Fletcher looks to record deal after show

The 12-year-old Tauranga boy who made it to the finals of New Zealand's Got Talent is now back at school - with plans for an album.

Fletcher Oxford was voted fifth out of 12 finalists in the television show, on which performed music he dedicated to his runaway cat, Sushi.

The Tauranga Intermediate student returned to school for the first time in weeks yesterday, to a few more friends and a bit more attention from girls.

He also took part in a Mount Maunganui Santa parade at the weekend by being part of the Classic Hits float.

"I never knew so many people knew my name. My arm got tired from waving. That was awesome, a great opportunity," he said.

But the whirlwind New Zealand's Got Talent journey has left the young muso exhausted.

"I don't know what to do next. It's been a sudden drop - an exciting year and then not so exciting."

The top three competed in the grand final which aired on Sunday with 15-year-old Clara van Wel named winner of a Sony record deal, $100,000 cash and car.

"I guess I was feeling a bit down, just seeing another contestant win that I was up against, but I guess I'm fine with that [now]," Fletcher said.

Fletcher said his next step was to take Opshop singer and NZGT judge Jason Kerrison up on the offer of contacting him for help arranging a record deal.

Fletcher has already written enough songs for an album.

His father, Steve Oxford, said he would help Fletcher focus on achieving his album goal to ease the sudden jolt back to reality.

"I think that's one of the hardest things. When you're time's up it's a pretty cold cut-off. As an adult you can get your head around that but, as a 12-year-old, it must be tough," Mr Oxford said.