From the moment her audition began, it was evident that the four America’s Got Talent judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum—weren’t expecting much from 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin when she took the stage in 2019. Sensing her nervousness, Mel B offered some encouragement, saying, “Don’t be scared. I know this is a huge stage with a big audience, but you’re here for a reason. Just go for it, and good luck.”
Turns out, Courtney didn’t require luck at all. The moment she began singing—infusing Otis Redding’s Too Hot to Handle with her own bold, soulful twist—the judges’ jaws dropped in astonishment. It was almost impossible to believe that such a powerful voice was coming from a girl who, just moments earlier, had seemed timid and uncertain. Her confidence soared effortlessly, and she moved energetically across the stage as if she had been performing for years.
But the highlight of the night was still ahead for Courtney. As she wrapped up her performance, judge Howie Mandel was so blown away by her voice that he slammed the golden buzzer, sending her straight to the America’s Got Talent quarter-finals. “Oh my gosh, you don’t belong to this era,” he exclaimed in amazement. “You’re from a completely different time.” Meanwhile, a visibly impressed Simon Cowell remarked, “You walked out here so shy, and then you started singing like a lion.”
Unfortunately, Courtney didn’t take home the America’s Got Talent trophy, but she did secure a spot in the top ten. Throughout the competition, she delivered several electrifying performances, none more spectacular than her powerhouse rendition of Tina Turner’s Nutbush City Limits in the final. “You are on fire, you’re amazing, you’re a superstar,” Howie declared after witnessing her talent—an undeniably fitting way to describe her phenomenal voice and magnetic stage presence.
With her signature moves and unmistakable voice, it was clear from her very first America’s Got Talent audition that Courtney Hadwin was destined for the stage. So, it’s no shock that since the show ended, she has carved out a thriving career as a performer. With five original singles already released and a highly anticipated debut album on the horizon—along with an upcoming American tour—there’s no doubt that this incredibly gifted young artist is just getting started.
If you’re eager to see more of the amazing Courtney Hadwin, be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel for more breathtaking performances. You can also stay updated on her latest news by following her Facebook page.
