Singer Sam Smith recently debuted a new version of his single 'Stay With Me' which features Mary J. Blige and she has now spoken out about her admiration for the rising star. 

Speaking to Britain's Daily Star newspaper about the talented newcomer and his impressive vocal ability, Blige confessed that she thinks he's amazing: "Sam's true soulful voice is the first of this kind I have heard since Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson and all great soul male voices."

Last week, Smith told Capital FM that he struggles to write positive songs and has always gravitated towards darker subject matter:

"I don't know how to write a happy song! There's actually two that are on the album that are quite happy! I challenge myself, it's important for me to challenge myself and take risks. When I was writing this album, I didn't want to write sad songs."

Watch Smith and Blige performing the song together below: