Rafferty Coope, 17, from Winchester, was one of 10 acts to perform in the final of the popular ITV show on May 30.
He was given a fast track to the penultimate stage of the ITV show after judge and YouTube personality KSI pressed his golden buzzer back in February.
His performance, a mix of music and magic, based on the Journey anthem Don’t Stop Believin’ drew great praise.
He then got through the semi-final to secure his place in the final by winning the most votes from the public with a performance based around ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen.
Rafferty Coope (Image: Camilla Coope)
His final act saw the Peter Symonds College sixth-former set a story and perform a trick with Amanda Holden’s ring and random raffle tickets picked by judges Alesha Dixon and KSI, which he wrote on top of a piano that was turned upside down to look like “Smile”.
An orchestra and choir appeared on stage to a Coldplay tune.
Before his sketch, he had told the cameras: “Smile and say you’ve got this – I have done that before every performance, and I have somehow ended up in the final.”
The judges were full of praise for Rafferty.
KSI said: “I am so proud of you, man. You talk about smiling. As soon as you come on stage, you make me smile. Your face is incredible. Tonight’s performance was lovely, and I really enjoyed it.”
Alesha Dixon said: “For me, you have just been this ray of sunshine, and I think we can all learn from your enthusiasm and passion. You are adorable. I can’t wait to see what else you are going to do as you are brilliant.”
Amanda Holden said: “Your joy and happiness are infectious.
“Another amazing performance, I know your family is your backbone, they are with you and they are so proud of you and so are we, you have smashed it again.”
Simon Cowell said: “Just when you think everything is finished, you always do something amazing at the end.
“Rafferty, we like you so much for your talent and your enthusiasm.
“You are very positive and unique, and I know the audience at home loves you.
“You have been watching the show since you were a kid, and you are now here tonight performing; it’s magical.”
Rafferty told them: “It has been a dream I have been inspired by so many magicians, knowing that I am here inspiring maybe just one person at home to get into magic is really special.”
Rafferty finished fifth in the show, which is decided by public vote.
First place went to The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, a 32-piece choir of real British farmers and agricultural workers who use music to spotlight farming life and rural mental health. Some of their members are from the south coast, including Ben Chick, 27, who works on his family farm in Sixpenny Handley.
They performed an original song and even had star support from Jeremy Clarkson in the audience.
Simon Cowell said: “I thought that was absolutely stunning, heartfelt, joyous. The leads were great. The choir was great.
“BGT is about celebrating talent, and tonight that was absolutely on the money.”
Second place went to the drone act Celestial, and third place was a dog-and-dancer act called Anastasiia and Salsa.