We're only three months into 2015, but it's already been a banner year for Sam Smith and John Legend. Still basking in the afterglow of awards season, both men have enjoyed some well-deserved time in the spotlight -- Smith for his multiple GRAMMY and BRIT Award-winning In the Lonely Hour, and Legend for "Glory," his Golden Globe and Oscar Award-winning collaboration with Common. Now, the two have joined forces to help Comic Relief shine a light on Red Nose Day with a remake of Smith's "Lay Me Down."
Red Nose Day is a biannual British charity event where local residents don clown noses to help raise awareness and funds for underprivileged people in the UK and Africa. The "Lay Me Down" redux serves as the official single for Red Nose Day, with Universal Music Group donating 100% of the song's proceeds to Comic Relief. In addition, the two superstars will perform the ballad together for the first and only time during Comic Relief – Face the Funny. The live event takes place at the London Palladium on Friday, March 13th and will be broadcast on BBC One.
The two stay pretty close to the original script, with John (playing the piano, of course) subbing in on the second verse and then adding soulful harmony as he unites with Sam on the chorus. Make no mistake, though, the simplicity works perfectly here. Coupled with the visuals, the song becomes even more powerful. With Smith being an advocate for LGBT rights and Legend speaking out against racial injustice, the two artists clearly have more in common than their vocal talent -- they use their voices to help support causes that are dear to them. And that's worth more respect than any material trophy can bring.
Witness the duo in action below, then support the charitable single by purchasing it on iTunes. And for UK Bouncers interested in attending the live event, a limited number of tickets are still available through the Really Useful Theatres Group website.
