That explosive Golden Buzzer moment was just the beginning. Courtney Hadwin, the once-timid 13-year-old who left Howie Mandel speechless on AGT has transformed into a 20-year-old rock force with her blistering new single “Die And Stay Pretty.” This isn’t just a song; it’s a declaration of artistic independence from a performer who’s traded reality TV fame for raw, unfiltered rock authenticity.
A far cry from her early covers, “Die And Stay Pretty” is Courtney’s coming-of-age manifesto. The track skewers rockstar clichés with razor-sharp lyrics (“You’re trading your soul for a backstage pass”) over a searing blues-rock groove. Her voice; now deeper, smokier, yet retaining those signature explosive highs; channels Janis Joplin meets modern rock icons like Jack White.
Courtney Hadwin – Die And Stay Pretty (Official Audio)
Original AGT fans are awestruck by her evolution. YouTube comments on the new single range from “She’s what Amy Winehouse would sound like today” to “This makes Greta Van Fleet look like posers.” Streaming numbers skyrocketed 300% since release, proving her audience has matured alongside her from family-friendly talent shows to authentic rock appreciation.
Rewatch her 2018 “Hard to Handle” audition; the raw talent was undeniable, but the nervous teen barely made eye contact. Today’s Courtney commands stages with hard-won confidence, channeling that same volcanic energy into original songs about life’s darker edges rather than classic rock covers.
Courtney Hadwin’s Golden Buzzer Winning Performance – AGT 2018
“LITTLE MISS JAGGED” (Sept 12) showcases Courtney’s refusal to be boxed in; from funk ragers (“D.N.A.”) to soul-baring ballads (“You Only Love Me When I Lie”) the 15-track debut proves her voice isn’t just powerful; it’s remarkably versatile. Early leaks suggest a genre-blending masterpiece that honors rock roots while pushing boundaries.
Fresh off a sold-out London show where fans sang every word, Courtney’s taking her truth-telling anthems global with Portugal’s Festival VILA Lousada and UK headline dates. With late-night TV bookings rumored, the girl who once shook behind a microphone is poised to become rock’s most exciting new voice.