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Dancing with a Stranger
Dancing with a Stranger
Dancing with a Stranger
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"Dancing with a Stranger"
Single by Sam Smith and Normani
Released11 January 2019
StudioThe Stellar House; Venice, California[1]
Genre
Length2:51
LabelCapitol
Songwriters
Producers
Sam Smith singles chronology
"Fire on Fire"
(2018) 		"Dancing with a Stranger"
(2019) 		"How Do You Sleep?"
(2019)
Normani singles chronology
"Waves"
(2018) 		"Dancing with a Stranger"
(2019) 		"Motivation"
(2019)
Music video
"Dancing with a Stranger" on YouTube

"Dancing with a Stranger" is a song by English singer Sam Smith and American singer Normani. It was written by the two alongside producers Stargate and Jimmy Napes. "Dancing with a Stranger" was released as a single by Capitol Records on 11 January 2019. It appears on Smith's third studio album Love Goes (2020).[2] The accompanying music video was directed by Vaughan Arnell.

The track became a commercial success, topping the charts in Mexico, Iceland, and Lebanon. It also peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and spent a total of 45 weeks on the chart. The track reached the top ten in seventeen additional countries. "Dancing with a Stranger" was the most-played radio track in the world in 2019, according to Forbes. The single is certified 4× Platinum in the US, 8× Platinum in Australia, and Platinum or higher in nine additional countries. It won the Song of the Year award at the 2020 BMI London Awards, and was nominated for Song of 2019 at the People's Choice Awards, and Song of the Year at the 2020 Brit Awards.

Background and composition

[edit]

According to Billboard, the collaboration happened through a chance encounter at a recording studio in Los Angeles. When Smith was writing a track with their frequent collaborator Jimmy Napes and the Norwegian production team Stargate, Normani happened to be in the studio next door. After talking, the two decided to work together.[3]

Musically, "Dancing with a Stranger" is a disco-R&B[4] and pop[3] duet that contains 1980s-inspired R&B production.[5] The song was written by Smith, Normani, Napes and Stargate. The latter two also handled production for the track alongside Danny D and Tim Blacksmith. Journalist Monica Mercuri of Forbes described the single as "sultry" and showing off the singer's "powerful" vocals.[6] David Renshaw, writing for The Fader, called the song a "veer away from [Smith's] gentle soul sound".[7] Lyrically, the song is about coping with loneliness and moving past a lost love.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]

Brittany Spanos, writing for Rolling Stone, stated the song "plays to [Smith's] retro-leaning strengths and Normani's own solo vision of being a Sexy soul-dance diva". She concluded her review by calling the song "simple and fun".[4] Rose Dommu of Out praised the duo's vocals, saying Normani's "sultry voice is the perfect counterpoint to Smith's own deep tone".[8] Mike Nied of Idolator wrote that the song "expertly capture the frustration and loneliness of heartbreak, bottling it and presenting it as something both deeply personal and infinitely relatable".[9] Billboard magazine called the song a "sexy earworm",[10] lauding the pair's "standout vocal delivery", with Smith's "seductive falsetto accompanied by Normani's smoky counterpart".[10]

Associated Press ranked it as the 2nd Best Song of 2019.[11] Billboard ranked it 38th on their Best Songs of 2019 list.[10] The song received praise from actress Reese Witherspoon who dubbed it the “Song of the Summer”.[12]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, "Dancing with a Stranger" peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart in January 2019, becoming Smith's eleventh, and Normani's first top ten single in the UK, as a solo artist.[13] It was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.[14] In the United States, the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 2019, making it Smith's sixth and Normani's second top ten single in the US, as a solo artist.[15] In May 2019, "Dancing with a Stranger" topped the US Radio Songs chart, becoming Smith's second and Normani's second chart topper there.[16] It also topped the US Adult Top 40 and reached number two on the Mainstream Top 40 chart, behind "Sucker" by the Jonas Brothers.[16][17] The song also topped the Big Top 40 chart.[18]

In other countries, "Dancing with a Stranger" peaked inside the top ten in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Iceland, Lebanon and Sweden.[19][20] It was also certified 8× Platinum in Australia,[21] 4× Platinum in Canada,[22] 5× Platinum in New Zealand,[23] and Gold in few other European countries. "Dancing with a Stranger" was the most-played global radio song in 2019, according to Forbes.[24] The song was also the 4th most played song on radio in 2019 in the US, receiving over 3.134 billion audience impressions, according to Billboard.[25]

