Courtney Hadwin’s performance on America’s Got Talent at just 13 years old was a memorable moment that captivated the audience and judges alike. She appeared during Season 13 in 2018, delivering a standout audition that earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel. Courtney performed an electrifying rendition of Otis Redding’s classic song “Hard to Handle.”

What made her performance so remarkable was her transformation from a shy, soft-spoken teenager into a powerhouse performer with a raw, soulful voice and a style reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Her unique stage presence, coupled with her gritty, bluesy sound, left the judges in awe. Howie Mandel even compared her to a “lion” unleashed on stage.

The Golden Buzzer sent her straight to the live shows, where she continued to wow audiences with her energy and passion. While she didn’t win the season, her performances have since garnered millions of views and solidified her as a standout contestant in AGT history.

We did not see that coming! You won’t believe the performance from this eccentric teenager. Courtney earns Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer sending her straight to the live shows.