"I'm Ready"
Single by Sam Smith and Demi Lovato
from the album Love Goes
Released16 April 2020 (2020-04-16)
Studio
  • MXM Studios; Los Angeles, California
  • MXM Studios; Stockholm, Sweden
  • BLND Studios; Sweden[1]
Genre
Length3:20
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Ilya
Sam Smith singles chronology
"To Die For"
(2020)		 "I'm Ready"
(2020)		 "My Oasis"
(2020)
Demi Lovato singles chronology
"I Love Me"
(2020)		 "I'm Ready"
(2020)		 "OK Not to Be OK"
(2020)
Music video
"I'm Ready" on YouTube

"I'm Ready" is a song by British singer Sam Smith and American singer Demi Lovato,[4] released through Capitol Records on 16 April 2020. Smith and Lovato cowrote "I'm Ready" with Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and the song's producer, Ilya Salmanzadeh.[5] It reached the top 10 in Lebanon and the top 40 in the United States, United Kingdom, and 14 additional countries. The song appears on Smith's third studio album Love Goes (2020) and on the expanded edition of Lovato's seventh studio album Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over.

Background and release

In an interview, Smith shared that they "grew up listening to" and "singing" Lovato's music, calling them an "incredible talent" and "everything [they stand] for as a human being". Thus, they revealed that they had been "training" for the moment to collaborate with Lovato for a long time. Smith also said that they had already been in contact as a friend to Lovato for years, and Lovato was invited to the studio by their mutual songwriter Savan Kotecha, which is what led to the collaboration happening.[6]

On 9 April, Smith shared a polaroid of Smith and Lovato in the studio, captioned with "S + D 4 EVA".[7] Smith also teased the duet on social media, tweeting "YOU READY" and tagging Lovato with a GIF that displays Smith and Lovato's initials; Lovato responded with "I'M READY".[8] On 13 April, Smith and Lovato announced the title of the duet and its release date.[9][10] During an interview with Popbuzz, Smith confirmed that "I'm Ready" was being released in promotion of their upcoming third album but might not appear on the final track listing.[11]

Composition

Described by Smith as "2020 ABBA",[12] "I'm Ready" is considered a pop[2] song with disco[13] elements. The song features an "edgy" production and gospel choirs, with dark "sultry" verses and a "bass-y" chorus.[14][15] Moreover, the song incorporates a fun, synth-pop[16] flair with dynamic vocals.[16] Lyrically, the duet is a "feel-good love song"[13] about "having the bravery to be vulnerable and accepting of love" and strives to be an "anthemic musical declaration that both artists are ready to find love and, more importantly, to be loved by someone who appreciates them."[2]

Critical reception

"I'm Ready" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Raisa Bruner of Time deemed "I'm Ready" a "blazing new power anthem duet" and praised the "emotional showcase" of the two vocalists, saying that both "Smith and Lovato are on their game here".[17] She also found that the elements of the song, including "an uplifting gospel chorus and a juicy bass section", makes for a "summer pop mash-up".[17] Juddah Charles Lotter of MEAWW praised both the song and music video, saying "Sam Smith and Demi Lovato create magic in [the] Olympic-inspired beautifully infectious video".[18] Lotter was particularly impressed by the vocal display in the last scene of the music video: "The final scene shows Lovato and Smith side-by-side atop a podium with some gymnasts performing nearby in a medal ceremony and the two belt out a rich simultaneous vocal performance with a choir providing the backing vocals". He went on to say that both Smith and Lovato "use their vocal gymnastics gorgeously with pitch-perfect singing and it almost feels like they kept fans waiting on the collab long enough just to see them burst into Olympic torch flame with excitement when they finally got the chance to hear it", as "they sound utterly amazing together".[18] In 2023, Rolling Stone place the song at number 32 on its list of The 50 Most Inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time.[19]

Music video

Background and release

The music video was released on 17 April 2020. It was directed by Jora Frantzis, best known for her work on the 2019 music video for Cardi B's "Money". Smith shared in an interview with The Hot Press that queer inclusivity was a main factor when creating the setting and concept behind the music video: Smith recalls how they grew up queer and experiencing bullying in "the locker room with boys" at school, and thus being incessantly "scared of" and "triggered" by sports.[20] Smith goes on to share that being able to have a "queer Olympics" in the music video was an "amazing" and "exciting" experience, and that it bought them joy, as they enjoyed "learning to wrestle in stilettos".[20]

In the behind-the-scenes video released on 7 May 2020, director Jora Frantzis describes her thought process regarding the creation of the music video: she says "when I hear music that's as powerful and as big as this song is, I automatically envision motion and energy".[21] As such, she wanted to do something that was "sports-related" but still tie it back to "what Smith represents", as Sam noted that for "the gay community, sports was always kind of a traumatizing experience in high school".[21] She noted that "Sam thought it would be very empowering to kinda take over high school sports in the way that we did, almost like taking the power back."[21] At the end of shooting the music video, Smith proclaimed to Lovato "I think we've actually made the gayest video of all time," to which Lovato laughed and agreed with a cheerful "Yes!"[21]

