Talented Shaun ready for NIA gig

Staffordshire singing sensation Shaun Smith is preparing to wow a home crowd this week when he takes to the stage at the NIA for the first night of the Britain's Got Talent live tour.

While most A-level students can look forward to a break from revision and perhaps a part-time job during the holidays, the 17-year-old pupil at the Friary School, Lichfield, will spend the summer singing live for thousands of people in some of the country's biggest venues.

The singer, who was reunited with his fellow finalists in London at the weekend, said: "I'm really excited, this is what I wanted – to be part of the tour.

"Being on the show was so much fun and I made a lot of friends, so it's great to be meeting up with everyone again.

"Everyone was really nice, I get on well with the lads from Diversity and Flawless, and Stavros Flatley are a good laugh as well."

Rugby player Shaun wowed judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan on the TV talent show with his rendition of Bill Withers' classic Aint No Sunshine, and was one of only 10 acts to reach the live finals.

The teenager, who is from Upper Longdon, failed to clinch a spot in the top three, but said he was still hoping to make a career out of singing.

He said: "Obviously I want to try and get a record deal. But I'm just going to see what happens. I've finished my exams and I'm really looking forward to the tour."

Shaun added singing in front of a Midlands crowd was sure to be a highlight.

He said: "I'm really excited about performing in Birmingham, especially as it's going to be the first night of the tour.

"It's definitely not a bad way to spend the summer."

The singer will take to the stage of the NIA in Birmingham on Friday along with the likes of Susan Boyle, saxophonist Julian Smith and winners Diversity.

The live tour is due to run until July 5 and will see the finalists entertaining crowds everywhere from Bournemouth to Belfast.