“I’m happy I passed on it because Justin Bieber did it way better than what I would have done,” reflected Smith in a new interview

Sam Smith; Justin Bieber. Photo: Getty(2)

One of Justin Bieber’s hits almost went to Sam Smith.

In a new interview on BBC Sounds’ Sidetracked, the 32-year-old British singer-songwriter revealed they passed on an offer to record Major Lazer’s 2016 hit “Cold Water,” ultimately released with vocals from Bieber and MØ.

“The only time I got sent a song that I heard and then became a well-known song was ‘Cold Water’ by Major Lazer with Justin Bieber,” said Smith.

“They sent me that to sing, and at the time I was so busy and couldn’t do it, and we passed on it,” continued the “Unholy” performer. “But I’m happy I passed on it because Justin Bieber did it way better than what I would have done. It was made for him.”

“Cold Water,” co-written by Ed Sheeran, was released in July 2016 and reached No. 1 in several countries including the United Kingdom as well as No. 2 in the United States.

Sam Smith performs in Auckland in November 2023.Dave Simpson/WireImage

Smith is currently in the midst of a European tour with shows scheduled in the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Portugal and Spain through September.

The Grammy winner recently announced they’re releasing a 10th anniversary edition of their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, featuring a re-recorded version of the hit “Stay with Me,” on Aug. 2.

Sam Smith in New York City in May 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty Images

In a letter shared earlier this month, Smith said the fresh take on “Stay with Me” will feature a change to the original lyric, “But I still need love / ’cause I’m just a man,” to reflect their non-binary gender identity after coming out in 2019.

“The meaning of this song changes for me whenever I sing it,” said the musician. “The words ‘Stay with Me’ can mean a million different things and follow me throughout my life like an old friend.”

“This song is truly so special to me, so for the 10 year anniversary I re-recorded the track, which will be available on all platforms & physical. Including the updated lyric ‘but I still need love, baby understand’ which felt really important to me,” explained Smith. “It’s beautiful to know that sometimes, we can change the past.”