There are moments on America’s Got Talent that audiences never forget, and Courtney Hadwin’s audition in Season 13 is undoubtedly one of them.

In 2018, a shy 13-year-old from County Durham, England, stepped onto the AGT stage looking visibly nervous. The bright lights and big stage often overwhelm contestants, and at first, it seemed Hadwin might be another timid performer lost in the moment. But what happened next would rewrite expectations.

Watch her performance below.

As soon as she launched into Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle,” the transformation was immediate. Her voice was bold, soulful, and packed with an energy that stunned everyone watching. The judges’ jaws dropped. The crowd leapt to their feet. It was a complete surprise.

“It’s like a switch just turned over,” said Heidi Klum. Simon Cowell called it “an audition I will never forget.” And Howie Mandel, speechless at first, awarded Hadwin the coveted Golden Buzzer. He later compared her to Janis Joplin, recalling the story of how Joplin was discovered seemingly overnight. “You are not from this era, you’re from a whole different era,” he told her.

That moment didn’t just impress the judges. It went viral around the world. As of now, Courtney Hadwin’s audition has reached over 310 million views, making it one of the most viewed performances in AGT history.

From Viral Sensation to Independent Artist

Now 20 years old, Courtney Hadwin has grown far beyond that unforgettable debut. With a distinctive rock vocal that feels far beyond her years and a stage presence that radiates confidence, she has been praised as a modern-day Janis Joplin.

She credits her passion for performance to her love of legendary artists like Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Etta James, and James Brown. These influences shine through in every performance, blending raw soul and classic rock into her unique sound.

In a 2018 interview with Forbes, Hadwin reflected on her journey. “I am just me and it was great that AGT let me be me on stage,” she said. “I think the stage is the place where I feel most comfortable and most myself.”

Her audition was more than a breakout moment. It was a rare and genuine display of talent that reminded the world to never judge a book by its cover. Courtney Hadwin’s journey began with a single performance that left millions speechless and has since evolved into a promising music career built on authenticity, soul, and fearless expression.