Mime leaves 'em speechless...

The Boy With Tape On His Face has wowed judges and the audience at his audition for America's Got Talent.

Judge Howie Mandel said the act was 'Brilliant! Brilliant!' as it won a standing ovation.

The comic mime's first performance on the show was aired on NBC in the States last night, to an estimated 11million viewers.

Billed as Tape Face, he initially caused concern in the theatre as he couldn't answer the judges' questions –  because his mouth was taped. There were cutaways of host Nick Cannon and the audience looking confused and one of them was shown saying: 'I'm a little afraid now I don't know what's going to happen.'

But Mandel sad 'I love a mystery. Go ahead and do what it is you do.'

Tape Face – British-based New Zealander Sam Wills – performed two scenes: One in which oven mitts sing a duet, and another in which he caressed himself to the strains Lady In Red. The crowd were on their feet swaying to the soundtrack

Simon Cowell – who has returned to the judging panel for this 11th series –  said: 'I like the fact we don't know who you are. It was simple … clever, unique, brilliant.'

Tape Face got a resounding 'yes' from all four judges, and his website briefly crashed under the weight of US audiences googling his name.

His entry into the talent hunt follows the success of British acts in last year's competition. Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won the series, scooping $1million and a headlining slot in Las Vegas. Piff The Magic Dragon and Stevie Starr, known as the Professional Regurgitator, also made it through to the final ten. And one commentator last night suggested Tape Face was 'the new Piff'.

Here is his performance:

The Boy With Tape On His Face is touring the UK this autumn. Here is is schedule.

Published: 1 Jun 2016