Everyone’s favourite sombre British songster Sam Smith gave a silent acceptance speech using placards at the Billboard Awards.

The singer was awarded Top Male Artist, Top New Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist.

Unfortunately Smith was unable to attend the awards due to illness. Last month he cancelled a number of his Australian tour dates including a performance at the Logies having been advised by doctors that he must rest his vocal chords until they are fully healed or he may risk permanent damage.

The singer reportedly underwent surgery on his vocal chords in Massachusetts General Hospital. Prior to doing so, he recorded the following acceptance speech to be played at the Billboard awards in his absence:

While some believe that the speech is an homage to the famous placard-based love confession scene in the film ‘Love Actually’, it would be remiss to forget Bob Dylan’s iconic placard-based video for ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’.