Sam Smith brings all the feels with a beautiful and haunting performance of famed American folksinger Tracy Chapman's debut, Grammy-winning ballad "Fast Car."
Accompanied by a live band, including a pianist and cellist, the 22-year-old British singer sang the song, originally released in 1988, on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge and a video was posted on the U.K. outlet's website on Wednesday.
"When I was in primary [elementary] school, I was in Year 6, so I was like, 10 years old, and I went to this award thing with my head teacher—I don't know why—and I remember being in the car and she was playing Tracy Chapman, and I'd started singing along to 'Fast Car' and that was the reason why I sang in the first-ever school show I ever sang in, because she heard me. So, I've always loved Tracy Chapman since that moment."
"Fast Car" was a big hit for Chapman, 50, and earned her the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. She is also known for hits such as "Give Me One Reason" and "Baby Can I Hold You."
Smith became famous in the United States earlier this year thanks to his hit ballad "Stay With Me" and is currently promoting his latest release, the song "I'm Not the Only One," which he also performed on the radio program. Smith performed "Stay With Me" at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 24.
"It's scary though," he told BBC Radio 1, regarding his success abroad. "When I did the VMAs, before I felt like I should be twerking or something. There's so much twerking going on in that place."
Smith told the outlet he has already started to write songs for his second album and even has a title and art work in mind. Meanwhile, on Sept. 15, Smith is set to begin a month-long U.S. tour to promote his debut record, In the Lonely Hour. Tickets are sold out.
He also talked about what he will miss most about home.
"Milk," he said. "Milk just isn't the same over there. Fish and Chips. My mum."