SAM SMITH’S Grammy victory was watched by 25.3 million people in the United States, the show’s smallest audience since 2009.

    The figures were down 11 percent compared with last year, when a tribute to the Beatles and a mass on-stage wedding attracted 28.5 million viewers.

    But it was the fifth consecutive year that the Grammy audience topped 25 million.

    It was also the most-watched award show of the year to date, beating the Golden Globes’ audience by 6 million.

    However, the Oscars remains the grand dame of award ceremonies — having attracted 43 million people last year.

    British singer Smith was the big winner at this year’s Grammys, taking home four awards, including song of the year and record of the year — both of which went to his gospel-tinged breakup ballad “Stay With Me.”

    Beck won the album of the year prize for his eighth album, “Morning Phase” — infuriating Kanye West, who stormed the stage to protest at Beyonce’s loss, before deciding to return to his seat rather than taking the microphone.

    The incident was the most-tweeted moment during the show, attracting 13.4 million comments on Twitter. The ceremony was also streamed 7.5 million times, an increase of 40 percent.

    But overall the show was low on spectacle, with most artists presenting stripped-back, muted performances; largely concentrating on their slower numbers.

    (SD-Agencies)