It started in the kitchen. Courtney Hadwin just hit record on her phone and sang an Etta James classic. There was no band, just her voice. In only a few hours, the clip gathered over one million views. It was a powerful reminder of why the world first noticed her years ago.
People remember her as the 13-year-old on America’s Got Talent with that giant, raspy voice. Now, that same powerhouse sound is back, but it is different. Her voice is richer and feels more controlled. You can hear how much she has grown as an artist and as a woman.
Courtney Hadwin sings Etta James cover
Fans could not believe what they were hearing. One person wrote in shock, “Wait a minute. Not little Courtney Hadwin from TV? WHAT?!” Another comment added, “Janis Joplin vibes!!! Great job!!” A longtime supporter said what everyone was thinking: “Your voice keeps getting stronger and stronger.”
That amazing kitchen clip shows where she is now. But her journey since America’s Got Talent was not easy. Courtney is grateful for the show, but she admits it has been hard. She said she constantly feels like she has to prove she is not just “the girl from that TV show.”
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After the show, a record label signed her. They tried to make her sing “pure Ariana Grande pop.” Courtney said the songs were not her at all. Everything changed when she met producer Kevin Bowe, who worked with Etta James. He understood her, and songwriting finally felt real to her.
Today, Courtney Hadwin is 21 and making her own music, like the album Little Miss Jagged. Her voice is still wild, but now it carries experience. She makes people feel real things. Follow Courtney Hadwin on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The world better get ready for what is next.