HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 12, 2026 — Fifteen-year-old magician, comedian, and ventriloquist Harry Merlin Piper from Salou, Spain has advanced to the finale of Netflix’s Star Search. The young performer is seeking to add another achievement to an already impressive collection of international accolades by competing on the premier season of Netflix’s modern reboot of the iconic talent competition that originally launched the careers of stars like Britney Spears and Beyoncé .
On Tuesday night’s eighth episode, Piper locked in his spot in the finale competition. He survived eight weeks of elimination rounds that left him standing as Champion in the Variety Juniors Category.
The finale airs Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on Netflix, where Piper will compete for the $500,000 grand prize against winners from three other categories — Steven “Spud” Howard in the Music Category, Duo Vespertilio in the Variety Category, and Movement 55 in the Dance Category.
With his blend of wonder, humor, and showmanship, Piper has wowed audiences and the celebrity judging panel—including country-pop star Jelly Roll, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, and television personality Chrissy Teigen. The live nine-episode series, hosted by Anthony Anderson, allows viewers to vote in real-time as a fourth judge.
Watch Harry Merlin Piper in last performance before advancing to semi finals
A Prodigy with a Pedigree
Harry arrives at the Star Search finale as one of magic’s most decorated young performers. He made history as the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Magic Circle‘s Young Magician of the Year award in 2024/2025, and went on to compete at the FISM World Championship of Magic in Italy in 2025—magic’s equivalent of the Olympics. He has also claimed honors at the Society of American Magicians Stars of Tomorrow competition in Texas.
His path to international recognition was paved by his father, Rodney James Piper, an award-winning illusionist, magician, and comedian who founded the House of Illusion in Salou back in 2003. For more than two decades, the elder Piper has built one of Spain’s premier magic entertainment venues through RJP Entertainment, which now operates over twenty shows across Europe and attracts up to 300 guests nightly to its world-famous dinner and mystery show.
Growing up as a resident performer at his father’s venue, Harry honed his craft surrounded by world-class talent. The House of Illusion has become a training ground for magicians, with dozens of well-known performers getting their start by working seasons under Rodney’s mentorship. For Harry, it was the ultimate magical education.
A Multifaceted Performer
Harry is a multifaceted entertainer skilled in magic, illusions, ventriloquism, and manipulation. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan, he has captivated audiences worldwide and been featured on various television shows before landing on Netflix’s Star Search stage.
On Star Search, he has distinguished himself by blending theatrical expertise with youthful energy and innovation. His performances have wowed judges and audiences alike with a unique combination that showcases both technical mastery and infectious enthusiasm—a signature style honed through years of performing at the House of Illusion.
The show’s judges have consistently praised his performances, with scores regularly exceeding 4.0 stars out of 5.
“You should not be in the junior category,” Jelly Roll remarked after one of Piper’s early performances, noting his advanced showmanship and technical skill that rivals adult professionals.
Judge Sarah Michelle Gellar praised his stage presence, calling his ability to command the audience at such a young age “amazing.” Fellow judge Chrissy Teigen noted after one recent performance, “You are way more badass than we saw last week. What you started out with was so cool to see. I loved the closeup magic so much but then I got to see your showmanship. We got to see all forms of you.”
Throughout the season, Harry has delivered increasingly spectacular performances that combine intimate close-up magic with elaborate stage illusions—a signature blend that reflects the House of Illusion’s own multi-faceted approach to entertainment and his training in multiple magical disciplines.
Ready for the Final Act
As the finale approaches, Piper is both grateful and energized. “This whole journey has been unreal, and I’m so grateful for every bit of support that’s got me this far,” he said.
On Instagram, he shared his excitement with fans: “I honestly can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s the big one — the FINAL!” The post encouraged his followers to tune in and vote for him on Tuesday night.
A Magical Legacy
For the Piper family, Harry’s success on the international stage represents not just personal achievement, but a testament to the magical legacy his father has built in Salou over the past two decades—a legacy now poised to reach a global audience. With a Magic Circle title, and now a Star Search Category Championship under his belt, Harry Merlin Piper is proving that the future of magic is in very capable young hands.
Tune in Tuesday, February 17th, to watch, vote, and find out if rising star Harry Merlin Piper pulls a $500,000 check out of his hat.
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