There are moments on America’s Got Talent that leave viewers utterly stunned, and one of the most unforgettable surprises in the show’s history came during Season 13.
When 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin stepped onto the AGT stage, her nervous energy was palpable. Her shy demeanor and soft-spoken responses to the Judges’ questions made the audience wonder if she could handle the pressure. Expectations were low as she stood quietly, preparing to perform.
But then, the unexpected happened.
“It was like a switch flipped,” Heidi Klum later remarked.
As the first notes of Otis Redding’s classic Hard to Handle filled the air, Hadwin transformed before everyone’s eyes. The timid teenager morphed into a powerhouse performer, channeling the energy and stage presence of a seasoned rock star. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the Judges were left speechless, jaws dropping as they witnessed her electrifying rendition.
Her incredible stage presence and raw talent epitomized everything AGT stands for. Hadwin’s bold, high-energy performance—complete with a stunning vocal run that showcased her upper range—drew an audible “Whoa!” from Howie Mandel. The audience was on its feet, and the energy in the room was electric.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to create a moment like this, don’t wait! Sign up for Season 20 auditions at agtauditions.com. For tips and insights, check out NBC Insider’s ultimate audition guide, featuring advice from AGT winners.
Courtney’s unforgettable rendition earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer, securing her spot in AGT history. Mandel compared her to Janis Joplin, recalling the story of how Joplin was discovered and signed to a record deal. While he couldn’t offer her a record contract, he did the next best thing—hitting the Golden Buzzer and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Simon Cowell summed it up perfectly: “That was an audition I will never forget.”
Courtney Hadwin: “The stage is where I feel most like myself”
For Hadwin, the stage is more than a platform—it’s where she truly comes alive. In a 2018 interview with Forbes, she reflected on her incredible journey through AGT, describing the experience as “amazing and unforgettable.”
“I’m just me,” Hadwin explained. “It was great that AGT allowed me to be myself on stage. The stage is the place where I feel most comfortable and most like myself.”
Though she didn’t win the Finals, Courtney Hadwin’s extraordinary audition remains one of the most iconic moments in AGT history, proving that first impressions aren’t always what they seem—and that raw talent can come from the most unexpected places.
