With a voice far beyond her years and a stage presence that commands attention, Courtney Hadwin stunned audiences with her emotional performance of Emeli Sandé’s “Clown” during a 2016 charity dinner event. At just 12 years old, Hadwin’s rendition wasn’t just impressive—it was unforgettable.
Throughout her young career, Hadwin has shown a rare ability to move effortlessly between genres, whether she’s rocking out with gritty energy or delivering soul-stirring ballads.
Watch her cover below.
But her cover of “Clown” stands as one of the most emotionally raw and vocally powerful moments from her early performances. Her ability to pour heartfelt emotion into each lyric left many wondering how someone so young could sing with such depth.
Originally written by Sandé about her early struggles in the music industry, “Clown” speaks to the pain of being judged and misunderstood. While Hadwin wasn’t seeking a record deal at the time, her performance struck a deep chord—perhaps because, like Sandé, she too knew what it felt like to be seen as different. With nothing but her voice and the weight of the song’s message, she brought the room to a standstill.
Whether she’s roaring through rock anthems or slowing things down with emotional ballads, Courtney Hadwin continues to prove she can do it all. It’s no stretch to say she is one of the most versatile young artists to come along in decades.
What to know about “Clown” by Emeli Sandé
Released in 2012, “Clown” was inspired by Sandé’s early meetings with music executives as she searched for her place in the industry. In a 2013 interview, Sandé shared, “It’s about how I felt when I was trying to get signed… people were looking at me like ‘What do we do with you?’ It’s about not allowing yourself to be judged by others or to be taken for an idiot.”
That message of self-worth and quiet strength resonated deeply through Courtney’s performance, even if she wasn’t the one living the lyrics firsthand. It’s this kind of emotional understanding and storytelling that sets her apart.
