When thirteen-year-old Courtney Hadwin walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage, she appeared to be an incredibly shy and nervous teenager. Mel B even had to offer her a few words of encouragement because the young girl seemed almost too terrified to speak. Facing a panel of famous judges and a massive live audience, Courtney gave brief, quiet answers, making everyone in the room wonder if she would be able to handle the pressure of such a high-stakes performance.
However, the moment the music started, Courtney underwent a complete and utter transformation that left the judges speechless. Shedding her timid exterior, she launched into a high-energy, soulful rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.” Her wild dance moves and powerful, raspy vocals were reminiscent of a young Janis Joplin. It was a shocking contrast to the quiet girl who had just been standing there seconds before, and the energy in the room shifted instantly as the audience erupted in cheers.
By the end of her performance, the entire theater was on its feet, and the judges were in absolute disbelief. Simon Cowell praised her for being “from a different era,” while Howie Mandel was so impressed that he compared her discovery to the signing of Janis Joplin. Overwhelmed with excitement, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending Courtney straight through to the live shows. This unforgettable audition proved that appearances can be deceiving and that true talent has the power to overcome even the most intense nerves.
