When thirteen-year-old vocalist Courtney Hadwin auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2019, the four judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Heidi Klum—clearly didn’t have great hopes for her. Mel B tried to soothe the adolescent by saying, “Don’t be nervous,” after she confessed that she was feeling anxious. There are a lot of people here, and I realize this is a large stage. Good luck, and remember that you’re not here by accident.
Turns out Courtney was completely self-sufficient. Juries were taken aback by the young girl’s remarkable voice, which had previously appeared timid and insecure. Their jaws dropped as she began singing, delivering her own scorching and soulful rendition of “Too Hot To Handle” by Otis Redding. She also gave an incredibly self-assured performance, dancing madly about the stage like it was second nature.
