Sam Smith was a big winner at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 17) in Las Vegas. The British crooner came out on top in the Top Male Artist category, besting Drake, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran and Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately, he was unable to accept the award but he did give an acceptance speech in a surprising way.

The “Stay With Me” singer was unable to attend the show because he was in New York recovering from vocal cord surgery after he suffered a vocal hemorrhage in April. So with cue cards in his hands, Smith thanked his fans and gave adorable shout-outs to his favorite artists.

The cue cards read in part, “First, thank you, Billboard, for this incredible honour [sic]. Secondly, thank you to my amazing fans. It’s times like this that I realise [sic] how lucky I am to have you in my life. Can’t wait to get this surgery out of the way so I can sing my ass off for you again.”

He also saluted Nicki Minaj and her big butt and promised fellow British singer-guitarist Ed Sheeran a lap dance.

He ended his speech with “Good night and turn up.”

Smith may not be able to talk, but at least he has a sense a humor about his situation.

Congratulations to Sam Smith on his Billboard honor. Watch the amusing clip above.

See Your Favorite Rappers & Singers on the Red Carpet at 2015 Billboard Music Awards

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