Sam Smith Memorializes Late Trans Teen Brianna Ghey During London

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The “Unholy” singer wore a halo-shaped headband bearing the late teenager’s name while performing a cover of “Kissing You” by Des’ree.

Sam Smith Michael Bailey Gates

While pop superstar Sam Smith may be caught up in the whirlwind of their globe-spanning Gloria Tour, they made sure to take time during their latest show to stop and honor a life taken too soon.

During their show at London’s O2 arena on Wednesday night, Smith opened the second act of their show with a cover of “Kissing You” by Des’ree. Wearing a gorgeous green ball gown, Smith also sported a halo-shaped headband emblazoned with the name “Brianna Ghey,” a 16-year-old transgender girl who was stabbed to death earlier this year in Warrington, England.

In fan-captured clips posted online, Smith can be seen standing atop a large structure with a single spotlight shining down on them, as they crooned the chorus of the 1997 ballad, the “love theme” from the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. “‘Cause I’m kissing you,” Smith sang, as the arena’s jumbotron showed Ghey’s name in their headpiece. “Touch me deep/ Pure and true.”

Billboard has reached out to Smith’s team for further comment on their performance.

Brianna Ghey was found dead with multiple stab wounds in a park in Warrington on Feb. 11. Two teenagers have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Ghey’s death; their trial begins July 10. Police announced that there will be a further inquest into Ghey’s killing after the trial and said at the time of their initial investigation that they were considering whether Ghey’s death would be categorized as a hate crime.

In a statement shared by Warrington Labour MP Charlotte Nichols back in February, Ghey’s family described her as “a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her” and said that her death left “a massive hole in our family.”

Watch clips of Smith’s performance as well as their post showing their dedication to Ghey below:

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