SCHOOL friends and teachers of singing sensation Courtney Hadwin have spoken of their “immense pride” at her achievement after she missed out on winning America’s Got Talent.

The performer from Hesleden, near Peterlee, was among the favourites to take home the $1m (£762,000) fund and a Las Vegas residency. But she came sixth, despite an an epic performance with English rock band The Struts.

The 14-year-old became an overnight sensation in the US when she performed Otis Redding’s Hard To Handle in her first audition. She overcame her shyness and became a popular favourite in the competition that was ultimately won by magician Shin Lim.

Despite getting knocked out earlier than expected, staff and pupils at Peterlee’s Shotton Hall Academy were full of praise.

Music teacher Daniel Robson said: “Myself and the school and her friends are immensely proud of Courtney. She has put herself into a forum which is sometimes unkind and has excelled and America loves her.

“As soon as you give the public the vote anything can happen. It’s America and not England so I don’t know what they want, but they clearly preferred the magician. We obviously wanted Courtney to win.”

He added: “It is a massive achievement. She got to the country and the finals . If she was here you would probably get County Durham voting for her.

“Over there they have no allegiance to anyone. But she was odds on favourites to win.

“The first time I heard her was when she did our open mike. “She was a little dot who couldn’t even see over the balcony. She sang and that is when the story started to be told. Her voice was humongous.”

Friends Emma Brown, 15, said: “She did really well to go over to a completely different country where nobody knows her.

“Everybody here know that she could have won it. It’s a shame really.”

Emily Atkinson, 14, said: “I have supported her all the way. She always wanted to this. At least someone is living the dream. She has gained much more confidence. Everyone knows who is now. We are all very proud of her.”

Molly Alderson added: “It’s really amazing to see her progress from performing at school and now on a amazing TV show in America. She has done really well and we are more proud than we can imagine.”

During the show, judge Simon Cowell said: “I always say the most important part of being a star is being remembered and that’s what you do. Every time you perform, people are going to remember you.

‘You are going to inspire people. You are going to tell a whole new generation of people what rock and roll is all about. All these great songs. So you are more than a great singer, you are like a trendsetter.”