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# Bill Withers ‘flattered’ Lichfield teenager chose his song for Britain Got Talent
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/bill-withers-flattered-lichfield-teenager-chose-his-song-for-britain-got-talent/
- Published: 2009-05-22T17:02:53.000Z
- Updated: 2009-05-23T19:52:34.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 21:52, News

![Bill Withers](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/billwithers.jpg "billwithers")

Bill Withers

**EXCLUSIVE**: Music legend Bill Withers has admitted he is “flattered” by Lichfield singer Shaun Smith’s decision to use one of his songs in his Britain’s Got Talent audition.

Shaun made it through to the second round of the TV talent contest after stunning the judges and audience alike with his rendition of the American star’s hit single Ain’t No Sunshine.

Since Shaun’s TV performance, the original version of the song has – incredibly – entered the UK charts for the first time.

The song was released by Bill in 1971 and reached number three in the US charts, but never made it into the UK charts.

And as the rugby-playing Lichfield teenager waits to find out if he has made the live semi-final stage this weekend, the man who made the song famous first time around has given him his backing.

Bill told The Lichfield Blog:

> “What a pleasant surprise to learn that Ain’t No Sunshine is on the UK charts after all these years. I am flattered that Shaun Smith chose to sing this song in a competition where everyone is trying to put their best foot forward. I am humbled by the attention. Great job Shaun! And thanks UK for supporting the song.”

And just in case you forgot how good Bill’s version was, here’s a quick reminder: