  
Cluj-Napoca, Romania — August 10, 2024
As the sun dipped below the horizon on the third night of the UNTOLD 2024 Festival, Arena Cluj came alive with palpable energy. The stadium, with its towering stands, provided a perfect vantage point to witness a real spectacle. From every corner, the view was breathtaking – a sea of more than 100,000 people, packed shoulder to shoulder, their faces illuminated by the blinding stage lights, all eagerly awaiting one of the most anticipated acts of the festival: Sam Smith.
UNTOLD, now the second biggest music festival in Europe and third globally, had outdone itself again. The festival, which had over 470,000 participants during the four days, turned Cluj-Napoca into a global music hub. This year, with more than €70 million spent by festival goers, UNTOLD not only presented world-class music, but also became a cultural and economic powerhouse. Cluj Arena, with a capacity of over 50,000 seats, had swelled to double its size, proof of the draw of the festival. This was a stage where legends were made, and tonight, it was Sam Smith's turn to take the spotlight.
The Gloria tour: a musical and visual masterpiece
Sam Smith's Gloria Tour, named after their 2023 album Gloria, was a journey of self-expression, resilience and celebration. The tour, which has already garnered rave reviews across the globe, was a masterclass in combining music with visual art. The set list for the evening was a carefully curated selection that took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, weaving seamlessly between upbeat anthems and soulful ballads.
The show started with the infectious hit "Unholy", a song that had the entire stadium cheering. As the beat dropped, the massive LED screens behind Smith flashed with vibrant colors and provocative imagery, setting the tone for what would be a visually and emotionally charged night. The energy in the stadium was electric, with the fans singing along, their voices merging into a powerful chorus that filled the night air.
As the night progressed, Sam Smith took the audience through a journey of their greatest hits. "I'm Not The Only One" saw the crowd swaying in unison, the emotion of the song reflected on the faces of the audience members. When Smith launched into "How Do You Sleep?", the energy rose again, with the crowd dancing and waving their arms in time to the pulsating beat. The stage itself became a character in the show, with each song accompanied by a unique visual narrative displayed on the massive screens. Whether it was haunting images of broken hearts or bursts of light that seemed to dance to the music, the visuals added an extra layer of depth to the show.
One of the highlights of the night was during the performance of "Gloria", the title track of the album and tour. Sam Smith, dressed in a stunning black dress that seemed to glow under the lights, delivered the song with a vulnerability that resonated deeply with the audience. The dress, designed with a dramatic silhouette and adorned with intricate detailing, was a visual representation of the song's themes - elegant yet powerful, simple yet profound. As Smith sang, the screens behind them displayed images of celestial beings and ethereal landscapes, enhancing the song's spiritual and uplifting tone. The crowd, mesmerized by the combination of Smith's voice and stunning visuals, responded with a standing ovation that echoed through the stadium.
Fashion and theatre: a visual feast
Sam Smith's fashion choices on the Gloria tour were as much a part of the show as the music itself, and their performance at UNTOLD Festival was no exception. The night's wardrobe was a celebration of self-expression and artistry, with each outfit telling a story that complemented the songs performed.
The first outfit of the night was a silver ensemble that sparkled under the stage lights, drawing the eyes of everyone in the stadium. The silver, crystal-encrusted cape reflected the light in a stunning array of colors, creating a magical aura around Smith as they moved across the stage. The reaction from the crowd was immediate – gasps of admiration followed by a wave of cheers that grew louder as the song progressed.
Later on set, Smith appeared in a bold red outfit, symbolizing passion and fire. The dress, with its flowing fabric and deep color, contrasted beautifully with the darker and more introspective moments of the show. The red dress became the focal point during the performance of "Lay Me Down," a song that has always held a deep emotional meaning for fans. As Smith performed, the arena was filled with a sea of swaying lights, with fans raising their phones in a moving tribute to the power of melody.
But perhaps the most talked about outfit of the night was the dramatic black dress worn in the last segment of the show. The dress, with its gothic elegance As Smith sang 'Stay With Me', the inscriptions on the screens behind them - words of love, longing and heartache - created an emotional backdrop that brought many in the crowd to tears . The combination of hauntingly beautiful music, powerful visuals and striking attire made for a moment that will be etched in the memories of those in attendance for years to come.
