One of the most recent competitors to grace the America’s Got Talent stage made a powerful return that reminded everyone exactly why she captured hearts in the first place. Courtney Hadwin, the soulful young singer with a vintage sound and unmistakable stage presence, stepped back into the spotlight—and once again, she left the judges and audience in awe.
You might recognize Courtney from a previous season of American Idol, where her audition quickly went viral for all the right reasons. Her raw energy, unique voice, and uncontainable passion sparked a wave of admiration online, turning her into a fan favorite almost overnight. But it was on America’s Got Talent where Courtney truly cemented her place as a rising star. During her AGT audition, Howie Mandel was so blown away by her performance that he awarded her the coveted Golden Buzzer, catapulting her straight to the live shows.
When Courtney first stepped onto the AGT stage, she admitted to judge Mel B that she was incredibly nervous. Her voice was quiet, and her posture was shy—traits that seemed to vanish the moment the music began. Mel B offered some warm words of encouragement, gently telling her not to worry. In an attempt to lighten the mood, she asked Courtney about her favorite subject in school. Without hesitation, Courtney replied, “music,” which, given her gift, came as no surprise.
Although she said she didn’t have a favorite song to study in class, her performance made it clear that she leaned heavily toward the classics. With confidence that seemed to rise from within, she delivered a stunning rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.” Her voice, gritty and soulful beyond her years, took over the stage. She moved with instinctive rhythm, her long, lanky arms slicing through the air to emphasize every beat and lyric. It was as if she channeled the spirit of rock and soul legends before her—unfiltered, electric, and completely unforgettable.
Receiving a Golden Buzzer during the audition rounds is one of the highest honors any performer can get on AGT. It represents not just approval but genuine belief in an artist’s potential. So it wasn’t surprising that Courtney was invited back for America’s Got Talent: The Champions, a special edition bringing together top performers from all over the global Got Talent franchise—not just from American Idol, but from every corner of the AGT universe.
This time, Courtney decided to do something bold: she returned with an original song titled “Pretty Little Thing.” Departing from covers of well-known classics, she took the risk of showing a different side of her artistry. The song was a gritty, high-energy rock and roll number, dripping with attitude and authenticity. Her vocals were as fierce as ever, but this time, they were paired with lyrics and melodies of her own making. It was a declaration that she wasn’t just a performer—she was a creator.
The performance was later uploaded to YouTube by America’s Got Talent, and it quickly racked up thousands of comments from fans around the globe. One particularly heartfelt message read: “She had my support from the beginning, and I regret that she lost. It’s amazing to watch Courtney play a song she wrote live on stage. She possesses amazing talents. Courtney, keep singing; you did a great job with this song.”
Despite her powerful return, Courtney was eliminated after week two, not receiving enough votes to move forward—similar to another AGT fan favorite, Darci Lynne Farmer. Still, her performance left a lasting impression. It wasn’t about the results. It was about the evolution of a young artist who continues to push boundaries and pour herself into her music.
If you haven’t yet seen Courtney’s electrifying return to the AGT stage, it’s worth watching—and sharing. Her passion is contagious, her voice unforgettable, and her story far from over. Share this moment with your friends and family on Facebook and keep an eye out for what Courtney Hadwin does next. Something tells us, she’s just getting started.
