Courtney Hadwin admitted that she was “a little bit nervous” when judge Mel B asked her how she was feeling. Before she sang, her daddy explained that Courtney was so shy she had a difficult time talking with people or making friends and singing is her best way to communicate.
When it came to the actual audition, no one was expecting the kind of performance the timid 13-year-old girl was going to pull out. The judges were surprised to hear “Hard to Handle” by Otis Redding rang out through the theater. Then Courtney showed off how big and powerful her voice is, delivering a lively rendition of the iconic song that leaves the audience absolutely in awe.
Judge Simon Cowell had nothing but praise for the remarkable AGT young contestant after her performance.
“Bloody hell, Courtney. You’re like this shy little thing when you first came out. And then you sing, and you’re like a lion,” Cowell gushed. “I mean, genuinely, incredible.”
But it was Howie Mandel who was really impressed by her talent. “You are not from this era. You’re from a whole different era.” He went on to recount the story of Clive Davis discovering Janice Joplin at the Monterey Pop Festival, and signing her to a contract that skyrocketed her to superstardom.
“I’m not Clive Davis, I’m Howie Mandel. The only thing I can do for you, young lady, is give you…” Mandel said, as he leaned over to punch the Golden Buzzer, sending her directly to the live rounds of the competition.
Courtney was in tears of joy as the golden confetti rained down from the rafters and was welcomed in a big hug by her proud father, who had been watching her talented daughter from the sides of the stage. Courtney previously competed on The Voice Kids UK, where she made it to the final rounds of competition.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