Prior to the video's release, Smith and Lovato hopped on a video chat to reminisce about writing the song together.[22] During this video chat, Smith and Lovato joked that the "I'm Ready" video is the "Queer Olympics" the world needs right now.[23] "There was so much love in that place and so many beautiful people," Smith said about the video shoot, with Lovato agreeing, "Yes, beautiful people that were so talented."[23]

Synopsis

The music video opens on Smith circling a man on the wrestling mat, as they sing about "waiting patiently for a beautiful lover" and vowing to "take that risk tonight" with someone new. As the instrumental approaches the bridge of the song, Smith lines up for a 100-meter sprint—they and their equally glam competitors dash off in sky-high stilettos, voluminous skirts, and impeccably applied makeup. These competitors include queer artists and drag queens Valentina, Gigi Goode, Dee TrannyBear, Alok Vaid-Menon, Shea Diamond and Jeffrey C. Williams.

The second verse of the song is taken over by Lovato; they hold court on a tall diving board, rocking a sophisticated black suit and appearing androgynous in style and mannerisms, as a queer all-male synchronized swim team near them on the diving board dive into the pool below them. Later on, Smith dances in high heels in their wrestling suit with their competitor wrestlers dancing alongside them. The choreography was coordinated by choreographer Sean Bankhead. Lovato and Smith eventually come together for the song's climax, which takes them to a gymnast-filled medal ceremony.

Critical reception

The Hot Press says that the music video "sees the cast redefine sports in beautiful, artistic, unapologetically queer ways."[20] The way in which the "wrestlers and swimmers don sparkling, glittery outfits, corsets and sky-high stilettos", as well as the flow of the music video, in which "wrestling turns into dancing" and running "into a rainbow display", were elements that were particularly noted as impressive and empowering.[20] Rory Gory and Shane Michael Singh from The Trevor Project applauded Smith for their dedication toward promoting and celebrating the LGBTQ community: "We actually have LGBTQ people behind the scenes, in front of the camera, creating the content themselves. That's when it feels really authentic and real," Gory said.[21]

Credits and personnel

Song

Credits adapted from Tidal.[24]

Music video

Credits adapted from YouTube.[25]

  • Jora Frantzis – director
  • PRETTYBIRD – producer
  • Kevin Kloecker – video commissioner
  • Candice Dragonas – VP / executive producer
  • Chris Clavadetscher – executive producer
  • Rob Witt – director of photography
  • Sean Bankhead – choreographer
  • Rika Osenberg – head of production
  • Autumn Hymes – line producer
  • Kenia Gutierrez – production supervisor
  • Adam Winder – stylist (Sam Smith)
  • Sienree Du – hair and makeup (Sam Smith)
  • Siena Montesano – stylist (Demi Lovato)
  • Paul Norton – hair (Demi Lovato)
  • Rokael Lizama – makeup (Demi Lovato)

Charts

Chart performance of "I'm Ready"
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[26] 25
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[27] 56
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[28] 3
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[29] 11
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[30] 30
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[31] 25
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[32] 35
CIS (TopHit)[33] 258
Croatia (HRT)[34] 25
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[35] 50
Estonia (Eesti Tipp-40)[36] 39
Euro Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[37] 9
France (SNEP)[38] 196
Germany (Official German Charts)[39] 66
Greece International (IFPI)[40] 38
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[41] 34
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[42] 27
Ireland (IRMA)[43] 13
Italy (FIMI)[44] 70
Lebanon (OLT20)[45] 6
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard)[46] 12
Lithuania (AGATA)[47] 30
Mexico Airplay (Billboard)[48] 37
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[49] 19
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[50] 48
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[51] 28
Norway (VG-lista)[52] 31
Portugal (AFP)[53] 36
Scotland (OCC)[54] 11
Singapore (RIAS)[55] 30
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[56] 40
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[57] 34
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[58] 35
UK Singles (OCC)[59] 20
US Billboard Hot 100[60] 36
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[61] 36
US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard)[62] 35
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[63] 24

Certifications

Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[64] Platinum 70,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[65] Gold 40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[66] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[67] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release formats for "I'm Ready"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various 16 April 2020 Capitol [68]
Italy 17 April 2020 Contemporary hit radio Universal [69]
United Kingdom Capitol [70]
Adult contemporary radio [71]
Australia Contemporary hit radio [72]