In March 2021, the single was named by the Official Charts, as one of the most-streamed songs by a female artist in the United Kingdom.[26] As of March 2022, the song surpassed over three billion streams.[27] It has sold over ten million units worldwide according to Capitol Records.[28]

[edit]

"Dancing with a Stranger" was selected by music executive Clive Davis for his quarantine playlist, which compiled songs that he and Barry Manilow considered to be "the most impactful and lasting songs of the 21st century", that the latter was set to cover.[29] 5 Seconds of Summer performed a cover of the song for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.[30] The band's version won an IHeartRadio Music Award for Best Cover Song.[31][32] Kelly Clarkson sang a rendition of the track for her Meaning of Life Tour, and told the audience that the two singers inspire her to "keep making music."[33]

Lawsuit

[edit]

In 2022, Smith, Normani, and Stargate were all sued by Jordan Vincent, Christopher Miranda, and Rosco Banlaoi, who alleged that "Dancing with a Stranger" copied their 2015 song of the same name. According to Vincent, Miranda and Banlaoi, "The hook/chorus in both songs—the most significant part and artistic aspect of these works—contains the lyrics 'dancing with a stranger' being sung over a nearly identical melody and musical composition"; the music video was also named in the infringement as both songs' videos contain similar elements.[27]

Californian judge Wesley L. Hsu dismissed the case on Wednesday 6 September 2023, saying that "most if not all of the plaintiff's claimed similarities" were not protectable by law, and that the phrase "dancing with a stranger" was not unique enough, pointing out "nearly 20 references" in other previous songs.[34]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Result
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice Pop Song Nominated
Choice Collaboration Song Nominated
2019 People's Choice Awards Music Video of 2019 Nominated
Song of 2019 Nominated
2019

[35]

MTV Play Awards Winning Videos Won
2020

[36]

Global Awards Best Song of 2019 Nominated
2020

[37][38]

IHeartRadio Music Awards Best Collaboration Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated
Titanium Award Won
2020

[39]

Brit Awards Brit Award for Song of the Year Nominated
2020

[40]

Queerty Awards Anthem Nominated
2020

[41]

ASCAP Award Award Winning Songs Won
2020

[42]

BMI Awards Award Winning Songs Won
2020

[43]

BMI London Awards Song of the Year Won
Pop Award Songs
2020

[44]

Ivor Novello Awards PRS for Music Most Performed Work Nominated
2022

[45]

BMI London Awards Million Awards: 4 Million Won

Music video

[edit]

The music video was released on 29 January 2019.[46] The video was directed by Vaughan Arnell, and was shot in London. It features Smith and Normani moving and dancing through a "sleek, stark home"[47] while being surrounded by hologram projections of dancers.

The music video for "Dancing with a Stranger" was the most viewed video in the United Kingdom on Vevo in 2019,[48] and was the second most viewed video in the United Kingdom on YouTube of 2019.[49]

Formats and track listings

[edit]
  • Digital download[50]
  1. "Dancing with a Stranger" – 2:51
  • Digital download (Acoustic)[51]
  1. "Dancing with a Stranger" (Acoustic) – 3:07
  • Digital download (Cheat Codes Remix)[52]
  1. "Dancing with a Stranger" (Cheat Codes Remix) – 2:39
  1. "Dancing with a Stranger" – 2:51
  2. "Dancing with a Stranger" (Instrumental) – 2:51

