With a repertoire that spans blues, rock, funk, and pop, Courtney Hadwin has long been celebrated for her jaw-dropping vocal power and raw emotional delivery. Her recent live performance at The Victoria in Birmingham, following the release of her debut album Little Miss Jagged, was a dazzling testament to her extraordinary talent.
On September 16, Hadwin took to the stage wearing a uniquely charming floral dress, immediately commanding the room with her presence.
As she launched into All The Love (Money Can Buy), her voice filled every corner of the venue, striking with the kind of power and precision that could easily fill a stadium. From the first note, Hadwin hypnotized the audience, effortlessly transitioning between subtle, emotive phrasing and soaring, powerhouse belts that left the crowd in awe.
Hadwin’s debut album, Little Miss Jagged, is a whirlwind of styles and emotions, from bluesy torch ballads to uptempo sing-along anthems. Co-written and co-produced with American songwriter and producer Kevin Bowe, the record reflects Hadwin’s refusal to be boxed into a single genre.
Tracks like You Only Love Me When I Lie and Dirty showcase her emotional depth, while her vibrant rock, pop, and funk influences create a sound uniquely her own. Hadwin has described the album as deeply personal: “I have been so vulnerable with this album it’s scary!”
Hadwin’s rise to prominence began at just 13 years old with a viral, Janis Joplin-esque audition on America’s Got Talent. Despite early industry attempts to mold her as a conventional pop star, Hadwin stayed true to her vision, developing a distinctive voice and storytelling style that resonates with millions of fans across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Little Miss Jagged represents a new milestone in her career, celebrating the freedom to craft music on her own terms.
The album’s lead singles highlight Hadwin’s refusal to follow trends, with tracks ranging from frenetic funk to epic ballads, and Motown-infused modern pop to soulful R&B. Each song is infused with personal experience, demonstrating her gold-plated vocal class and remarkable versatility. Notably, the track Electric captures the album’s ethos: a vibrant rock ‘n’ soul anthem with the rallying cry, “Let the power of the music take me away!”
Hadwin continues to impress on stage as well as on record. Her Live At Metropolis Studios video series offers a glimpse of her commanding stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, qualities that were fully on display in Birmingham.