Judge Lets Copyright Case Proceed | Music News

A judge is letting a copyright case against Sam Smith and Normani move forward, accusing them of copying the hook from Jordan Vincent’s 2015 song “Dancing With a Stranger.” Despite Smith and Normani’s team arguing similarities are common musical elements and unlikely to be coincidental, the judge refused to block expert witnesses, paving the way for a jury trial. The plaintiff now must prove the songs are “strikingly similar,” not just substantially similar — a higher bar. While Vincent’s camp insists the hook is protectable and the similarities are significant, Smith and Normani’s lawyers counter that the alleged matches are confined to a small part of the track. Complicating matters further, other songs with similar titles predate the disputed tracks, adding nuance to the “prior art” debate. A formal ruling is expected soon.

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