Before America’s Got Talent, before viral fame, there was this moment; a 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin standing alone on the Open Mic UK stage, about to deliver a performance so powerful it would change her life forever; her spine-tingling take on Sinead O’Connor’s classic doesn’t just showcase a voice beyond her years; it reveals a raw, soul-baring artistry that’s breathtaking to witness.
In this 2016 competition clip, young Hadwin transforms “Nothing Compares 2 U” into something entirely her own; that signature rasp, the controlled vibrato, the way she clutches the microphone stand like an anchor in an emotional storm; every choice reveals an old soul who feels this heartbreak deeply. The judges’ stunned faces say it all: this is no ordinary teen singer.
Courtney Hadwin – Nothing Compares 2 U (Open Mic UK Grand Final)
Viewers still flood the comments years later: “I’ve watched this 100 times and still cry.” The camera captures audience members wiping tears, mouths agape. One judge visibly shivers when Hadwin hits the chorus. This wasn’t just a competition performance; it was the moment a star was born, with every note dripping with unbelievable maturity and soul.
To see how far Hadwin’s come, watch her recent fiery performance of “Hard to Handle.” The contrast shows her incredible range; from this vulnerable ballad to full-throttle rock goddess mode, proving she’s never been one to be boxed into a single sound or style.
Courtney Hadwin – Hard to Handle (America’s Got Talent)
Hadwin’s AGT audition blew the roof off with this Otis Redding classic. Where “Nothing Compares 2 U” showed her soulful restraint, here she unleashes full rockstar energy; wild dance moves, gritty vocals, and that now-signature rasp turned up to eleven. The performance earned her the Golden Buzzer and launched her into the spotlight.
Follow Courtney’s journey from this early competition to her upcoming debut album. Her social channels showcase an artist evolving in real time; from teen prodigy to confident genre-blending force. One thing remains constant: that rare ability to make every song feel like she’s tearing it straight from her soul.