English singer-songwriter Courtney Hadwin’s got talent — and at the time of this performance, she was only 13-years-old. During this performance, the teen showed off her skills during the first live round for America’s Got Talent Season 13 back in 2018.
If Courtney was nervous, no one could tell. Hadwin owned the stage with her performance of James Brown’s Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag. Her vocals weren’t the only talent on display. She also captivated the audience with her dance moves.
All four judges including Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and the ever hard-to-please Simon Cowell gave the teen a standing ovation. Hadwin almost appeared shocked by how well she was received.
She later tweeted,
“Wow what an amazing night it has been an experience I am never gonna forget @AGT @howiemandel #AGT13 #wow feeling blessed.”
Hadwin should actually be used to wowing audiences with her voice by now. She received a similar reaction back on June 12 when she performed Hard to Handle by Otis Redding. That was her first audition for America’s Got Talent.
Hadwin’s journey has not been without controversy. Some fans appeared upset after learning the singer had recently competed on The Voice Kids UK, another singing competition show. A few went to Twitter to express their frustrations.
One fan wrote,
“Courtney Hadwin was on Britain’s The Voice Kids last year and Simon was a judge. Why wasn’t that mentioned, especially since it comes up when you google her.”
But according to show officials, Hadwin, who is a U.K. native, is perfectly eligible to compete.
“International acts are eligible to participate in the initial ‘AGT’ auditions on visitor visas,” an AGT spokesperson told GoodHousekeeping.com.
“If selected to proceed to the program live shows, ‘AGT’ works with acts to secure appropriate performer visas which give acts authorization to perform throughout the series.”
Other fans didn’t seem to mind the fact that Hadwin had participated in another competition. Many even expressed praise on Twitter following Hadwin’s performance.
“Wow!!! @CourtneyHadwin Girl you are AMAZING!!!!,” wrote @Angie_Sanchez20 back in 2018. And countless other fans joined in to offer the then 13-year-old congratulations.
Another fan, @sye_nicholas, tweeted, “@CourtneyHadwin’s was incredible, It was the best performance of the night #AGT.”
Check out the video and tell us what you think about Hadwin’s performance:
Do you know someone who could use a pick-me-up today in the form of music? If so, don’t keep this budding superstar to yourself. Also, we’d love to know what you think about her act! Are the concerns about her previous experience a big deal to you? Let us hear your thoughts.