resilience, and ability to continually reinvent herself. The comments come following the release of her new album ‘Confessions II.’

The pair’s bond has played out musically too, with the duo joining forces on 2023’s ‘Vulgar.’