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County Durham schoolgirl and international singing sensation Courtney Hadwin is ready to "make some music" after signing her first record deal.

The teenager from Hesleden, County Durham, found fame at the age of just 14, watched by millions in the final of America's Got Talent.

Though Courtney didn't walk away with the $1m prize, coming sixth in the competition, she wowed audiences with a powerful, soulful voice, which led judge Howie Mandel to compare her to a young Janice Joplin.

(Image: NBC)

It's a voice that fans will soon be able to hear more of, after Courtney announced her record label signing on Monday.

The youngster, who attends The Academy at Shotton Hall, Peterlee, has joined Simon Cowell's record label SYCO and the newly-reformed Arista Records.

The label, which once represented the likes of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, was revived by Sony Music this year, and now counts Courtney among its performers.

Announcing the deal, Courtney told her fans on social media: "So excited to finally say that i have signed a record deal with SYCO and @aristarecords thank you so much this wouldn't be possible without all your support."

She added a hashtag 'dreams do come true' and said: "Now let's make music."

Simon Cowell first spotted Courtney in his role as one of the judges on the American talent contest - and was impressed by her performances.

He gave the schoolgirl a standing ovation after her semi-final performance of Born To Be Wild, calling her a “bundle of excitement” and a “maniac”.

During the final, he promised that if she didn't win, he would sign her to his label.

He told her: "Every time you perform, you inspire people. You are more than a great singer, you are a trendsetter."