In a spectacular showcase of talent, 13-year-old British prodigy Courtney Hadwin wowed the crowd on America’s Got Talent, leaving both judges and the audience spellbound. Hailing from Durham in the United Kingdom, Courtney delivered an electrifying performance of Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle,” which earned her a standing ovation from all four judges and the entire audience.
Initially appearing nervous, Courtney’s transformation was nothing short of astonishing as she unleashed her powerful vocals with an emotional intensity that far exceeded her years. From the first note, it was clear she possessed an extraordinary talent—a voice that transcended her teenage years.
The overwhelming power and soulfulness of Courtney’s performance left the judges visibly astounded. Judge Howie Mandel was so impressed that he immediately pressed the golden buzzer, an honor reserved for the most outstanding acts on the show. This golden buzzer fast-tracked Courtney’s journey straight to the quarterfinals, positioning her as a leading contender for the $1 million prize.
Courtney’s exceptional achievement highlights the limitless potential of young talent and the universal power of music to transcend age and borders. As she continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary voice and commanding stage presence, the world eagerly anticipates the incredible performances she will deliver next on her path to stardom.
Each judge has only one opportunity to press the Golden Buzzer per season, underscoring Howie’s profound admiration for Courtney’s audition.
Despite exuding confidence on stage, Courtney had faced disappointment after narrowly missing the top prize on The Voice Kids UK the previous year. Undeterred, she channeled her resilience into a journey to the US, where she showcased her exceptional talent on America’s Got Talent.
Watch her awe-inspiring and captivating audition that earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer in the video below.