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[54]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[21] 8× Platinum 560,000‡
Austria (IFPI Austria)[143] Platinum 30,000‡
Belgium (BRMA)[144] Platinum 40,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[145] 3× Diamond 480,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[22] 4× Platinum 320,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[146] 2× Platinum 180,000‡
France (SNEP)[147] Platinum 200,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[148] Gold 200,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[149] Platinum 70,000‡
Mexico (AMPROFON)[150] 4× Platinum 240,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[23] 5× Platinum 150,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[151] 2× Platinum 120,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[152] 2× Platinum 40,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[153] 2× Platinum 20,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[154] Platinum 60,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[155] 2× Platinum 16,000,000†
United Kingdom (BPI)[14] 3× Platinum 1,800,000‡
United States (RIAA)[156] 4× Platinum 4,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for "Dancing with a Stranger"
Region Date Format(s) Version(s) Label Ref.
Various 11 January 2019
Original Capitol [50]
Italy Radio airplay Sony [157]
United States 14 January 2019
Capitol [158]
15 January 2019 Contemporary hit radio [159]
Various 15 February 2019
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Acoustic [51]
8 March 2019 Cheat Codes remix [52]
12-inch vinyl
  • Original
  • Instrumental
 [53]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dancing with a Stranger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"" is a by English and American singer , released as a single by on January 11, 2019. Co-written by Smith and Normani with producers and , the track blends pop and R&B influences, exploring themes of moving on from heartbreak through a metaphorical dance with someone new. It later appeared as a bonus track on Smith's third studio album, , released in October 2020. The song achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number 33 on the and eventually peaking at number seven after 14 weeks on the chart, marking Normani's first top-10 hit on the ranking. In the , it entered the UK Singles Chart at number four and rose to a peak of number three, becoming Smith's eleventh top-10 single there and Normani's first in the . Internationally, "Dancing with a Stranger" topped charts in countries including and reached the top 10 in over 20 territories, such as , , and New Zealand. It was the most-played radio song globally in 2019. The song has been certified 4× Platinum in the by the RIAA (4 million units) as of 2021, underscoring its enduring popularity. Critically acclaimed for its sultry production and vocal chemistry between Smith and , the track earned a nomination for Song of 2019 at the , though it did not win. It later received the Song of the Year award at the 2020 BMI London Awards, recognizing it as the most performed song of the year among BMI's repertoire. The official , directed by Márk Peták and released on January 29, 2019, features the artists in a retro-inspired club setting and has amassed over 968 million views on as of November 2025. "Dancing with a Stranger" also gained prominence through live performances, including a notable by Smith and at the 2019 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.

Production

Background

"Dancing with a Stranger" originated from Sam Smith's desire to channel personal emotional turmoil into an uplifting track following a in late 2018. During their tour for the album The Thrill of It All, Smith, feeling the weight of heartbreak, intentionally shifted away from their signature ballad style toward something more liberating and dance-oriented, inspired by nights out seeking distraction through clubbing and fleeting connections. This motivation stemmed from a need for , as Smith later reflected that the creative process helped explore themes of freedom and self-discovery. The collaboration with was announced on January 4, 2019, through posts by both artists, teasing the single's release on January 11 via . For , this was a significant solo collaboration following her earlier releases like "Love Lies" after Fifth Harmony's hiatus announcement in 2018, building on her emerging solo presence and showcasing her vocal prowess alongside Smith's emotive delivery. The partnership came together serendipitously when the two artists, both in the studio circuit, connected over shared creative energies, with adding layered harmonies that deepened the track's emotional resonance. Initial writing sessions occurred in , involving producers —Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor E. Hermansen—alongside , a frequent collaborator with Smith. The song's inception drew directly from and dance-pop influences, evoking the era's infectious grooves and escapist vibes to craft a modern anthem that blended nostalgia with contemporary R&B-pop sensibilities. Smith described the goal as producing a "dancefloor anthem" that captured sultry melancholy while encouraging movement and release.

Composition

"Dancing with a Stranger" was written by , , Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. Hermansen, and James Napier. The song is set in the key of at a of 103 beats per minute in 4/4 time. It employs a verse-chorus structure, incorporating pre-chorus build-ups that heighten tension before the chorus and a bridge that provides contrast toward the end. Instrumentation centers on a prominent synth bass line created using Massive, electronic drums that drive the groove, and layered vocals processed with compression and reverb for an ethereal quality. These elements fuse and R&B influences, with the lead synth derived from a modulated pad in Absynth 5 adding rhythmic texture via a funky muted guitar sample from Kontakt. The production, handled by , blends contemporary pop arrangements with retro dance sensibilities, emphasizing simplicity in layering to highlight vocal interplay and groove. This approach draws from disco icons like for its soulful, danceable energy and modern electronic stylings akin to Calvin Harris's work.

