IN PHOTOS: Sam Smith in sold-out Manila concert, thanks fans for ‘magical’ first trip

MANILA, Philippines – Devoid of grandiose effects, Sam Smith’s Manila leg of his In The Lonely Hour tour at the SM MOA Arena on November 21,Saturday, showed off his pure talent. (READ: In Twitter Photos: Sam Smith live in Manila) 

Sam Smith fans were devastated early in the year when the original date for his show in May of this year was canceled. “Tonight has been so amazing,” Smith announced during the show. “I hope this makes up for canceling.” (READ: LOOK: Sam Smith arrives in Manila) 

He more than made up for it with a heartfelt performance, showing off the singer’s captivating voice that was just as impressive live. 

What hit the viewers straight in the gut, though, were the stories behind each song. Smith would recount the reason he wrote each, and even said that, for songs that were about heartbreak or an unrequited love, he could no longer “sing them from the core like [he] used to.”  

Songs like “Make it to Me” and “Lay Me Down” still bear as much power. Like a friend opening up to a friend, he would tell the audience about the boy he wrote a certain song for or what he was feeling at the time. “These aren’t my songs anymore,” the singer confessed to the audience. “They are your songs.” 

Creative mashups such as “Money On My Mind” with the 1991 dance hit “Finally” treated spectators to delightful danceable moments, making the show a truly enjoyable experience. Songs such as “Restart” and “La La La” also gave the audience upbeat reprieves to the somber melodies at the show.  

It was still heartfelt favorites such as “Latch”, “I’ve Told You Now”, and his closing song, “Stay With Me” that reminded fans at the concert why Sam Smith will never fail to bring out the feels. 

Sam Smith

A video posted by Marie Shindo (@imarieshindo) on Nov 21, 2015 at 6:37am PST

 

Earlier, Sam also thanked fans for an unforgettable Manila experience, posting a photo celebrating his album’s 3x platinum status in the Philippines.

Got given this last night to certify that In The Lonely Hour is 3X PLATINUM in the Philippines Thank you so much to everyone who has purchased my album & made this first trip so magical

A photo posted by Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) on Nov 21, 2015 at 8:27pm PST

 

Sam himself posted scenes from his show:

A photo posted by Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) on Nov 21, 2015 at 6:17am PST

 

And the last EVER ‘In The Lonely Hour Tour’ Begins… Manila – that was unreal xx

A photo posted by Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) on Nov 21, 2015 at 6:15am PST

 

Were you at the concert? What was your favorite moment? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com