'AGT' viewers were expecting an awkward performance from a shy girl. When she started singing, they leaped to their feet
Some performances are unforgettable from the moment they begin. Reality show "America’s Got Talent" has seen its share of surprises, but few compare to the reaction that erupted when Courtney Hadwin stepped onto the stage in 2018. One of the judges of the show, Howie Mandel, later shared the performance on Facebook, captioning it, "Courtney Hadwin's performance was unlike anything I've ever seen. I had to press that Golden Buzzer."
The 13-year-old looked nervous as she introduced herself to the judges, barely making eye contact. She explained that she was shy and preferred to sing instead of talk. The judge, Simon Cowell, admitted, "She could barely speak. I am thinking let's just get this over with quickly because I didn't know if this was gonna go well." But the moment the music started, everything changed. Hadwin launched into a powerful rendition of Otis Redding’s "Hard to Handle," captivating the audience with her raw energy and unique stage presence. The judges were stunned by what they had just witnessed. Mandel said, "I don't even have words to describe it."
Heidi Klum added, "Like a switch just turned over. She had the most amazing dance. As soon as she stopped, she was all shy again." Cowell called it "an audition I will never forget." Hadwin’s audition went viral on Facebook with over 120 million views, drawing comparisons to legendary artists like Janis Joplin. Fans were amazed not just by her voice but by how naturally she commanded the stage. Gayle Lobel Ferency said, "My most favorite audition of all time on 'AGT'! I love her! She's awesome!" Caroline Fitall added, "Truly incredible. The emotions you feel while watching her perform are so powerful."
Richard Snyder noted, "I thought she was absolutely great. She's even better on Champions with that original song of hers." Rory Sheppard wrote, "Agreed! Courtney is a truly magnificent singer and performer. One of the best singers to ever perform on 'AGT'!" Rande' Hutcheson FritzI've quipped, "Watched this 4 times in a row. Awed at her talent. She is incredible. Absolutely mesmerizing!" Uchechukwu Michael Onueze shared, "Wow, just speechless. She looked awkward and extremely shy at first, but then...." Hadwin’s journey didn’t stop at 'AGT.' She later competed on "America’s Got Talent: The Champions," where she showcased her original music.
Just like Hadwin, another talented singer made judges turn their heads on "The Voice." Tori Template, a 24-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, delivered a cover of Taylor Swift’s "Lover" on the show. From the moment she started singing, Template’s delicate, breathy vocals stood out. The judges praised the uniqueness of her tone, with Kelsea Ballerini saying, "Doing one of her songs and making it your own, I feel like, is one of the hardest feats. And you have such a unique voice. I listen to that song differently now, and your voice made me do that." Michael Bublé was equally impressed, "You have a beautiful voice. I love that it's breathy. I love that it's sweet. These dulcet, gorgeous tones. I just dig you." John Legend picked up her undertone, saying, "They're like simultaneous. The regular note and then like a whistle sailing underneath it. I was mesmerized by it." Adam Levine compared her style to alternative legends like The Cranberries and Mazzy Star.