Courtney Hadwin burst onto the global stage in 2018 when she appeared on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and stunned the judges with her powerful, soulful voice. Her energetic performance of “Hard to Handle” by Otis Redding earned her a Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel and quickly went viral, drawing comparisons to legendary singers like Janis Joplin.
Behind the electric performances and worldwide recognition, however, Courtney's journey has been filled with personal challenges and struggles that often went unnoticed by the public. Her heartbreaking life story reveals the trials she faced on her path to stardom.
A Shy Girl with a Big Voice
Born in 2004 in Hartlepool, England, Courtney Hadwin was a shy and introverted child. Her early years were marked by her quiet demeanor and reluctance to engage with others, particularly outside her close-knit family. Social anxiety and nerves often made it difficult for her to participate in everyday activities, let alone consider performing in front of large audiences.
Courtney's family knew that she had a unique gift—her voice. They noticed early on that despite her shyness, she came alive when she sang. Music was her escape, and performing allowed her to break free from the anxiety that otherwise held her back.
Struggling with Bullying
Courtney’s life in school was anything but easy. As a shy and quiet girl, she often became a target for bullies. Her classmates teased her for her introverted nature, and the bullying took a toll on her confidence. Despite her extraordinary talent, Courtney struggled to fit in with her peers, feeling isolated and alone.
While her parents supported her passion for music, Courtney’s experiences with bullying made it difficult for her to fully embrace her talents. Singing was the one thing that brought her joy, but she often felt too afraid to share it with the world.
The AGT Breakthrough
Courtney’s life took a dramatic turn when she decided to audition for America’s Got Talent. At just 13 years old, she stepped onto the stage in front of millions of viewers, but few knew how much courage it took for her to stand there.
The moment she opened her mouth and belted out Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle,” it was clear that she was unlike any other contestant. Her voice, raw and filled with emotion, shocked the judges, and Howie Mandel quickly hit the Golden Buzzer, sending her straight to the live shows.