Sam Smith is engaged to fashion designer Christian Cowan, and their next album is named after Cowan's eyes. The singer disclosed both in an interview with The New York Times published on 28 July 2026, with Billboard crediting the Times as the originating outlet for the news.

The album, titled Hazel Eyes — a nod to Cowan's hazel-coloured eyes — is set for release on 21 August 2026 via Capitol Records. It is Smith's fifth studio album, and according to Billboard's reporting on the Times interview, the romance with Cowan shaped the record's direction.

One track, 'Everlasting Love', was written the night before the couple's first date. Smith also collaborated with indie singer-songwriter Feist on the album, Billboard reports.

Smith and Cowan had been dating for three years when the engagement was publicly confirmed in July 2026, according to E! Online. The Times reported its interview from New York and San Francisco, and noted that Smith moved to New York from their native England for Cowan.

The couple's relationship has been visible on red carpets as well. Smith wore a Christian Cowan ensemble at the 2026 Met Gala in May, as covered by The New York Times.

For fans, the engagement and album together frame a personal chapter Smith has chosen to make public: a cross-Atlantic move, a three-year relationship, and a record whose title and lead track trace directly back to one person.

Hazel Eyes arrives 21 August 2026 on Capitol Records.