Highlights from the concert will be broadcast during Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show on Thursday 24th September from 7pm to 9pm, featuring an exclusive interview with Smith. Both the television and radio programmes will subsequently be made available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
As part of the residency, Smith teamed up with BBC Introducing to select 10 emerging UK music acts to open their residency dates across Manchester and London. Out of more than 1,500 submissions, Smith personally chose Nyah Grace, Will Parker, Bradley Jago, Becky Sikasa, Sebastian Schub, Tia Gordon, Taylor Bleu, Josie Oliver, Tamzene, and Tyler Lewis to perform.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Sam Smith shared: “My ‘To Be Free’ residencies across the world have been such incredible live experiences. I’m delighted to invite some wonderful new artists onto the stage for these shows and share in the moment with them.”
Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV, added: “Sam Smith is one of the UK’s most distinctive musical voices, and someone who we’ve championed on the BBC for many years. I’m delighted that we’ll be able to bring what I know will be a powerful and uplifting night of music to audiences.”
Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing, noted: “BBC Introducing exists to champion and elevate emerging artists, so we’re thrilled to bring together one of the world’s biggest stars with ten brilliant Introducing acts.”
The concert and partnership form part of the BBC’s Summer of Music 2026 programming, which features landmark music documentaries, live festival coverage, and exclusive performances across television, radio, and digital channels.
