With her signature blend of grit, soul, and raw stage presence, Courtney Hadwin lit up the Student Union stage in Newcastle Upon Tyne on February 18, 2019, in a surprise collaboration that left fans breathless.

Joining British rockers The Struts for a fiery rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” the homegrown powerhouse tore through the classic track with wild, unrelenting energy that brought the house down.

Watch the video below.

From the moment the first chord struck, Hadwin transformed. What started as a cool surprise turned into a full-blown vocal explosion, with Hadwin instantly shifting into what can only be described as beast mode.

She matched the high-octane swagger of frontman Luke Spiller note for note, unleashing a performance that felt more like a rock ‘n’ roll exorcism than a typical concert moment.

Hadwin, who first captured national attention as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, has consistently proven that she’s far more than a reality show alum. Her unmistakable vocal rasp and electric stage persona are direct descendants of the rock and soul greats. But on that night in Newcastle—her hometown, no less—she didn’t just honor Joplin’s legacy. She made it her own.

With each explosive chorus and growling verse, Hadwin held nothing back. The chemistry with The Struts was undeniable, and the crowd, visibly stunned, fed off her energy in waves. It was a performance so raw and unpredictable, it felt improvised yet entirely in control—pure Courtney Hadwin magic.

What to know about “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin

Originally recorded in 1967 by Erma Franklin, “Piece of My Heart” was catapulted into rock history by Janis Joplin a year later with Big Brother and the Holding Company. The song became an anthem of female rebellion, heartbreak, and uninhibited soul. Joplin’s version remains one of the most iconic vocal performances of the 20th century, earning its place in music’s hall of fame.