Recording and personnel

The recording of "Dancing with a Stranger" took place primarily in late 2018, following a chance encounter between and in September 2018 during Smith's The Thrill of It All World Tour, when both artists were working in adjacent studios in . The core tracking sessions were completed by the end of the year, with final mixes finalized in December 2018 ahead of the single's release the following month. Principal recording occurred at The Stellar House in , , with additional sessions in to accommodate the collaborators' schedules and contributions from producers . Mixing was handled at Pacifique Studios in North Hollywood, , ensuring a polished, radio-ready sound that emphasized the duet's sultry R&B elements. Post-production involved refinements to optimize the track for commercial release, including adjustments to the intro for the radio edit version, which clocks in at 2:51 and streamlines the opening to heighten immediate engagement.

Personnel

RolePersonnel
Vocals,
Vocal production
Instruments and programmingMikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. Hermansen ()
Guitar overdubsBen Jones
Recording engineersMikkel S. Eriksen, Thomas Warren
Mixing engineerKevin “KD” Davis
Executive producersTim Blacksmith, Danny D
Producers,

Release and promotion

Release

"Dancing with a Stranger" was released as a digital single on January 11, 2019, through in collaboration with Keep Cool/. The track premiered via digital download and streaming platforms as part of an initial rollout that included teasers on and earlier that week. The single marked a key moment in Sam Smith's transition toward their third studio album, (2020), where it later appeared as a bonus track. For , the release served as a significant step in building anticipation for her solo career following her 2018 signing to Keep Cool/ and ahead of her debut album (2024). Internationally, the song saw variations in its rollout, with a limited-edition crystal clear 12-inch vinyl single issued in the UK and on March 8, 2019, by , while primary distribution remained digital globally.

Formats and track listings

"Dancing with a Stranger" was initially released as a digital single on January 11, 2019, by , featuring the standard version of the track. The song runs for 2:51 in its original form and became available across major streaming platforms such as and . A limited edition 12-inch vinyl single was issued on March 8, 2019, in crystal clear pressing, limited to a specific run for collectors in the UK and . This physical format included the standard track on the A-side and an version on the B-side, both at 45 RPM. Promotional CD-R singles were distributed in select markets, including and , for radio and industry use, typically containing the standard radio edit.

Digital Versions and Remixes

Several digital variants and remixes were released to extend the single's reach. The acoustic version, featuring stripped-down instrumentation, was made available on February 14, 2019, emphasizing the vocal performances of Smith and Normani. This rendition clocks in at approximately 3:02. The official remix by Cheat Codes was released digitally on March 8, 2019, transforming the track into an upbeat electronic dance version lasting 3:13. This remix was issued as a standalone digital single and integrated into streaming playlists. Streaming platforms offered exclusive enhancements, such as a spatial audio mix on Apple Music, utilizing Dolby Atmos for immersive listening, added in subsequent years to the single's availability. On Spotify, the standard track serves as the primary single edit without additional alterations noted.
FormatTrack ListingDurationRelease DateLabel
Digital Download (Standard)1. "Dancing with a Stranger"2:51January 11, 2019Capitol Records
Digital Download (Acoustic)1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Acoustic)"3:02February 14, 2019Capitol Records
Digital Download (Cheat Codes Remix)1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Cheat Codes Remix)"3:13March 8, 2019Capitol Records
12" Vinyl (Limited Edition)A1. "Dancing with a Stranger"
B1. "Dancing with a Stranger (Instrumental)"		2:51 (each)March 8, 2019Capitol Records

Compilations

The track appeared on several compilation albums shortly after its release. It was included on the US edition of Now That's What I Call Music! 70, released on May 3, 2019, as track 6 in its standard form. In the UK, it featured on Now That's What I Call Music! 102, released in 2019, alongside other contemporary hits. These inclusions helped broaden the song's exposure through physical and digital compilation sales.

