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Sam Smith has stated that similarities between his hit single Stay With Me and US rock veteran Tom Petty's tune I Won't Back Down are a "complete coincidence".

Over the weekend, The Sun reported that a decision was made to credit Petty and award him royalties, after his publisher noticed the similarity between Sam's three-time Grammy nominated song and his 1989 hit.

[related]The tabloid added that an "amicable" out of court settlement was reached between the two parties in October, awarding Petty with 12.5% songwriting credit and royalties for the track.

A source said: “When Sam’s track was originally released, it was clear to a lot of musicians that there were notable similarities between the tracks.

"After it was pointed out to Sam’s camp, they didn’t try to fight it and amicably dished out royalties. It wasn’t a deliberate thing, musicians are just inspired by other artists and Sam and his team were quick to hold up their hand when it was officially flagged.”

Smith's spokesperson later stated to Rolling Stone: "Not previously familiar with the 1989 Petty/Lynne song, the writers of 'Stay With Me' listened to 'I Won’t Back Down' and acknowledged the similarity.

"Although the likeness was a complete coincidence, all involved came to an immediate and amicable agreement in which Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne are now credited as co-writers of 'Stay With Me' along with Sam Smith, James Napier and William Phillips."

Despite being credited, Petty and Lynne will NOT be eligible for a Grammy if Smith should win the coveted gong at the ceremony on February 8.