Shaun Smith approached the Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) stage with the kind of unassuming, slightly awkward demeanor typical of a nervous teenager. When asked his ambition, he politely stated his desire to sell records and “make other people happy,” making a point to clarify that it wasn’t about the money, though he jokingly admitted he could use a new car. His body language, which included keeping his hands firmly in his pockets, suggested a lack of confidence that stood in sharp contrast to the vocal talent he was about to unleash, setting up a classic dramatic reveal for the judges.
For his performance, Shaun chose to sing the timeless and deeply emotional Bill Withers classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The moment he began, the theatre fell silent, stunned by the sheer maturity and resonance of his voice. His rich, soulful tone and the incredible control he exhibited completely defied his youthful appearance. The depth of emotion he conveyed was particularly striking during the iconic “I know” section, where he didn’t just sing the notes but imbued them with a profound sense of yearning and authenticity, showcasing a vocal mastery far beyond a typical teenage performer.
The judges were clearly impressed, though Simon Cowell initially used the performance to criticize Shaun’s lack of confidence, telling him to “take your hand out your pocket, believe in yourself!” Simon nonetheless praised his “very, very authentic sounding voice” and noted that he didn’t make the song sound like karaoke. Piers Morgan agreed that he was “really very, very good.” Despite the initial criticism of his shyness, Shaun’s undeniable talent and powerful, soulful delivery earned him a unanimous set of “yeses,” sending the shy teenager through to the next round with a newly established confidence.