Promotion

The promotion of "Dancing with a Stranger" emphasized radio airplay and social media engagement to build its popularity as a crossover hit. Capitol Records focused on an old-fashioned radio campaign, which propelled the single to significant airplay success in the UK and US, culminating in it being named the most performed song of 2019 in BMI's repertoire at the BMI London Awards. This strategy contrasted with viral streaming debuts, allowing the track to climb charts gradually through consistent rotation on stations like BBC Radio 1 and Capital FM. A key component was a campaign that encouraged , including challenges inspired by the song's sultry R&B groove. Choreographers like Kyle Hanagami released tutorial videos that went viral on , prompting fans to create and share their own versions, while platforms like amplified remixes and covers, extending the song's reach among younger audiences. Fan remixes, often blending the track with electronic or pop elements, further fueled online buzz and inclusions. Live performances played a vital role in the later stages of promotion. Smith and Normani gave their first joint live performance at iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball in , on December 1, 2019, marking a milestone in the single's rollout with synchronized that echoed the music video's intimacy. Smith then debuted the song solo at Capital's on December 8, 2019, delivering a high-energy rendition that highlighted its danceable vibe. The single also tied into Normani's emerging solo career, providing momentum for her August 2019 release of "," as the success of "Dancing with a Stranger" showcased her vocal range and positioned her as a rising R&B star. The music video, released on January 29, 2019, served as an initial promotional anchor.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

"Dancing with a Stranger" is a slinky, seductive pop-R&B jam that incorporates elements of soul-pop with a sultry, danceable groove, blending sleek, modern production with a pulsing beat designed for dancefloor appeal. The track draws influences from R&B and pop, featuring a polished, layered with a prominent and subtle electronic elements that evoke nostalgic yet fresh club tracks, while producer Stargate's signature style crafts an infectious, mid-tempo groove. Normani's verses infuse the song with flair through her smooth, sultry tones, providing a dynamic contrast to Sam Smith's aching hooks and soulful delivery, which heighten the track's emotional depth and vocal chemistry. This upbeat shift marks a departure from Smith's earlier ballad-driven hits like "Stay with Me," infusing their classic soulful sound with a club-ready energy that brings maturity and pain to the dancefloor.

Lyrics and themes

"Dancing with a Stranger" explores themes of heartbreak and the search for temporary solace in the aftermath of a romantic split, portraying dancing as a form of escapism to alleviate loneliness. The lyrics depict a protagonist grappling with unresolved emotions, using a fleeting encounter with an anonymous partner as a distraction from lingering pain. This narrative captures the tension between vulnerability and the desire for liberation, emphasizing how physical intimacy on the dance floor serves as a momentary antidote to emotional turmoil. Central to the song's emotional core is the chorus, where Sam Smith sings, "I don't wanna be alone tonight," a line that underscores profound vulnerability and the fear of following a . This reflects a raw admission of not being over an ex-partner, with the act of dancing with a stranger symbolizing a transient salve for heartache rather than a genuine resolution. The "stranger" motif represents an impersonal, no-strings-attached connection, highlighting the song's focus on short-lived romance as a mechanism. Inspiration for these themes drew from Smith's personal experiences, particularly their 2018 with actor , during which Smith sought to channel feelings of loss into an uplifting rather than melancholic track. The duet structure introduces dual perspectives, blending Smith's post-breakup longing with Normani's empowering resolve to move forward. In her verse, Normani conveys a similar of reluctance—"I wasn't even going out tonight"—but pivots to proactive : "Boy, I need to get you off of my mind," illustrating an assertive response to heartbreak through self-initiated distraction. This interplay adds depth, portraying the shared human experience of using and anonymous flirtation to reclaim agency amid emotional .

Music video

Development

The music video for "Dancing with a Stranger" was directed by British filmmaker Vaughan Arnell, whose selection was announced in early 2019 ahead of the visual's premiere. Arnell, known for his work with artists like George Michael and Bruno Mars, aimed to capture the track's essence through a visually striking narrative that highlights isolation and connection. The concept drew inspiration from 1990s club aesthetics, evoking the intimate, haunting vibe of Arnell's 1996 video for George Michael's "," while emphasizing emotional intimacy and brooding sexuality to mirror the song's themes of post-breakup longing. Production was handled by Moxie Pictures, with Sue Caldwell serving as producer; the shoot occurred across two distinct locations in —a sleek, modern house set in the wintry countryside for Sam Smith's solitary scenes, and a studio set resembling an abandoned warehouse for Normani's high-energy sequences—to create parallel worlds that dovetail without the leads ever interacting on screen. Smith and Normani starred as the central figures, supported by a diverse ensemble of dancers that included performers such as Theo Maddix, Petra , , Luna, Shan Khan, and Lee Bridgman, selected through casting director Lesley Beastall to bring dynamic, inclusive movement to the visuals. Choreography was led by , whose expertise in contemporary and street styles amplified the video's rhythmic intensity, particularly in Normani's explosive group routines. Cinematography by Will Bex and editing by David Webb further enhanced the moody, holographic effects surrounding Smith's performance, blending serenity with underlying tension. Coordinating the production presented logistical hurdles, as Normani was balancing her solo promotional commitments and early tour preparations following her departure from Fifth Harmony, while Smith was deep into pre-production for their third album. Despite these scheduling constraints, the shoot wrapped efficiently, allowing the video to launch on January 29, 2019, as a key promotional element for the single's rising chart momentum.