References

  1. ↑ "Love Goes Credits". Sam Smith. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Aderoju, Darlene (16 April 2020). "Demi Lovato and Sam Smith Debut 'Musical Theater'-Inspired Duet 'I'm Ready' — Complete with Drag Queens!". People. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  3. ↑ Damshenas, Sam (27 April 2020). "The "toy version" of Sam Smith and Demi Lovato's I'm Ready video is epic". Gay Times. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  4. ↑ Peters, Mitchell (12 April 2020). "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Announce New Collaboration". Billboard. United States. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  5. ↑ "ACE Repertory". ASCAP. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  6. ↑ Croezen, Alyssa (13 April 2020). "Sam Smith Discusses New Single 'I'm Ready' featuring Demi Lovato: 'I've Been Training for This Moment for a Long Time'". ET Canada. Canada. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  7. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Tease Their Collaboration on Social Media". Idolator. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  8. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Announce New Collaboration". Billboard. 13 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  9. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Universal Music Group. Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  10. ↑ Capitol Music Group (13 April 2020). "Sam Smith and Demi Lovato announce new single". Pressparty. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  11. ↑ "Sam Smith reveals how Demi Lovato made them feel "femme, queer and confident"". PopBuzz.
  12. ↑ Daw, Stephen (16 April 2020). "Sam Smith Shares More Details of Their '2020 Abba' Collab With Demi Lovato". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  13. 1 2 Delgado, Sara (17 April 2020). "Sam Smith, Demi Lovato Created a Literal Drag Race in "I'm Ready" Music Video". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  14. ↑ Herman, James Patrick (17 April 2020). "As Duet With Demi Lovato Debuts, It's a Party of One for Sam Smith: 'Cheers, Darlings!'". Variety. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  15. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (16 April 2020). "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato Conquer the Olympics in Powerful 'I'm Ready' Video". Billboard. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  16. 1 2 "Sam Smith and Demi Lovato Go for the Gold In 'I'm Ready' Music Video". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  17. 1 2 "The Best New Songs of April 2020". Time. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  18. 1 2 "'I'm Ready' Review: Sam Smith and Demi Lovato create magic in Olympic-inspired beautifully infectious video". meaww.com. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  19. ↑ "The 50 Most Inspirational LGBTQ Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "Sam Smith: "To make a Queer Olympics is the most amazing release for a queer kid!"". Hotpress. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato's 'I'm Ready' Behind The Scenes Video: Watch". Billboard. 6 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  22. ↑ Madeline Roth (17 April 2020). "Sam Smith and Demi Lovato are an olympic dream team in "I'm Ready" video". MTV. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  23. 1 2 Roth, Madeline. "Sam Smith And Demi Lovato Are An Olympic Dream Team In 'I'm Ready' Video". MTV News. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  24. ↑ "Credits / I'm Ready / Sam Smith". Tidal. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  25. ↑ "Sam Smith, Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Retrieved 1 December 2020 – via YouTube.
  26. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  27. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  28. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  29. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  30. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  31. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  32. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  33. ↑ Sam Smith & Demi Lovato — I'm Ready. TopHit. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  34. ↑ "Croatia ARC TOP 100". HRT. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  35. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 202017 into search. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  36. ↑ "EESTI TIPP-40 MUUSIKAS: No nii – nüüd lajatab Trad.Attack!-i album". Eesti Ekspress (in Estonian). Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  37. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History: Euro Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  38. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  39. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  40. ↑ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 17/2020". IFPI Greece. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  41. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  42. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  43. ↑ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  44. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  45. ↑ "The Official Lebanese Top 20 - Sam Smith". The Official Lebanese Top 20. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  46. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Overseas" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  47. ↑ "2020 17-os SAVAITĖS (balandžio 17–23 d.) SINGLŲ TOP100" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 24 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  48. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History: Mexico Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  49. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 20, 2020" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  50. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  51. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  52. ↑ "VG-lista – Topp 20 Single uke 17, 2020". VG-lista. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  53. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  54. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  55. ↑ "RIAS International Top Charts Week 17". Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original on 30 April 2020.
  56. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202017 into search. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  57. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  58. ↑ "Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  59. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  60. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  61. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  62. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  63. ↑ "Sam Smith Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  64. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  65. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". Music Canada. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  66. ↑ "British single certifications – Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – I'm Ready". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  67. ↑ "American single certifications – Sam Smith – I'm Ready (with Demi Lovato)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  68. ↑ "I'm Ready – Single by Sam Smith & Demi Lovato". Apple Music. United States. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  69. ↑ "Sam Smith I'm Ready". radiodate.it. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  70. ↑ "BBC – Radio 1 Playlist". BBC. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  71. ↑ "BBC – Radio 2 Playlist". BBC. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  72. ↑ "Singles to Radio: Issue 1285". The Music Network. Australia: Radio Today Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 19 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
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