The year 12 singer-songwriter performed an original work for the former NSYNC frontman during a surprise masterclass at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts.

Following his performance, Timberlake said Fergus’ song was good enough to be on the radio.

“Wow, that was awesome, like truly awesome,” he said.

“Your voice is like really special ... I’d put that on the radio now.”

Fergus was one of 12 students to perform for Timberlake, who was taking a break from promoting his new movie Trolls.

“It was an amazing experience,” Fergus said.

Students were told they’d be performing for someone special but didn't know who to expect.

“All the teachers were sworn to secrecy,” Fergus said.

“So none of us knew who it was and there was an atmosphere around the school.

“On the day, there were camera crews, photographers, lighting equipment - it was just packed.

“And then they announce it - Justin Timberlake.

Fergus performed a song he wrote about winter in Armidale and leaving home called Snow.

Timberlake’s feedback of the performance was glowing.

“Having JT there, I was nervous,” Fergus said

“But I’ve played that song hundreds of times so I was good with the song.

“His feedback was amazing. He didn’t have to say what he said but he chose to.”

Fergus followed up his masterclass with a live performance on national breakfast show Today.

The video has received more than half a million hits.

Hollywood Insider and Entertainment Tonight also gave the visit airtime, giving the budding star unprecedented exposure to potential studios.

“The performance has been a catalyst for so much,” Fergus said.

“I’ve had a visit with the guys at Universal Studios and I've had a bunch of people calling me.”

Fergus will finish school at the end 2017 and plans to pursue a career as a singer.