The name's Smith, Sam Smith.
The choice was shrouded in mystery and denials, but the 23-year-old British sensation has surfaced as the singer of the theme song for the new James Bond film, "Spectre."
Smith had denied the persistent rumors, but came clean Tuesday, tweeting that taking part in the Bond film was a new peak in his remarkable, multiple-award winning career.
"This is one of the highlights of my career," said Smith. "I am honored to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations.
Only last week, Smith had denied any part in the new 007 caper, which opens in October starring Daniel Craig as the durable secret agent first played by Sean Connery.
The track — titled "Writing's On the Wall" — was recorded in January but kept secret until now.
Smith, whose first album "In the Lonely Hour" enjoyed remarkable success, said he wrote the song in 20 minutes after reading the script. It was co-written with Grammy Award winner Jim Napes.
The long line of Bond films has featured songs performed by Adele, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Shirley Bassey and other stars.
Few have matched the staying power of Bassey's "Goldfinger" theme, and McCartney's "Live and Let Die" has remained a staple in his live repertoire for decades.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More