It has been seven years since the world first met Courtney Hadwin, the shy teenager from England whose electrifying audition on America’s Got Talent stunned the judges, the live audience, and millions watching around the world. That moment — when she transformed from a nervous schoolgirl into a rock powerhouse channeling Janis Joplin’s fiery energy — instantly went viral and cemented her place as one of the most unforgettable contestants in the show’s history.
Now, at 20, Hadwin is looking back with a mixture of gratitude, humor, and wisdom that belies her age. In a candid new interview, she spoke about the whirlwind that followed her breakout performance, the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and her vision for the future.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Back in 2018, Hadwin walked onto the AGT stage barely able to make eye contact with the judges. But the moment she launched into Otis Redding’s Hard to Handle, the timid exterior vanished. Her gravelly, soulful voice and frenetic dance moves shocked the panel, earning her a Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel. The clip has since racked up hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, making it one of the show’s most iconic performances.
Looking back, Hadwin laughs at the memory. “I honestly didn’t even know what was happening. I was just a kid who loved music, and suddenly the whole world was watching. It was surreal.”
Life After AGT
The sudden attention brought both incredible opportunities and unexpected pressures. Hadwin signed with a major record label shortly after AGT, recorded original material, and toured internationally. But navigating the music industry as a teenager wasn’t always easy.
“People forget that I was still figuring out who I was, both as a person and as an artist. There was so much expectation — everyone wanted me to be the ‘next Janis Joplin’ — and I had to take time to find my own voice.”
That meant stepping back from the limelight at times, something fans noticed and occasionally questioned. But Hadwin insists those quieter periods were necessary for her growth. “I needed space to write, to experiment, and to live a little. You can’t sing about life if you haven’t lived it.”
Finding Her Sound
Over the years, Hadwin has experimented with rock, blues, and soul influences, slowly crafting a sound that feels authentically hers. While she acknowledges the Janis Joplin comparisons helped launch her career, she now wants to move beyond them.
“I’ll always be grateful for that comparison, but I don’t want to be anyone else. I want to be Courtney Hadwin — and I think people will hear that in my new music.”
Her upcoming material, she revealed, blends raw rock energy with modern production, incorporating stories from her own life.
Lessons From the Spotlight
Seven years in the industry have given Hadwin a unique perspective on fame. She admits she struggled with confidence and self-doubt, especially when faced with online criticism. But those challenges also taught her resilience.
“When you’re young, you take everything to heart. A single negative comment can stick with you. But over time, I’ve learned that you can’t let other people define your worth. I create music because I love it — that’s what matters.”
Hadwin also credits her family with keeping her grounded. Her parents and siblings, she says, have always been her biggest supporters and her reality check when things get overwhelming.
What’s Next for Courtney Hadwin
Perhaps the most exciting part of her interview came when she teased her next chapter. While she kept details under wraps, Hadwin confirmed that she has been working on new music and hinted at a project that fans have been eagerly awaiting.
“All I can say is that it’s been a long time coming. I’ve grown so much since AGT, and I’m finally ready to share who I am as an artist. I think people will be surprised — in a good way.”
She also spoke about her dream collaborations, mentioning artists like Hozier, Florence Welch, and Jack White as inspirations. “I love people who bring authenticity and passion to their music. That’s the energy I want to create.”
A Message to Fans
Above all, Hadwin remains deeply grateful to the fans who have followed her journey since that unforgettable audition.
“I still get messages from people who say they remember exactly where they were when they first saw my audition. That blows my mind. To know that something I did touched people like that — it’s the reason I keep going.”
She adds with a smile, “And don’t worry — the best is yet to come.”
A Story Still Being Written
Seven years on, Courtney Hadwin is no longer the shy teenager who surprised the world with her voice. She is an artist in her own right — battle-tested, wiser, and ready to step into her full potential. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the unshakable power of music to transform lives.
If her AGT audition was the spark, what comes next may very well be the fire.
