Thousands leave Sam Smith's Manchester gig early after singer calls off show after four songs

Sam Smith says they are "heartbroken" and has apologised to fans after cutting short their gig in Manchester.

The singer, who was performing their 'Gloria the tour' show at the AO Arena on Wednesday 24 May, performed four songs to a packed audience, before walking off stage.

Smith has since been told if they continue to sing they will do permanent damage to their vocal chords, and has cancelled two other upcoming shows in Glasgow and Birmingham.

Fans at the Manchester show reported the lights went dark for around 20 minutes, with speculation there had been a 'power cut'.

But the 31-year-old later posted a statement on Instagram to say they had been battling a virus and were "heartbroken" they could not finish the show.

The star said they could feel that "something was really wrong" with their voice during the fourth song.

Cancelling their next two performances in an Instagram story to Smith’s, a statement said: “Due to vocal issues during last night’s Manchester performance, regrettably we will be cancelling the rescheduled Birmingham and Glasgow Sam Smith shows.”

It added that refunds will be given for all three dates and a spokesperson for the singer said: “Doctors have advised due to a vocal cord injury, Sam must have complete vocal rest.

“Sam is heartbroken to have had to cancel these shows but they have been told by doctors that if they keep singing, they will do permanent damage to their voice.

“If they take some rest they will be able to perform again.”

Refunds will be available for all those who had tickets.

Prior to the concert, they teased a "surprise" which appeared to suggest that 64-year-old American singer-songwriter Madonna would be joining them on stage.

Speaking on stage just minutes before they then abruptly left, Smith urged fans to stay until the very end for their new song, they then said, "I love you so much Manchester, let's have fun tonight".

Both Sam and Madonna shared a video on their social media on Wednesday bearing the slogan "SxM - Sam and Madonna".

Billboards also appeared around Manchester city centre with the phrase "S&M" and a sailor symbol.

Following the sudden finish to the gig, fans took to Twitter to voice their concerns for the singer:

Smith, who has had eight UK number one singles including Unholy and Too Good At Goodbyes, was set to play Ovo Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday and Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.

The Brit-winning artist then has a series of festival dates in places such as Warsaw, Switzerland, Portugal and Latvia over June and July.

Smith had previously cancelled their Glasgow show at Ovo Hydro and Birmingham's Resorts World Arena date in April due to illness.

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