Sam Smith has shared on one of their biggest musical inspirations, Lady Gaga, and how she helped them to be "proud of [their] queerness."
28-year-old Sam is openly gay and last year came out as gender non-binary, using the pronouns "they/them."
And it was Gaga's epic rise to stardom that helped them process their "queerness" after they became "obsessed" with her.
In a new video for Vogue, Sam told: "Gaga is probably the reason why I actually came to terms with my gender.
"I was 15 when [Gaga's debut album] 'The Fame' came out and I was obsessed with Lady Gaga.
"She gave me complete permission to be myself and to be proud of my queerness. It was a form of expression, but it was also weirdly a form of protection."
The video also seems Sam try on makeup, and discuss what it means to them.
"It doesn't matter what gender you are, makeup is a form of expression, and it feels nice," they remarked.
"For me, makeup just became more of a way to express my gender.
"Last year, when I changed my pronouns and really spoke out about my gender expression and my gender fluidity, I started falling in love with makeup all over again."
Last year, Sam took to social media to come out as non-binary to fans.
They wrote: "Today is a good day so here goes. I've decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM.
"After a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out…"
A pal of the singer said: "This is a decision Sam has thought long and hard about, including doing a lot of reading up on it.
"He knows that it will take some people longer than others to fully get it."
The friend added: "First the request is going out to mates and then it will be passed on to the music industry too.
"It's an exciting and groundbreaking time for him."
