Sam Smith reveals Elton John gave him his drag queen name

Sam Smith at Christmas

Sam Smith just revealed Elton John gave him his drag queen name.

Smith made the revelation in conversation with BBC Radio 1’s Glyn Fussell, who hosts a show called Drag Queens’ Den.

‘Elton John actually gave me my drag name,’ he said. ‘His drag name for me was Anna Nicole Smith.’

He then added: ‘I did get a drag name book and I liked the name Rosie Cheeks.’

Smith also revealed he owns seven pairs of high heels.

‘I can hardly walk in them,’ he joked.

Sam Smith: ‘There’s a freedom to [drag]’

Smith’s first time in drag was in East London drag night Sink the Pink, actually with host Glyn Fussell.

Fussell revealed: ‘I remember that first experience… you being sat there with me and me just taking off my pants right in front of you and putting on a selection of different hats.’

Sam does Sydney

Sam does Sydney | Photo: Instagram/samsmithworld

Smith then added: ‘My love for drag just grew from there onwards. For me, it’s all about alter-ego and growing up as a little gay boy who loves Britney Spears, Beyonce and Venga Boy, I would always love to dress up in my room and dance.

‘There’s a freedom to it and a comedy and a lightness. When the world is so heavy, it’s so freeing and beautiful,’ he said.

The episode, titled Caught in a Drag Romance – a play on Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance – also featured drag queens Grace Shush and Raven Mandella, as well as radio presenter Clara Amfo.

Listen to the full episode.

See also:

Are Sam Smith and Elton John about to record a song together?

Sam Smith posts fierce runway photo and we’re absolutely loving it

The Definitive Ranking of all the Queer Christmas Songs

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