Synopsis

The music video for "Dancing with a Stranger" opens with in a modern house set in the wintry countryside, gazing longingly, evoking a profound sense of solitude and yearning. This initial scene transitions as enters a separate, high-energy club environment with a confident stride, before she initiates an intimate dance with a stranger, mirroring the song's motif of seeking temporary solace. A subsequent montage showcases intertwined dancing between Smith and anonymous partners in his isolated setting, interspersed with Normani's parallel sequences in the club, visually symbolizing fleeting human connections set against an undercurrent of emotional isolation. The narrative builds through intercut parallel scenes of each artist dancing separately, emphasizing their isolated yet thematically connected journeys of vulnerability, without any direct interaction between Smith and Normani. Complementing the visuals, the video employs retro-inspired outfits on the performers and dancers, vibrant lights pulsing through the club environment, and deliberate slow-motion effects to heighten the sensual tension and introspective mood. As of November 2025, the video has amassed over 1 billion views on . It concludes with a fade-out depicting unresolved tension as the characters disengage from their encounters, directly echoing the lyrical themes of reluctant heartbreak and the illusion of moving forward.

Critical reception

Reviews

Upon its release, "Dancing with a Stranger" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised the vocal chemistry between and as well as the song's sultry, retro-inspired production. highlighted the duo's "undeniable chemistry" and described the track as a "sultry, slow-burning " with a "magnetic pull," noting how the "joy is basically oozing out of every beat, note and perfectly harmonized line." However, not all feedback was unanimous, with certain critics pointing to the song's formulaic pop structure as a limitation.

Accolades

"Dancing with a Stranger" received several accolades from major music organizations, recognizing its commercial success and artistic impact. The song won the Music Award for Best Collaboration in 2020.
YearAwardCategoryResult
2020ASCAP Pop Music AwardsMost Performed SongsWon
2020BMI London AwardsMost Performed Song of the YearWon
2020iHeartRadio Music AwardsBest CollaborationWon
2020British SingleNominated
These honors reflect the track's widespread popularity and performance metrics, following positive that highlighted its emotional depth and vocal synergy.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Dancing with a Stranger" achieved significant commercial success on international charts following its release in January 2019. In the United States, the song peaked at number 7 on the , where it spent a total of 57 weeks. It also reached number 1 on the Adult Pop Airplay chart, marking a for both artists in the pop . In the , "Dancing with a Stranger" debuted at number 4 on the Official Singles Chart before climbing to a peak of number 3, sustaining a presence for 31 weeks. The track was recognized as the most-performed of the year in the U.S. at the BMI London Awards, highlighting its dominance on radio . The performed strongly across other global markets, entering the top 10 in more than 20 countries, including topping the chart in . Notable peaks included number 6 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart, number 8 on the Canadian Hot 100, and top 10 positions in nations such as , the Netherlands, , , and . On year-end charts, "Dancing with a Stranger" ranked number 19 on the for 2019, reflecting its sustained popularity. It was the most-played global radio song in 2019. In terms of streaming, the track surpassed 1 billion plays on by early 2020 and over 1.5 billion as of November 2025, underscoring its digital impact.
Chart (2019)Peak PositionSource
US 7Billboard
US Adult Pop Airplay1Rock on the Net
UK Singles (OCC)3Official Charts
Australian Singles (ARIA)6aCharts
(BHS)8Billboard

Certifications and sales

"Dancing with a Stranger" has achieved significant commercial success worldwide, with approximately 2.2 million units equivalent in sales and streaming as of 2022. In the United States, the song was certified 4× Platinum by the (RIAA) in recognition of 4 million units sold, including streaming equivalents. The track received 3× Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom, denoting 1.8 million units. Elsewhere, it earned Platinum certification in France from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), equivalent to 100,000 units, and 8× Platinum status in Australia from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Streaming has played a key role in its certifications, with the official music video surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube as of November 2025.

