Courtney Hadwin once again proved why she’s one of the most exciting young talents in music with her electrifying live performance of Queen’s iconic ’70s hit “Somebody to Love” at The Waiting Room in London on September 15, 2025.
Fans who had previously caught her studio version of the song were delighted to witness her bring it to life in a live setting, where every note resonated with her trademark raw intensity.
Hadwin’s voice, jagged yet precise, captured the emotional complexity of Freddie Mercury’s original while adding her own distinct edge, blending reverence with youthful energy.
Despite being backed by a full band whose sound at times threatened to overpower her, Hadwin held her ground, navigating intricate harmonies, soaring crescendos, and Mercury-style vocal runs with ease and conviction.
From the opening line to the final dramatic flourish, she commanded the stage with an unshakable presence, proving that she is not just a singer but a performer capable of transforming a familiar classic into something entirely her own.
Audience reactions were immediate, with applause and cheers punctuating every high note, underscoring Hadwin’s growing reputation as a live artist who can both honor and reinvent musical legends.
This performance also served as a bridge between her past and present. Having covered the song in a studio session months earlier, Hadwin demonstrated just how much she has evolved, layering nuanced phrasing and a deeper emotional resonance that only comes from years of experience and artistic exploration.
Little Miss Jagged: A Journey Into Courtney Hadwin’s Artistry
At 21, Courtney Hadwin is stepping fully into her own artistry with the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Little Miss Jagged. Unlike the pre-packaged pop paths often offered to teenage prodigies, Hadwin embraced her authentic self, producing an album that is unapologetically personal, jagged, and unfiltered.
Drawing on years of experience navigating the music industry—from her breakout audition on America’s Got Talent at just 13 to the challenges of recording independently—Hadwin has crafted a record that reflects both her struggles and triumphs.
Tracks such as “Sixteen” offer listeners a reflective journey, revisiting formative years with the wisdom of hindsight. Originally written when she was sixteen and once dismissed by industry gatekeepers, the song was reimagined for Little Miss Jagged, capturing her growth and resilience while confronting the pressures of youth in the public eye. “Electric,” on the other hand, channels the euphoric spirit of late adolescence, celebrating independence and the simple joy of living in the moment.
The album’s title, Little Miss Jagged, perfectly encapsulates Hadwin’s philosophy: her music is intentionally raw, imperfect, and uniquely hers. She purposefully resists being confined to a single genre or formula, choosing instead to write songs that reflect her personal narrative and artistic identity. “Music doesn’t have to fit into one genre; music is music,” Hadwin explained in a recent interview. “I’m jagged: rough around the edges, but with a little sparkle. I’m not scared to be different, and everyone should embrace their individuality.”