Shaun's hoping to hit the right note in final of TV talent show

YOUNG Lichfield singing star Shaun Smith, pictured, is hoping the whole city will be behind him when he competes in the grand final of Britain's Got Talent this Saturday.

The 17-year-old Friary School student, who lives in Upper Longdon, is rehearsing as much as he can after impressing judges and viewers on Monday to secure his place on the TV show.

"I would like to say thanks to everyone who voted," Shaun told the Mercury.

"I was absolutely buzzing afterwards – I ran around for a bit in my dressing room."

Shaun, who is also a talented rugby player, admitted he was terrified – before, during and after his semi-final performance of U2's With or Without You. But he was very pleased with the judges' comments.

Piers Morgan told Shaun: "I thought that you had made a mistake and then you hit that big note and the whole place erupted – you showed us what you have got." Amanda Holden added: "I am so proud of you – I said you needed to be more confident and you sold it. You were absolutely brilliant. Susan Boyle has got big competition."

Simon Cowell said that for the first time he believed he was judging a talent show.

"That was a brilliant choice of song," said Simon. "You are a little dark horse in this competition – that was terrific."

Shaun said he was 'very pleased'.

"The judges were really nice to me – it was fantastic to receive compliments from Simon and I was really pleased with what Amanda said.

"She gave me criticism before and my aim was to improve."

Shaun looked every inch the pop star on Monday, dressed in a smart jacket and jeans.

"It went really well – I was very pleased with my performance," said Shaun.

"Technically I have come on leaps and bounds."

The final of Britain's Got Talent will be televised on ITV1 this Saturday (May 30) at 6.45pm.