THE last time Sam Smith graced the Leeds O2 Academy with his presence, he was a drunken teenager visiting friends at university.

Fast forward four years and the humble London sensation looked a picture of shock and amazement as he walked out to a packed house of adoring fans.

Many in the audience would not have given him a second glance had he walked past them in the street 12 months ago.

However, after being voted the BBC’s Sound of 2014, he is one of the biggest names in the industry. That is an accolade he is thoroughly deserving of on vocal talent alone, as his soulful range delighted the intimate venue.

Money On My Mind and I’m Not The Only One – the biggest hits from his debut number one album In The Lonely Hour - were always going to thrill the crowd, but his cover of Whitney Houston’s How Will I Know suggests the company his vocal talent can comfortably be compared to.

Smith has rocketed to stardom courtesy of providing his pristine voice on two of the biggest dance tracks of the last year and both were re-worked for his UK tour.

Naughty Boy’s La La La and Disclosure’s Latch were stripped back to emphasise Smith’s voice and his immaculate band added the rest to bring the house down on a thoroughly impressive night.

With Leeds’ First Direct Arena just a short walk from the O2 Academy, it will not be long before he is regaling this night to the audience when he undoubtedly makes the step up to the city’s larger venue.