Sam Smith Boyfriend: Christian Cowan & Music Journey
Hey there, music fans! If you’ve ever belted out Sam Smith’s soulful tunes like Stay With Me or danced to the catchy beats of Unholy, you’re probably curious about the person behind the music. Sam Smith, the British singer with a voice that gives you all the feels, has been making waves not just with their songs but also with their bold, authentic life.
They’re non-binary, using they/them pronouns since 2019, and they’ve always been open about embracing who they are. Right now, in August 2025, Sam’s gearing up for an exciting concert residency in New York City called To Be Free, starting October 8, 2025, at The Warsaw in Brooklyn. But let’s get to what you really want to know: what’s the latest on Sam Smith’s love life? Let’s dive into the details about their current relationship, past romances, and how their journey ties into their incredible music career.
Who Is Sam Smith Dating in 2025?
Sam Smith is in a relationship with boyfriend Christian Cowan, a talented British fashion designer known for dressing stars like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. Their romance started around December 2022, when they were first spotted together at a White House event celebrating the Respect for Marriage Act. Since then, they’ve been seen sharing sweet moments, like holding hands in New York City and attending fashion events together.
They made their official couple debut at the 2024 Met Gala, walking the red carpet in matching outfits designed by Cowan, complete with metallic rose accessories that nodded to a special moment early in their relationship—a gift of a metal-plated rose from Cowan to Smith.
In June 2025, they were spotted on a cozy coffee run in New York, with Sam rocking a camouflage outfit and Christian in baggy casual clothes. Their latest public appearance together was in October 2024, sharing a kiss during a lunch date in Manhattan’s West Village. These moments show their bond is still going strong, and they seem to balance their busy careers while supporting each other.
Sam often attends Christian’s fashion shows, like his Valentine’s Day 2023 New York Fashion Week event, where they cheered from the front row in a bold red jumpsuit. Christian, in turn, has designed outfits for Sam, blending their love for music and fashion.
There were whispers in December 2023 that Sam and Christian had split, with some reports claiming Sam was back on the dating app Raya. But those rumors were quickly cleared up by someone close to Sam, who confirmed they were still very much together. By February 2024, they were seen kissing in New York, putting any breakup talk to rest. So, no need to worry—Sam and Christian are still a team, keeping their romance low-key but strong.
Sam Smith’s Past Relationships
Before Christian Cowan, Sam has had a few notable relationships that shaped their journey. They’ve always been careful about sharing too much, wanting to keep love special and separate from their fame. Here’s a look at some of their past romances:
Jonathan Zeizel (2014–2015)
Sam dated Jonathan Zeizel, a model and actor, around the time their career was skyrocketing with In the Lonely Hour. They met while filming the music video for Like I Can. The relationship was short but sweet, inspiring some of Sam’s heartfelt songs. They parted ways in 2015 due to busy schedules but stayed on good terms. Sam later said each relationship taught them more about themselves.
Brandon Flynn (2017–2018)
Sam was linked to Brandon Flynn, an actor from 13 Reasons Why. They were spotted together at events and seemed super close, but their relationship ended in 2018 after about nine months. The split was tough for Sam, who poured their emotions into music, but they’ve said they learned a lot about love and self-confidence from it.
Charlie King (Speculated, 2016)
There were brief speculations about Sam dating reality TV star Charlie King, but nothing was ever confirmed. Sam tends to keep things quiet, so this stayed more of a question mark than a solid chapter in their love story.
Sam has said they’ve only had a few serious relationships, each one helping them grow. In a 2022 interview, they shared that they now prefer to keep their love life out of the spotlight, feeling that love is a precious gift that doesn’t need to be shared with the world. This approach explains why they don’t post much about Christian on social media, except for big moments like the Met Gala.
Clearing Up the Marriage and Family Questions
You might have heard some confusion online about Sam Smith being married or having a family. Let’s set the record straight: Sam Smith is not married, and there’s no evidence of a husband or wife, like someone named Matilda, as some might wonder. There are also no reports of Sam having children. These ideas might come from mix-ups or old rumors, but nothing credible supports them. Sam’s focus right now seems to be on their music, fashion, and relationship with Christian Cowan, not marriage or kids.
In August 2025, a fake social media post claimed Sam came out as “semibisexual,” but it was quickly debunked as a joke from a satirical account. Their openness about being non-binary and using they/them pronouns since 2019 is a big part of their story, and they’ve said they’re open to falling in love with anyone, regardless of gender.
