No top five placing... but a US career is assured

Tape Face's adventure on America's Got Talent has ended with him missing out on a top five placing.

The 11th season of the show was won by 12-year-old singing sensation Grace Vanderwaal, who burst into tears when her victory was announced.

Tape Face was among the first five acts to be eliminated in last night's final on the strength of audience votes.

However, he got one last chance to perform on the top-rated show, bringing fellow finalists Shon China Lacy from musical group Linkin Bridge, Jon Dorenbos, Viktor Kee and Brian Justin Crum on stage for this sketch:

Despite not making the top five, his memorable appearances on the NBC show are likely to kick-start his American career, with the first part of the final on Tuesday night attracting 13.66 million viewers. And his biggest clip from the show has almost 43million views on YouTube.

The British-based New Zealander, real name Sam Wills, tweeted: 'Tape Face: Out' once his result was announced.

Tape Face: out. pic.twitter.com/bjeW78H0bE

— Tape Face (@TapeFaceBoy) September 15, 2016

Last year's competition – and its $1million top prize – was won by British ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, whose show Mouthing Off Planet Hollywood has just closed in Las Vegas after a three-and-a-half month run.

And Piff The Magic Dragon – who made the final ten last year, as Tape Face has done this time – now lives in Vegas, where he has a residency at the Flamingo casino.

Published: 15 Sep 2016