A festival of unity and celebration
As the opening notes of "Unholy" filled Cluj Arena, the crowd erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause, a unique expression of joy and admiration that was felt in every corner of the stadium. The magnitude of the moment was overwhelming – this wasn't just another gig; it was a shared experience, a moment of connection between artist and audience that transcended the music itself.
The atmosphere in the arena was one of collective euphoria. The fans, many of whom traveled from other countries just to be a part of the night, sang along to every word, their voices joining Smith's in a powerful stage of unity. The stage, illuminated by a spectacular array of lights, seemed to beat in time with the music, adding to the sense of immersion that had captivated the audience.
As Sam Smith went through their setlist, the energy in the arena ebbed and flowed, building to feverish beats during upbeat numbers like "I'm Ready" and "How Do You Sleep?" and settling into moments of introspective calm during ballads like "Lay Me Down." The audience responded in kind, dancing, clapping and even shedding tears as the music washed over them.
While Sam Smith's performance was a highlight, it was only part of the larger experience that is UNTOLD Festival. The festival is a celebration of diversity in music, art and culture, with multiple stages offering a wide range of genres and performances. As Smith's set drew to a close, many in the crowd began to make their way to other stages, eager to catch the next big act or discover something new. The movement of people around the stadium was a testament to the dynamic nature of the festival – there was always something going on, always another experience waiting just around the corner.
But for those who stayed until the last note, there was a sense that they had witnessed something truly special. The connection between Sam Smith and the audience was palpable, a shared experience of emotion and art that transcended barriers of language and nationality. As the final echoes of "Stay With Me" faded into the night, the crowd erupted into a final wave of applause, a fulminating expression of appreciation for an artist who gave so much of themselves to the show.
A night of pure magic
As the final notes of "Stay With Me" echoed through the arena, a hush fell over the crowd. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to absorb the magic that had just unfolded on stage. And then, as Sam Smith took his final bow, the arena erupted in one last wave of applause, a flash of gratitude for an artist who had given so much of themselves to the audience.
Leaving Cluj Arena that night, there was a feeling that everyone was part of something really special. Sam Smith's performance at UNTOLD 2024 was not only a festival highlight, but a testament to the power of music to bring people together, inspire and heal. In a world that often feels divided, this night was a reminder of the beauty of shared experience, of the joy that comes from losing yourself in a moment of pure, unadulterated emotion.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd dispersed into the night, one thing was clear: this was a show to be remembered for years to come, a defining moment in the history of both the UNTOLD festival and his illustrious career Sam Smith.
UNTOLD Festival: A global phenomenon
UNTOLD Festival has become more than just a music festival; it is a global cultural phenomenon. With its world-class line-up, stunning visuals and immersive experiences, it has set a new standard for what a music festival can be. The festival's ability to bring people together from around the world, to create moments of unity and celebration, is what sets it apart from the rest. This year, with over 470,000 attendees and a staggering economic impact, UNTOLD has once again proven why it is one of the most important events on the global festival calendar.
As the crowds dispersed into the night, leaving Arena Cluj for the other stages or waiting for the next artist on the main stage, there was a feeling that we were part of something truly extraordinary.
Sam Smith's performance was a highlight, but it was the shared experience, the sense of community and the joy of the music that made the night and the festival so memorable. UNTOLD 2024 will be remembered not just for its music, but for the magic it created, a magic that will resonate long after the final note has been played.
A festival like no other
UNTOLD Festival, now firmly established as one of the most important music festivals in the world, has always been known for its ability to create such unforgettable moments. Spanning four days, the festival is a marathon of music, art and culture, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry to its stages. This year, alongside Sam Smith, the line-up included a diverse range of artists across the musical spectrum, from electronic giants such as Lost Frequencies, Netsky and Martin Garrix to pop-rock sensations such as Lenny Kravitz and EDM gods Swedish House Mafia or to afrobeats stars like Burna Boy.
But it's not just the music that makes UNTOLD special. The festival transforms the entire city of Cluj-Napoca into a playground for the senses. Every corner of the city is alive with art installations, street performances and pop-up events, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for hundreds of thousands of attendees. The sense of community and shared experience is palpable, making UNTOLD not just a festival, but a cultural phenomenon. |
