Fresh claims suggest Sam Smith in line to perform next James Bond theme

This article is more than 9 years old

Although film-makers have not announced the singer’s selection, reports state that Smith ‘edged out’ Lana Del Rey, winning the approval of Bond producer Barbara Broccoli

Sam Smith will reportedly sing the title song for the next James Bond film. With just one album to his name, the 22-year-old British singer allegedly succeeded over competitors such as Lana Del Rey and Rita Ora for the honour of serenading Skyfall’s sequel.

Although a representative for the singer was unable to confirm this allegation, the New York Post claims that it’s a done deal. Smith “edged out” Del Rey, the Post reported, winning the approval of longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.

If true, the Bond theme is a major coup for Smith. Previous title singers have almost all been mid-career, ranging from Wings’ Live and Let Die, in 1973, to Madonna’s Die Another Day, in 2002. Even Adele’s Skyfall followed a year after the release of her smash-hit second album, 21. While Smith has had three top five singles, his debut album, In The Lonely Hour, was only released six months ago.

Next year’s Bond movie, the 24th in the franchise, will again showcase Daniel Craig as 007. Director Sam Mendes is also returning, along with Skyfall stars Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw. It is said to begin shooting in December, with a release date pencilled in for October 2015.

In addition to introducing the highest-grossing Bond film of all time, the song Skyfall was itself a mammoth blockbuster. Adele’s ballad, written with producer Paul Epworth, reached No 2 on the UK singles chart and went on to collect the Academy award for best original song. It has sold well over 1m copies worldwide.