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Sam Smith undergoes vocal cord surgery

The singer-songwriter tells Anthony Mason that he used to sing during his morning commute to school in the car with his mother
Sam Smith on his singing roots 00:39

Grammy Award-winner Sam Smith has undergone successful vocal cord surgery at a Boston hospital.

Massachusetts General Hospital said in a statement Tuesday -- the singer's 23rd birthday -- that he is expected to make a full recovery.

The surgery to stop recurrent vocal cord bleeding was performed by Dr. Steven Zeitels, who has done the same procedure on Steven Tyler, Lionel Richie and Adele.

Smith's song "Stay With Me" won Grammys for song and record of the year and he also was named best new artist in February. The British's singer's "In the Lonely Hour" was named best pop vocal album.

According to the hospital, Smith's condition was the result of unstable blood vessels in the vocal cord that can rupture and prevent vocal performance. He was forced to postpone a few gigs.

Smith's next live show is scheduled for July 18.

Earlier this month, Smith revealed he needed surgery in an Instagram post. "Bad news. I have my operation booked for next week, so getting really nervous. But by doing this in 8 weeks time I'm gonna be able to sing like never before so it's worth it. I am so sorry to all," he wrote.

Smith took to Instagram on his birthday -- the day of the surgery:

Sun is OUT for the big day!! (Even if it is for just this morning) 😊

A photo posted by Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) on


Several artists have faced vocal cord issues in recent years, including Adele, John Mayer, Keith Urban and Florence Welch.

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