“I’m more than just a one trick pony“ - Courtney Hadwin on life after America’s Got Talent

Words by Grace Wearn & Eline Josephine

Photo Credit: Orlando Avalon

We sat down with Courtney Hadwin, ahead of her single release “D.N.A” and spoke about her passions, influences and life after America’s Got Talent.

When did you first find out that you had a passion for singing?

Courtney: I’ve always loved singing from a very early age! but I was about 10-11 years old when I knew there was something about music, that just had to be in my life in the future.

Were you always hopeful of becoming a singer? did you have other dreams when you were younger?

Courtney: Singing was always my no.1 goal, I never wanted to be anything else. I used to go to school, come back home and instead of playing out with my friends I’d practice until I was perfect - nailing songs. I’ve always loved entertaining people and being on stage has always felt like a second home.

Who are your biggest influences/ inspiration in the music world and how do you think that’s impacted the way you write your songs?

Courtney: Little Richard, Tina Turner and James Brown are 3 of the top inspirations I have towards my music. I never had an idea who I was or what my sound looked like until I was introduced to them and their music on YouTube.

What made you decide to audition for AGT?

Courtney: AGT is the biggest show in the world and it’s where a lot of my big influences in music are from. I just knew people in America would understand me and my music a little more than countries that are so used to just every day ‘bubblegum pop music’. 

How has your life changed since AGT?

Courtney: I would say my life has changed in so many different ways after AGT. Some for the worse and some for the better! I would never have found some of the most loyal supporters I could have ever asked for; without the show. I’ve also met some of the most amazing people that I now work with, but equally it’s also so hard to show the world that I’m not just that shy 13 year old that got up on that stage anymore. I’m coming up to 21 and I’m a grown ass woman with some big ass feeling and I’m more than just a one trick pony.

After AGT, you released some new songs, which one means the most to you?

Courtney: Maybe lyrically, I would say die and stay pretty mainly because the lyrics were so personal! It was a very tricky situation to personally write about, and it took me a while to feel comfortable to write about.

Let’s talk about your new album coming out in September - “Little Miss Jagged”, what is one word you can think of, that describes the album?

Courtney: JAGGED! The album is so rough around the edges, it’s not perfect and it doesn’t fit in one column. You will either hate it or love it. I have been very uniquely me with this album and not cornered myself to one genre or put myself into one box.

Talk us through the story behind your new single - “D.N.A”?

Courtney: D.N.A was wrote about the thoughts and feelings that we get when we are so besotted with someone but with a unique humour twist! I really wanted to write a song that was just so upbeat, yet fun and just blatantly honest.

What else can we expect to see from you in the future?

Courtney: TOUR!!! We are working on tour dates and have so far got 3 days confirmed in September, in the UK. I just cannot wait to fully get on the road and start performing this album, there’s literally no one stopping me when that happens!

You can listen to Courtney’s new single D.N.A here .