Sam Smith is afraid to sing in case it damages his voice further - after deciding to drop out of upcoming appearances at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Billboard Music Awards.
The crooner, 26, took to Instagram to inform his fans he was experiencing 'horrible thoughts' over the situation, with a source close to the star claiming he was 'petrified'.
Sam said in a candid post: 'I’ve been doing these incredible shows, and from my pics, I look super happy and calm and collected, and I am happy, and sometimes I am calm.
But the last few weeks my anxiety has been SO F****** INTENSE!! I can’t even begin to explain. I’ve felt completely out of control and as if I’m going to snap and everything is going to come undone.
However, for the first time ever I have been trying to really tackle and fight against these horrible thoughts and tidal waves of fear.
The source added, via The Sun: 'Sam’s voice has been under serious strain recently and he’s petrified of damaging it more. He had surgery on his vocal cords four years ago but he’s keen to try to avoid going under the knife again.
'Sam has enlisted the help of vocal experts and is doing everything he can to recover. He’s not going to rush anything and said he’ll wait for as long as it takes to get well again. This is a huge worry for Sam and his team but they’re staying positive.'
A statement appeared on the singer's Twitter this week, which read: 'In the wake of cutting his South African tour short last week, Sam's medical specialists are requiring him to have further rest.
'Regrettable, this means that he will be unable to perform at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku this weekend or the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas next week. We apologize for the disappointment for those affected, but the primary focus at this time needs to be on Sam‘s recovery and health.'
The Grammy-winning artist would have sang his hit Dancing With a Stranger (with Normani) at the event, which will be held MGM Grand Garden Arena.