A Conversation with Courtney Hadwin
A Conversation with Courtney Hadwin
Courtney Hadwin is a British pop singer and songwriter who first captured international attention as a breakout star on NBC’s America’s Got Talent at only 13 years old. Her unforgettable audition went globally viral, racking up over 310 million views and instantly establishing her as a powerful new voice in music.
At 20, Courtney continues to astound audiences with her extraordinary vocals and unforgettably soulful performances, often prompting comparisons to the legendary Janis Joplin. Courtney’s musical journey began early; as a self-taught artist, Courtney has cultivated an adoring fanbase that has remained deeply engaged with her journey since her time on America’s Got Talent. These dedicated supporters have followed her evolution and cheered her on as she transitioned from a viral sensation to a fully-fledged musical powerhouse.
Currently, Courtney is in the final stages of recording her debut album ‘LITTLE MISS JAGGED’ due for release on September 12th, 2025. This highly anticipated project promises to blend a diverse set of genres, from pop and soul to blues and rock, all brought together by Courtney’s show-stopping vocal presence.
NSG Billy Vitch had a chance to catch up with Courtney for a chat about her life and career.
Billy: Good morning, Courtney. How are you? What have you been doing today, and how’s that going?
Courtney: I’m doing great! I’ve actually just finished my dinner, which was mince and dumplings, and I very much enjoyed it! Today has been rehearsals for my first show back in London, and I’m currently getting ready and preparing for that, so I’m now exhausted and getting ready for my sleep and rest!
Billy: So let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up, and what was it like?
Courtney: I grew up in a little village in the middle of Hartlepool and Durham in the North East of England. It was very, very small, everyone knew everyone, which wasn’t always a great thing, as you could imagine. Every kid knew each other, considering there was only one primary school in the village, a shop and a pub, haha.
Billy: Do you think your upbringing had much or any influence on your songwriting?
Courtney: I would say my upbringing definitely had an influence on my songwriting, and I started to write more about that as I hit 16-17 as far as sound, my parents didn’t have a clue about any of the artists who were my influences until I found them and introduced them by singing.
Billy: Musically, you’re extremely unique! Out of all of your songs, which one do you think best represents the real Courtney Hadwin’s personality?
Courtney: Awwww thank you!!! I would say personality D.N.A or Electric Shines represents the most of my personality and represents me the most. They are two really upbeat songs with a good, funky beat. I love music where you can feel the soul and the funk, and just a song that gets your toes tapping.
Billy: Going viral off your performance on ‘America’s Got Talent’ must have been mind-blowing! I have just wanted the video and was blown away. Can I ask how you feel about the whole experience, like, do you think it helped or hindered your career?
Courtney: I have different feelings about it as I look back! Obviously, I am so, so grateful for the show, and it led me to meet so many people that I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t! I also wouldn’t have the most loyal supporters without the show, but the downside was that I went on at such a young age to the point people don’t really know how to grow up with me. As a young woman trying to grow up and develop naturally in the spotlight, it’s a lot harder when you’re always compared to that 13-year-old, if that’s with my voice changing, my musical taste or even what I’m wearing or the way I speak, and that really stresses me out sometimes.
Billy: Musically, who has influenced you the most?
Courtney: Musically, I would say Little Richard was my biggest influence in music. The way he hit the stage and the energy and soul was just flowing through him. He showed me I could just be myself and not care about what people think. I think what also helped was his personality; his mindset was You love me or you hate me, but either way, I’m still gonna keep doing this!
(Courtney Hadwin)
Billy: Do you have a specific process when you write a song, and if so, what is it?
Courtney: Not really, it happens differently every time if it’s with a song title or a lyric or a cool melody! It honestly just depends on the day and the mood.
Billy: We are a Liverpool-based magazine. Have you ever been here, and if so, what’s your favourite thing about our city?
Courtney: I’ve actually never been to Liverpool, but I would love to. I am obsessed with the accent! My top 2 favourite accents are Liverpool and Ireland, I could sit all day and just listen!
Billy: If you could sit down for dinner with any three people from history, past or present, who would they be and why?
Courtney: Definitely Little Richard, I think he would have so many stories to tell, and he can put on a show for me at the same time. Maybe Kevin Hart is my favourite comedian, and he would kill all the awkwardness and also the late great actor, Brittany Murphy.
Billy: What’s your best advice on finding happiness and living a fulfilling life?
Courtney: Just living every day like it’s your last. I always so you make sure every day you are being your most unique be self and be kind to everyone around you.
Billy: What is the rest of 2025 looking like for you, and will you be playing here anytime soon?
Courtney: We are currently working on expanding to more dates in the UK and have just released a few which tickets are now available on my website. My album comes out this year, this September, which you can pre-save and pre-order now, and I’d love to come to Liverpool if you guys will have me.
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