'AGT' Judges Blown Away by the 'Next Janis Joplin' Who's Only 13 Years Old
Season 13 of “America’s Got Talent” has not disappointed.
From Simon Cowell’s return to a tear-jerking tribute performed by a sibling trio, it’s definitely not a season to miss.
But when 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin walked on the stage, they had no idea what to expect.
She was obviously nervous so Mel B, a judge on the show, tried to get her to feel a little more comfortable. “That’s okay to be nervous. Totally understandable,” she said. “Listen. Don’t be nervous. I know it’s a big stage and there’s a lot of people here, but you’re here for a reason so go for it and good luck!”
As soon as the iconic opening to The Black Crowes’ hit song “Hard to Handle” began playing, the judges were intrigued. Hadwin began dancing, but it wasn’t until she started singing that they realized just how talented she was.
Each judge had their mouth agape, showing just how in awe they were of this young girl’s talent. The crowd erupted in applause and gave her a standing ovation.
Cowell said it best when he said, “You were like this shy little thing when you came out, and then you sing and you’re like a lion. I mean, genuinely incredible!”
Cowell then asked Howie Mandel about his thoughts. “Oh, my gosh,” he said. “You are not from this era. You’re from a whole different era.”
He then went on to tell her that she reminded him on Janis Joplin, someone who he greatly admired.
He told the story of how Janis Joplin was first signed by Clive Davis when he saw her at Monterey Pop Festival. Joplin was young and just hadn’t performed in front of the right people, but when Clive Davis saw her perform he knew he needed to give her a record deal. This sparked her incredible musical career.
He ends his speech with, “I’m not Clive Davis. I’m Howie Madel and I can’t sign you to a record deal. The only thing I can do for you, young lady, is give you…” He pressed the coveted Golden Buzzer that ensures that she gets to go straight to the live shows.
Hadwin was so overwhelmed with gratitude that tears fell down her face.
This teen is a star in the making, the amount of soul and passion that came out of her was absolutely astounding! She’s definitely a contestant to keep an eye on this season.
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