A TEENAGE singing sensation from County Durham has won through to the final of America’s Got Talent.

Courtney Hadwin once again wowed judges on the top-rating NBC singing contest with an up-tempo version of Born to be Wild, from the 1969 film Easy Rider, in the semi-final of this year’s series.

The 14-year-old from Hesleden, near Peterlee, went viral with her cover version of Otis Redding’s Hard To Handle in the audition rounds, which won her a ‘golden buzzer’ from show host Howie Mandel in the audition round, giving her direct passage to the live semi-finals.

Her all-action performance of Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild secured her spot in the final.

Judge Simon Cowell gave her a standing ovation and described her performance as, “manic”, describing the Peterlee schoolgirl as, “a bundle of energy”.

Fellow judge, Mandel, said: “You were born to be wild! This was wild! You were amazing. My prediction is you’re going to be the winner.”

Responding to the adulation, she thanked all those who have supported her, posting the following message on her Facebook page.

“Where to start??? It’s got to be with YOU GUYS thank you SO SO SO SO SO much.

“This is something that I NEVER EVER EVER thought would be possible.Thank you too every single person who voted for me or supported me in any way.

“I love you guys SOOOOOOOOOO much and too MR @howiemandel thank you for believing in me from the very start I owe you everything can’t thank you enough.

“Can’t wait for next week now, doesn’t matter where I end up on the night this has been an AMAZING journey and I have enjoyed every single second it... and again Thank you so so so much.”

She now has a week to perfect her routine for next week’s final.