Cultural impact

Usage in media

The song "Dancing with a Stranger" has been incorporated into several television productions, particularly those involving dance and performance elements. In season 28 of the American reality competition Dancing with the Stars, contestants Hannah Brown and professional partner Alan Bersten selected the track for their redemption rumba during the semi-finals (week 10), aired on November 19, 2019. The intimate routine, which emphasized emotional connection and fluid hip movements, received unanimous praise from the judges and scored 27 out of 30. Their second dance that night was a contemporary routine to Selena Gomez's "Lose You to Love Me," which also scored 27 and helped propel them toward the finale. Beyond scripted dance routines, the song has inspired covers by other artists in live settings. The delivered an acoustic rendition in May 2019 at a radio session in , adapting the duet's sultry R&B vibe into a harmonious pop that highlighted their vocal interplay and received positive fan reception. This performance exemplified the track's broad appeal and adaptability across genres, further extending its cultural footprint in concert environments. In March 2022, Sound and Color, LLC, a company owned by songwriters Jordan Vincent, Christopher Miranda, and Rosco Banlaoi, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of against , (Normani Kordei Hamilton), songwriters Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen (known as ), producer James Napier, and various publishers and record labels including , Sony Music Entertainment, and . The plaintiffs alleged that the 2019 song "Dancing with a Stranger," co-written by , , , and Napier, unlawfully copied substantial elements from their 2015 composition "Dancing with a Stranger" (copyright registered as SR0000847699), including the , chorus ("dancing with a stranger"), , , groove, and overall musical structure. They claimed the defendants had access to the original track through its distribution on platforms like in 2016 and a 2018 release via Thrive Records, which garnered over 500,000 streams. The defendants denied the allegations, asserting independent creation of the song and arguing that any similarities involved unprotectable common musical elements, such as basic chord progressions and generic phrases in . In September 2023, U.S. District Judge Wesley L. Hsu granted in favor of the defendants, dismissing the case after finding that no reasonable could conclude the songs were substantially similar beyond commonplace building blocks of the genre. The plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which on April 29, 2025, reversed the dismissal in part, ruling that the district court erred by resolving factual disputes about at the stage and remanding the case for a to evaluate the alleged copying of protectable elements like the chorus and groove. As of November 2025, the case remains ongoing without settlement, underscoring ongoing debates over protection for melodic hooks and rhythmic patterns in contemporary .

