When Courtney Hadwin first sang on America’s Got Talent at 13, the video became one of the most-viewed auditions ever. But that sudden fame came with a big problem. For the next eight years, she felt she had to keep proving she was more than “just the girl from that TV show.” She was drawn to artists like James Brown and Tina Turner, not the pop stars everyone expected.
After the TV show, the music industry tried to change her. Courtney was put into big writing groups where people gave her songs that sounded like “pure Ariana Grande pop.” She could not connect to them at all. This made her feel lost, especially when her first record label folded before she turned 16. It seemed like the show had helped her, but now it was holding her back as well.
Courtney Hadwin: 13-Year-Old Golden Buzzer Winning Performance
Fans and social media made it hard to grow up. Many people still expected her to be the sweet, innocent 13-year-old girl they first saw. Courtney felt frustrated because they would not let her change. She needed a way to truly express the feelings of being held back and misunderstood by her own audience.
Courtney finally found a way forward when she met her producer, Kevin Bowe. He understood the soul and blues sound she loved. Bowe pushed Courtney to write her own music, making it personal and honest, just the way she wanted it. This was the turning point where the music finally started to feel real to her again.
Courtney Hadwin – You Only Love Me When I Lie (Official Music Video)
Their work led to her new album, Little Miss Jagged, coming out on September 12th. The title means “rough around the edges” and “not perfect,” which is how Courtney sees herself. One song, “You Only Love Me When I Lie,” explores how people love the image of her rather than the real person. This album is her way of showing the world her authentic, soulful voice.
This album closes one chapter and starts a new one for the singer. It tells the whole story of her rollercoaster journey. Courtney’s deep voice and honest words make her music stand out. Follow Courtney Hadwin on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to hear her whole story in music.