# Sam Smith engagement and Hazel Eyes album release > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sam-smith-engagement-and-hazel-eyes-album > Updated: 2026-09-03T05:03:42.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 10. British singer-songwriter Sam Smith confirmed their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan in a New York Times interview in late July 2026. The couple, who began dating in December 2022, have previously appeared together at the White House and the Met Gala. Smith described the engagement and the accompanying musical project as a way to celebrate queer love, stating, “For me, there’s something radical about being queer in this time, in this world, and singing love songs.” In the lead-up to their fifth studio album, ‘Hazel Eyes’, Smith shared reflections on fame and mental health. They revealed that a previous decision to stop taking selfies with fans to protect their privacy had led to depression, as they felt they were upsetting people daily. Through therapy, Smith noted, “I actually have started to find the happiness and the joy of meeting people. I’m a healthy person right now, so I’m able to juggle more.” Released on August 21, 2026, under Universal Music/Capitol Records, ‘Hazel Eyes’ is a 12-track project inspired by Smith’s three-year relationship with Cowan. The album marks a creative shift toward baroque pop, British folk, outlaw country, and R&B, with Smith serving as co-producer for the first time. The release coincides with the ‘To Be Free’ world tour. Following performances in Mexico in August 2026, the ‘To Be Free’ residency moves to the UK in September. The UK leg includes two shows at the Albert Hall in Manchester on September 3 and 4, followed by eight performances at the London Coliseum between September 8 and 19. BBC One is scheduled to broadcast a special concert recorded at the London Coliseum, while BBC Radio 2 will air highlights and an interview. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Sam Smith announces 2026 residency and new album Sam Smith announces the ‘To Be Free’ residency for 2026 in Manchester and London, coinciding with the August release of their fifth studio album, ‘Hazel Eyes’. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-announces-2026-residency-and-new-album ### 2026-08-28: Sam Smith releases fifth studio album “Hazel Eyes” Sam Smith has released “Hazel Eyes”, a fifth studio album exploring themes of love and vulnerability through a blend of pop, folk, and R&B, while also serving as co-producer. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-releases-fifth-studio-album-hazel-eyes-3 ### 2026-08-24: Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’ Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’, exploring themes of queer love and romanticism through a blend of baroque pop, folk, and R&B. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-releases-fifth-studio-album-hazel-eyes-2 ### 2026-08-21: Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’ Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’, a personal project blending folk, R&B, and country inspired by their move to New York and recent engagement. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-announces-new-album-hazel-eyes-1 ### 2026-08-21: Sam Smith, Stella Lefty, and Weezer release new albums New music releases for the week of August 21 include Sam Smith's fifth album ‘Hazel Eyes’, Stella Lefty's debut ‘Long Way Home’, and Weezer's self-titled 20th studio album. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-stella-lefty-and-weezer-release-new-albums ### 2026-08-19: Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’ Sam Smith releases fifth studio album ‘Hazel Eyes’, a romantic and genre-blending project co-produced by the artist that explores queer love and personal vulnerability. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-to-release-fifth-studio-album-hazel-eyes ### 2026-08-17: Sam Smith discusses fame, mental health, and new album Sam Smith has opened up about how therapy helped them overcome depression related to fame and their decision to stop taking fan selfies, ahead of their new album ‘Hazel Eyes’. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-discusses-fame-mental-health-and-new-album ### 2026-08-13: Sam Smith announces new album ‘Hazel Eyes’ Sam Smith has announced their fifth studio album, ‘Hazel Eyes’, set for release on August 21, describing it as a love letter to fiancé Christian Cowan. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-announces-new-album-hazel-eyes ### 2026-07-31: Sam Smith Announces Engagement to Christian Cowan and Upcoming Album 'Hazel Eyes Sam Smith confirmed his engagement to designer Christian Cowan and announced his fifth album “Hazel Eyes,” due 21 August 2024, inspired by their relationship and queer‑love themes. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-announces-engagement-to-christian-cowan-and-upcoming-album-hazel-eyes ### 2026-07-28: Sam Smith Announces Engagement to Designer Christian Cowan Sam Smith confirmed their engagement to designer Christian Cowan; the news accompanies the upcoming album Hazel Eyes, named after Cowan’s eye colour and set for an August 2026 release. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-smith-announces-engagement-to-designer-christian-cowan --- Cite as: Sam Smith engagement and Hazel Eyes album release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sam-smith-engagement-and-hazel-eyes-album