Sam Smith performance

STAY WITH HIM: Capitol's Sam Smith made us cry into our popcorn during his VMAs performance of "Stay With Me." The reactions of stars in the audience, from Kim Kardashian, who introduced him (and referred to him as "my friend"), to J. Lo in the front row, underscored how much everybody is rooting for Smith, and how directly he connects with each listener. Despite the forlorn content of the song, the breakout singer couldn't suppress a smile as he tossed a few churchy filigrees into the song's finale. He's arrived. (8/24p)