References

  1. https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/sam-smith-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger-released-friday-11th-january-2/
  2. https://globalnews.ca/news/4838029/sam-smith-normani-new-single/
  3. https://genius.com/Sam-smith-and-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger-lyrics
  4. https://www.bmi.com/press/entry/584863
  5. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sam-smith-normani-perform-dancing-with-a-stranger-8545189/
  6. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/21501/sam-smith/
  7. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/sam-smith-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger/
  8. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/12/11/the-most-played-songs-on-the-radio-in-2019/
  9. https://www.billboard.com/artist/normani-kordei/
  10. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Sam+Smith&ti=Dancing+With+A+Stranger&format=Single&type=#search_section
  11. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/peoples-choice-awards-2019-nominations-list-8529049/
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av5JD1dfj_c
  13. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sam-smith-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger-interview-8546308/
  14. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/sam-smith-normani-dancing-stranger/
  15. https://tunebat.com/Info/Dancing-With-A-Stranger-with-Normani-Sam-Smith-Normani/6Qs4SXO9dwPj5GKvVOv8Ki
  16. https://songbpm.com/%40sam-smith/dancing-with-a-stranger
  17. https://www.mtosmt.org/issues/mto.19.25.4/mto.19.25.4.duinker.html
  18. https://blog.native-instruments.com/stargate/
  19. https://www.thefader.com/artist/sam-smith
  20. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-team-normani-new-song-dancing-with-a-stranger-777620/
  21. https://musicbrainz.org/release/067cdfb5-4314-4305-a63e-820007a7a7f9
  22. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/normani-signs-keep-cool-rca-records-exclusive-8299356/
  23. https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/products/sam-smith-love-goes-bonus-lp
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/13199770-Sam-Smith-12-Normani-Dancing-With-A-Stranger
  25. https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qs4SXO9dwPj5GKvVOv8Ki
  26. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-with-a-stranger-single/1447334977
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/1484694-Sam-Smith-Normani-Dancing-With-A-Stranger
  28. https://open.spotify.com/track/29f11nLUcMYQ2Ndbnb7N0o
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so-ZClPHMIQ
  30. https://open.spotify.com/track/0GfS3y8Jd7SHWd9R51s7Fo
  31. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-smith-in-spatial-audio/pl.b623e9e6433845bdbf889bc9acdd4f25
  32. https://open.spotify.com/album/31e3OuAblyNxtJN8JnDyiz
  33. https://open.spotify.com/album/1ywwywgwPJETrJPdhGwAsq
  34. https://variety.com/2020/music/news/bmi-london-awards-sam-smith-normani-dancing-stranger-ed-sheeran-1234793106/
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b31DMF-QG4
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4_1kEn-x48
  37. https://variety.com/2021/music/musicians/normani-motivation-wild-side-cardi-b-1235124480/
  38. https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2019/01/31/sam-smith-normani-dancing-stranger-vaughan-arnell/57099
  39. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/song-you-need-to-know-sam-smith-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger-779156/
  40. https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/sam-smith-love-goes-best-songs-ranked-9475702/
  41. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/dec/27/bradford-bassline-and-ketamine-charged-punk-50-new-artists-for-2020
  42. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/sam-smith/dancing-with-a-stranger
  43. https://atwoodmagazine.com/dwas-sam-smith-normani-dancing-stranger-song/
  44. https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanschocket2/sam-smith-moment-triggered-transition
  45. https://therandyreport.com/sam-smith-is-dancing-with-stranger/
  46. https://moxiepictures.com/vaughan-arnell-teams-up-with-sam-smith-and-normani/
  47. https://www.losangelesblade.com/2019/01/29/sam-smith-and-normani-release-dancing-with-a-stranger-music-video/
  48. https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/01/new-video-normani-sam-smith-dancing-with-stranger/
  49. https://www.iheart.com/content/2020-09-08-2020-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-see-the-full-list/
  50. https://www.ascap.com/news-events/awards/2020/pop-awards
  51. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2020-iheartradio-music-award-winners-9445919/
  52. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51535680
  53. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2020-brit-awards-nominations-8547839/
  54. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2020-01-04/
  55. http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-s/samsmith.htm
  56. https://acharts.co/australia_singles_top_50/2019/13
  57. https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-04-13/
  58. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2wY79sveU1sp5g7SokKOiI
  59. https://chartmasters.org/artist/sam-smith
  60. https://thatgrapejuice.net/2021/04/riaa-sam-smiths-dancing-with-stranger-hits-platinum-diamonds-now-gold/
  61. http://snepmusique.com/les-certifications/page/119/?categorie=Singles&interprete&titre
  62. https://kworb.net/youtube/video/av5JD1dfj_c.html
  63. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/11/19/dancing-stars-recap-real-tragedy-and-double-heartbreak/4234750002/
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gywQ7_OB3GY
  65. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/sound-and-color-sam-smith-complaint.pdf
  66. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sam-smith-normani-win-copyright-lawsuit-dancing-with-a-stranger-1236204428/
  67. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-normani-win-dancing-with-a-stranger-copyright-lawsuit-1234819841/
  68. https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/news/sadoff-ferrara-and-geluso-serve-expert-testimony-sam-smith-case
  69. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/sep/07/sam-smith-and-normani-win-copyright-lawsuit-over-dancing-with-a-stranger
  70. https://www.loeb.com/-/media/files/pdfs/2023-pdfs/ip-entertainment-pdfs/sound-and-color-v-sam-smith.pdf
  71. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sam-smith-normani-dancing-with-a-stranger-lawsuit-revived-1235329452/
  72. https://www.law360.com/articles/2356320/9th-circ-won-t-revisit-opinion-in-sam-smith-copyright-case
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