When Courtney Hadwin stepped onto the stage at The Voice Kids UK in 2017, she was only 12 years old. Looked at first glance like a shy, perhaps even slightly nervous girl—someone who might be a little overwhelmed by the spotlight. But the moment her voice hit the air, everything changed. From that very first note, Courtney unleashed a fiery, raw energy that seemed to shake the entire room and turn what was supposed to be a simple blind audition into a full-blown spectacle. When she covered Tina Turner’s iconic “Nutbush City Limits,” she didn’t just sing — she owned every ounce of that stage with a force that stunned everyone watching. It was as if she had been born to perform, and that confidence and power radiated from her in a way that made it impossible to look away.
What made that audition so memorable wasn’t just her impressive vocal power but the total authenticity she brought to her performance. Courtney’s voice cracked the ceiling — it was gritty, soulful, and layered with emotion. You could tell she was feeling every lyric, every beat, with a genuine passion that oozed authenticity. And then there was her stage presence. She moved like she belonged out there, like she had been performing in front of crowds her entire life. The combination of her raw, emotional voice and her confident, energetic demeanor was something rare in someone so young — a spark that electrified the entire room.
This wasn’t just a safe cover of a well-known song. Courtney embraced the rough edges of “Nutbush City Limits,” making it feel alive again instead of simply paying tribute. The song itself is sassy, gritty, soulful, and packed with attitude, and it’s a daring choice for a young singer. Many might try to tone down the roughness or soften the grit because it’s so demanding and unpredictable. But Courtney didn’t play it safe. Instead, she fully leaned into the song’s ruggedness, giving it that raw, unfiltered feel that made her version truly unique. She wasn’t just singing a cover—she was transforming the song into her own, and through that, she connected with her audience on a deeper level.
The reactions from the coaches reflected that instant magic. When Courtney hit those high notes, the energy in the room shifted. Coaches like Will.i.am, Gwen Stefani, and others couldn’t help but lean in, mouths slightly open in awe. Will.i.am, in particular, was immediately captivated, asking her to do more—more power, more feeling, more of that fierce spirit that she brought. Watching their reactions unfold live was priceless — it was clear that Courtney’s performance had struck a chord not only with those watching but also with the very people behind the chairs. They recognized that she was not just a young girl singing a song, but an artist with a unique voice and a story worth telling.
The moments that stood out most during her audition are burned into everyone’s memory. The instant that the beat drops into that relentless, driving rhythm, Courtney locks in. Her body language reflects her focus and passion, and you can feel her connection to the music. Her voice rises into that higher register, not with showiness or for shock value, but with a sense of truth that’s impossible to ignore. Every note she hits feels real, like she’s lived every lyric. And then, as she reaches the final chorus, she doesn’t hold back. Her voice soars with that signature grit, finishing the song with a powerful, unabashed final note. When she finishes, she walks off stage with a quiet confidence, not cocky but owning what she just delivered — a performance that was utterly unfiltered, pure, and electrifying.
That audition resonated because it wasn’t about perfection—it was about passion. There’s something magnetic about seeing a young girl, initially shy, unleash so much fire in such a demanding song. It reminds us that true artistry isn’t about being flawless; it’s about raw emotion, vulnerability, and honesty. Courtney’s performance proved that talent comes alive when you perform with heart, not just precision. In that moment, she showed everyone that being authentic and pouring your feelings into your singing can turn a good performer into a memorable artist. It was a reminder that sometimes, that’s all it takes to make a moment truly special.
This audition became a defining moment for Courtney, sparking conversations, sharing videos, and setting her apart from many others in the season. Her bold song choice, combined with her gritty, energetic delivery, laid the foundation for her future journey—one filled with fearless song choices, raw energy, and a refusal to hold back. She demonstrated early on that she was more than just a kid with a talent; she was an artist in the making, ready to show the world her fire, her grit, and her heart. And honestly, when you look back at that audition, it’s impossible not to be drawn into that energy, feeling inspired by a young girl who just knew how to own her moment.
