Sam Smith cut a sombre figure as they stepped out in NYC on Sunday after paying tribute to One Direction choreographer Paul Roberts following his tragic death.
The singer-songwriter, 33, shielded their eyes behind shades after revealing they were left ‘heartbroken’ following the loss of Paul, who also worked on Sam’s tour.
Sam wore an oversized striped shirt with jeans and black trainers as they grabbed a coffee from a local cafe.
The hitmaker put on a brave face and stopped for selfies with fans while making their way through the Big Apple.
It came just hours after Sam led tributes to choreographer Paul who died aged 52 following a battle with cancer.
The news was shared across social media by his long-term partner Phil Griffin, who confirmed the talented dancer had passed away the previous evening.
Sam Smith cut a sombre figure as they stepped out in NYC on Sunday after paying tribute to One Direction choreographer Paul Roberts following his tragic death
The singer-songwriter shielded their eyes behind shades after revealing they were left ‘heartbroken’ following the loss of Paul, who also worked on Sam’s tour
The news was shared across social media by his long-term partner Phil Griffin, who confirmed the talented dancer had passed away the previous evening
Sharing a post with Instagram followers on Sunday Paul’s partner Phil wrote: ‘Yesterday evening. after a courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away gently at home, surrounded by his family.
‘His departure, much like his life, was filled with grace RIP.’
Taking to the comments Sam wrote: ‘This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and heart is with all of Paul’s family and friends at this hard time. Paul was a light in this world. I’ll never forget his kindness and his sparkle. His magic will never leave the people he loved. Paul is Everlasting’
While Emma Bunton said: ‘My heart is broken being in his company was my happy place. Thinking of you @thephilgriffin sending love to you and all his family’.
Sophie Ellis Bextor commented: ‘That is so sad. Paul was so special. So talented, yes, but also warm and sweet and thoughtful and fun. I’m so sorry to hear he’s not here any more. Sending lots of love to all who knew him. Xxxxx’.
Paul had worked with One Direction several times as well as with Harry Styles on his Treat People With Kindness music video which won him an MTV VMA for Best choreography in 2021.
He devised the choreography for One Direction videos such including Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever and Kiss You.
Speaking about his time with the boy band, Paul told the BBC in 2021: ‘It was always really interesting working with One Direction.
The hitmaker put on a brave face and stopped for selfies with fans while making their way through the Big Apple
The hitmaker put on a brave face and stopped for selfies with fans while making their way through the Big Apple
It came just hours after Sam lead tributes to choreographer Paul who died aged 52 following a battle with cancer (Paul pictured with Harry Styles)
Taking to the comments Sam wrote: ‘This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and heart is with all of Paul’s family and friends at this hard time’.
‘I knew very early on that there was a magic about them and I could see they had other skill-sets aside from being this very good-looking five-piece, and then four-piece, band.
‘In personal moments you got to see them flourish. They’d mess around doing silly dance moves but I’d think, ‘Actually if you wanted to dance really well you sure as hell could do it.”
Girls’ Aloud’s Nicola Roberts wrote in her tribute: Waking to the saddest news. So unbelievably sorry @Philgriffin Paul was such a beautiful light and we were very lucky to have him as our first introduction. Sending all my love xx’.
Strictly star Layton Williams said: ‘One of the kindest most beautiful souls. Was an honour to know and have worked for you Paul. Sleep well beautiful man.’
Lottie Tomlinson, sister Louis Tomlinson, shared a heartbroken emoji, while his and Niall Horan’s publicist Simon Jones commented: ‘So sad to hear this news about such an incredible person. Sending much love and light.’
Paul was one of the most in-demand choreographers in the world who also worked with Katy Perry , Sir Paul McCartney as well as the Spice Girls’ 2019 reunion tour (pictured with Mel B)
Over his 25-year career, he worked with a huge amount of stars including Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton (Pictured with The Spice Girls)
While All Saints’ Nicole Appleton wrote: ‘I can’t actually cope!! I will truly miss you!! You brought so much love and joy and pure happiness to our chaotic world!! And remembering our song ‘Ben the two of us need look no more!’ Sending love to you my darling and your family’.
Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton added: ‘I can’t believe what I’m reading- I am so sorry to hear this Phil. A million wonderful memories with Paul. I’ve watched how incredible his life became after all of those – what a sad day. Thinking about you today & sending so much love x’.
Over his 25-year career, he worked with a huge amount of stars including Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton.
He also choreographed Sam Smith’s The Thrill Of It All world tour and Robbie Williams’ One Night At The Palladium.
As well as working with bands Paul also choreographed for TV and worked on Billie Piper’s Sky series I Hate Suzie.
