Sam Smith confirms engagement to boyfriend Christian Cowan after three years of dating

Singer Sam Smith has confirmed their engagement to fashion designer Christian Cowan after dating for more than three years.

The non-binary musician, 34, who uses they/them pronouns, told The New York Times on Tuesday that Cowan, 32, is their fiancé.

Smith opened up about their relationship as they said Cowan's eye color is the namesake of their forthcoming album Hazel Eyes, which is slated for release August 12.

'For me, there's something radical about being queer in this time, in this world, and singing love songs,' the Stay With Me artist told the newspaper. 'I'm not going to allow the poison that I read and that I see to affect my way of loving.'

The five-time Grammy-winner said that the lead track from the album, titled Everlasting Love, dealt with their first-ever occasion penning songs 'about requited love.' 

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Smith and Cowan for comment but has yet to hear back. 

The couple were previously overheard discussing their engagement just before arriving at the Met Gala at New York City's Mark Hotel, an insider claimed to PageSix on Tuesday this past May.

Cowan, who designed his and Smith's looks for the 2026 gala, reportedly had on a large square-cut yellow diamond ring by Cartier on his wedding finger at the hotel.

He was also seen wearing what appeared to be the same diamond ring during his and Smith's Met Gala appearance.

As for Smith, the singer did not appear to be wearing a ring on their left hand, which was wrapped in a sheer black glove.

'From what I understand, it was a private engagement,' the outlet's eyewitness claimed, adding that Smith and Cowan are 'over the moon' and 'so in love.'

The couple first started dating in late 2022 but did not take their romance public until May 2024 with their iconic Met Gala debut.

Cowan is a UK-born fashion designer who has worked with A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cardi B and Paris Hilton.

One year into their relationship, Smith and Cowan faced rumors of a split. The speculation was spawned by an account on the exclusive dating app Raya featuring photos of Smith, which suggested that the account may belong to them.

However, a source close to the singer shut down the rumors and insisted to the Daily Mail that the couple 'are still very much in a relationship and haven't been on Raya.'

Since then, the couple have mostly kept the details of their relationship off of social media.

Smith began dating Cowan just three years after coming out as non-binary after identifying as male for most of their life.

In the early days of the romance in 2023, Smith told the Sunday Times that they are 'happier than ever' in their own skin after years of struggling with body image.

It is safe to say that Cowan has only helped continue to boost Smith's confidence - which they call having 'the opposite of body dysmorphia' - by creating custom outfits for the English superstar.

For this year's Met Gala, Cowan designed Smith a dramatic black bejeweled opera coat which boasted intricate beading and faux fur trim.

Smith's look was completed with a feathered head piece and sheer gloves which all added a little extra drama. They also wore a sparkling diamond neckpiece and chandelier earrings to the star-studded soiree in NYC.

'This is the heaviest thing I've ever worn in my life. It's a massive workout,' Smith told Vogue on the red carpet.

They revealed that the custom Cowan look weighed a whopping 52 pounds but that the heaviness of the ensemble kept them 'more alert' at the soiree.

'There is no one who knows my body better than this man,' said Smith as they gestured to Cowan, who was standing next to them during the interview. 

They also said they were 'lucky' to be wearing a look designed by their boyfriend. 

Cowan admitted that Smith had asked him to create a 'lighter' look for him this year but that he did not listen. 

'Sam was like, "Babe, please make something that's lighter weight." And I didn't do that,' the designer shared with Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain.

Cowan said that Smith's outfit was inspired by 'the '20s and the opulence that came with that.'

Specifically, Cowan said the dazzling look was a tribute to illustrator Erté, which played into the gala's dress code of 'Fashion Is Art.'

Cowan said in a joint Instagram post that the ensemble consisted of '255,000 individual crystals and beads' with '2,000 hours of artisanal hand sewing.'

The designer added, 'This look is a love letter to the king of fashion illustration, and to my love, Sam.'

For his part, Cowan coordinated with his rumored fiance in a beaded all-black suit, dress shirt and tie.

The couple held hands as they walked up The Metropolitan Museum of Art's iconic staircase together, often stopping to allow photographers to photograph Smith.

Once inside, Smith and Cowan mingled with fellow A-list stars, including Katy Perry and Madonna. 

The 2026 event marked their third Met Gala as a couple, with Cowan designing their looks all three years.