How Love Inspires Sam’s Music
Sam’s music is like a window into their heart, and their relationships often spark their songs. Their first album, In the Lonely Hour (2014), was all about unrequited love and heartbreak, drawing from personal experiences like their time with Jonathan Zeizel. Songs like Stay With Me and I’m Not the Only One hit fans hard because they’re so real and emotional. Sam has said writing music helps them process their feelings, whether they’re falling in love or dealing with a breakup.
Their newer music, like the 2025 single To Be Free, keeps that emotional vibe but feels more hopeful. Released on July 28, 2025, with a music video, it’s tied to their upcoming NYC residency and shows Sam reflecting on freedom and self-acceptance. While they haven’t said if Christian directly inspired the song, their supportive relationship seems to bring out a confident, joyful side of Sam. Fans on social media have noticed how Sam’s music often mirrors their life, with lyrics that feel like diary entries.
Sam and Christian’s Fashion Connection
One cool thing about Sam and Christian’s relationship is how they team up in the fashion world. Christian Cowan, who started his own label in 2016, is known for bold, sparkly designs worn by stars like Cardi B and Naomi Campbell. Sam, who loves pushing boundaries with their style, has worn Christian’s creations at big events, like a silver sequin coat at a 2023 fashion show.
Their 2024 and 2025 Met Gala appearances were extra special, with Christian designing their outfits to tell a story about their love. The 2024 looks included matching rose clasps, and the 2025 outfits followed the “Tailored for You” theme, celebrating Black style and menswear. These moments show how Sam and Christian blend their talents, making their relationship a creative partnership too.
Sam’s own fashion journey is inspiring. They’ve embraced gender-fluid looks, like wearing a chiffon skirt over trousers at the 2024 Met Gala or a long blue dress in London in August 2025. These choices reflect their non-binary identity and encourage fans to express themselves freely. Sam has also spoken about wanting the fashion industry to make clothes for all body types, a message that resonates with many.
Sam’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Sam’s openness about their non-binary identity is a big part of who they are. In 2019, they shared on Instagram that they felt “neither male nor female” and wanted to be addressed as they/them. This was a huge moment, showing fans it’s okay to be yourself, even if it’s different from what others expect.
Their journey of self-acceptance has made them a role model for many, especially young people figuring out who they are. Sam’s said they’re open to love in all forms, which makes their relationship with Christian even more meaningful—it’s about connection, not labels.
They’ve also faced challenges, like a skiing accident in early 2025 that left them unable to walk for a while after tearing their ACL. On a podcast, they described it as a tough experience but one that helped them grow stronger. Through it all, Christian has been by their side, showing up at events and supporting Sam’s recovery. This support seems to give Sam the confidence to keep shining, whether on stage or in their personal life.
What’s Next for Sam Smith?
Looking ahead, Sam’s got a lot to keep them busy. Their To Be Free: New York City residency, running from October to December 2025, is a big deal. With 24 shows in a small venue, it’s a chance for fans to see them up close, singing songs that feel personal and powerful. Tickets are already on sale, and there’s buzz about VIP packages with meet-and-greet options. Sam can be featured on Barbra Streisand’s upcoming duets album, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume 2, set for release later in 2025, alongside stars like Ariana Grande.
On the personal side, Sam and Christian seem happy keeping things steady and supportive. They don’t share every detail of their relationship, but their public moments—like kissing during a New York stroll or matching at the Met Gala—show a bond built on love and creativity. Fans love seeing them together, with some posting online about how cute their matching outfits are, like coordinated coats in December 2024.
Why Sam’s Story Matters
Sam Smith’s journey—both in love and music—is all about being true to yourself. Whether they’re singing about heartbreak, rocking a bold outfit, or sharing quiet moments with Christian Cowan, Sam shows that it’s okay to be different and to love who you love. Their music connects with people because it comes from real experiences, and their openness about being non-binary inspires fans to embrace their own identities. For young readers, Sam’s story is a reminder that you can chase your dreams, face challenges, and still find people who support you along the way.
Conclusion
Sam Smith’s love life in 2025 is all about their strong connection with Christian Cowan, a fashion designer who’s been by their side since 2022. From cozy coffee runs to dazzling Met Gala moments, they’re building a relationship that’s both creative and caring. Sam’s past relationships, like those with Jonathan Zeizel and Brandon Flynn, helped shape their music and self-confidence, but today, they’re focused on keeping love special.
With their To Be Free residency and new music on the horizon, Sam’s ready to keep sharing their heart through song and style. So, whether you’re a fan of their music or just curious about their boyfriend, Sam’s story is one of authenticity, love, and staying true to who you are.
