Wake-up call for Australia's Got Talent hopefuls'Dicko' knocked back for Nine producer job
Central Coast teenager Fletcher Pilon has been named the winner of Australia's Got Talent for 2016, partly for an emotional performance in honour of his late brother. 
The 14-year-old will take home a $250,000 prize to boost his music career and has already caught the attention of rapper Nicki Minaj, who shared his story with her 42 million Facebook followers last month.
Fletcher brought the Australia's Got Talent judges to tears with an emotional audition in   January, just three months after his younger brother Banjo died after being hit by a car. 
The song Fletcher performed, Infinite Child, was penned especially for his brother and earned plaudits from judges Kelly Osbourne, Sophie Monk, Ian 'Dicko' Dickson and Eddie Perfect.
Fletcher thanked his family and friends for believing in him after he beat five other finalists in Monday night's grand finale.
"I'd just like to firstly thank my brother Banjo and my sister Gabby, my parents, family and friends and everyone who voted at home, the judges and the contestants," he said.
He said he was "speechless" after his win and would spend some of his cash prize on a surfing trip for him and his father.
The teenager began performing at the age of 11 at gigs at pubs and flea markets on weekends.
According to the Sunshine Coast Daily, Fletcher has already been hand-picked by singer Cody Simpson to perform on his Australian tour.
Fletcher performed Infinite Child again during the finale to a standing ovation from the audience and judges.
It's been 6 months since Banj moved on today... So we're watching moves that he loved... 1st up is dodgeball
??? Fletcher Pilon (@FletcherPilon)      February 5, 2016
This is a real tear-jerker.
Posted by      Nicki Minaj on      Sunday, 21   February 2016
Battling tears, Sophie Monk praised the youngster's talent and growth while on the Nine series.
"I feel like we were actually watching you physically grow," Monk said.
"You don't understand what you're doing to Australians at home in their loungerooms with your heart. I feel lucky to be part of your journey.
"I know Australia actually knows talent, I know they do and they'll see it."
Judge and former record label boss Ian 'Dicko' Dickson was also full of praise.
"I guess what I didn't realise at that moment until tonight was what a good song it is, such a great song. You're a great songwriter mate."
Nine announced it was resuscitating the talent show in   July last year after axing it in 2014 after just one season due to poor ratings.
Australia's Got Talent previously aired on Channel Seven before it was dumped after six seasons.
Ratings for this season have fluctuated between 574,000 and 736,000 in the capital cities, with no word yet on whether it will return in 2017.
Congratulations @fletcherpilon I'm so proud of you. You are a true musical Genius & I can't wait to watch you take over the world!!!! @gottalentau @channel9 ????????????????????????
A photo posted by Kelly Osbourne (@kellyosbourne) on Mar 14, 2016 at 4:24am PDT