There are moments on America’s Got Talent that leave audiences completely speechless, and one of the most unforgettable surprises in the show’s history happened during Season 13.
When 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin walked onto the AGT stage, she radiated nervous energy. Her shy nature and soft-spoken answers to the judges’ questions made it seem like she might struggle under the spotlight. The audience had modest expectations as she stood there quietly, ready to begin her performance.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
“It was like a switch flipped,” Heidi Klum later said.
As the opening notes of Otis Redding’s Hard to Handle filled the air, Hadwin underwent a jaw-dropping transformation. The timid teenager disappeared, replaced by an electrifying performer who commanded the stage like a seasoned rock star. The crowd erupted with cheers, and the judges were visibly stunned as they watched her powerful, high-energy performance unfold.
Her stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing everything AGT represents. With a bold, soulful voice and a fiery delivery, Hadwin left a lasting impression. Her dynamic vocal runs and uninhibited movement drew an audible “Whoa!” from Howie Mandel, while the audience rose to their feet in pure excitement.
If you dream of creating a show-stopping moment like this, don’t hesitate—auditions for Season 20 are open now at agtauditions.com! For expert advice, check out NBC Insider’s ultimate audition guide, featuring tips from past AGT winners.
Hadwin’s electrifying performance earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer, securing her a place in AGT history. Howie Mandel compared her to the legendary Janis Joplin, reminiscing about how Joplin was discovered and signed to a record deal. While he couldn’t offer Hadwin a contract himself, he gave her the next best thing—smashing the Golden Buzzer and sending the audience into a frenzy.
Simon Cowell summed it up best: “That was an audition I will never forget.”
For Courtney Hadwin, the stage isn’t just a place to perform—it’s where she truly comes alive. In a 2018 interview with Forbes, she described her journey on AGT as an “amazing and unforgettable” experience.
“I’m just me,” she explained. “AGT let me be myself on stage. That’s where I feel most comfortable and most like myself.”
Although she didn’t take home the grand prize, Hadwin’s AGT audition remains one of the most legendary in the show’s history. Her story is proof that first impressions can be deceiving—and that extraordinary talent can come from the most unexpected places.