Sam Smith cancels concert in Manchester after just four songs: 'I don't know what to say honestly'

Sam Smith has left fans heartbroken after exiting the stage and cancelling their Manchester concert after performing four songs.

After abruptly walking off stage mid-performance, Smith, who goes by the pronouns they/them, addressed gutted fans in a statement.

"Dearest sailors, I don't know what to say honestly," they said in the statement posted to their Instagram story.

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"I fought off a virus a few weeks ago and have since travelled across Europe and had such incredible shows," the singer continued.

"Today in soundcheck I felt fine and was so excited to give Manchester an amazing show tonight, with a special surprise at the end."

The singer recalled that, during the third song, they noticed something unusual about their voice but by the fourth song Smith was sure "something was really wrong."

"I came off the stage and have tried everything to get my voice back into gear but it won't."

Heartbroken that the concert had to be cancelled, the singer concluded: "I love you all. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

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Their explanation came after fans had already flooded Twitter with questions.

Earlier in the day Smith had made a post announcing that a surprise was to be revealed during the concert.

The singer had also teased that Madonna may be making a guest appearance when posting a black screen with both of their names flashing on the screen.

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Other fans posted about the lights at the concert going out, leaving many to believe a power surge had taken place but it was later confirmed over the loudspeaker that a "vocal issue" were the cause of the cancellation.

"A few songs in, the stage goes black before house lights come up and it's announced that the show's cancelled," one fan recalled.

Fans were reportedly told to return to the foyer as the house lights came back on.

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Many argued that Smith should have been more considerate and announced the issues more clearly and efficiently with fans.

Many found the timing of the event "triggering", seeing as the show took place only two days after the six-year anniversary of the terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert at the same venue, which left 22 people dead.

"No idea what's gone on at the Sam Smith concert but if it genuinely is vocal issues I think they need to put out a statement asap," one user tweeted.

"Not fair to cause so much unnecessary worry & anxiety with such a significant week in Manchester."

The cancelled concert comes after Smith had previously pulled out of a string of shows on their tour after falling ill with a mystery illness.