An Adelaide cabaret star whose onstage persona is that of a camp German accordion player has captured the hearts of millions and gone where no Australian has gone before by qualifying for the live finals of America's Got Talent.
Known professionally as Hans, the self-proclaimed "international superstar, sex symbol, accordionist, home wrecker, Madonna fan", impressed the judges — including German supermodel Heidi Klum and Spice Girl Mel B — with his performance of the song It's Raining Men.
He is understood to be the first Australian in the history of the US TV show, which is currently in its 13th season, to make it this far.
"I am just a little German boy standing in front of a music mogul asking him to love me," Hans told judge Simon Cowell, in a nod to the movie Notting Hill, before his act began.
"You better prepare yourself Simon. You are going to see something you've never seen before."
The typically acerbic Cowell replied "shall we just make this happen?" before Hans launched into his rendition of the 1982 disco hit, replete with umbrellas, backing dancers, signature moves and stockings.
After the flamboyance reached its peak, there was yet more banter.
"You definitely crammed it all in tonight," Cowell said, before Mel B told Hans he was "the gift that keeps on giving".
The ersatz German, whose real name is Matt Gilbertson, makes a living in Adelaide as an entertainment writer and Fringe festival performer.
Shortly afterwards, Hans tweeted joyously that it was his "destiny" to have made it through to the live finals, adding "let's make America glitter again".
Well-known in his home city, Hans has enjoyed a massive rise in his profile thanks to his appearance on the US mega show.
His next performance will be in front of a live TV audience of millions at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
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