Courtney Hadwin has always been known for her gravelly growl and raw stage presence, but with the release of her new video “Dirty,” she shows just how much she has grown as an artist. At 21, the singer-songwriter from County Durham is no longer the shy teenager who shocked audiences on America’s Got Talent back in 2018. Instead, she is stepping into her voice and identity with confidence, delivering a track that blends blues, rock, and soul into something strikingly her own.
“Dirty” is one of the standout tracks from Hadwin’s long-awaited debut album, Little Miss Jagged. The record, which she has described as her “personal diary,” was written over five years and captures the highs, lows, and in-betweens of growing into adulthood. The album’s name reflects how she sees herself: rough around the edges but unafraid to embrace imperfection. “I’m jagged: rough around the edges, but with a little sparkle,” Hadwin explained in a recent interview. That mix of grit and individuality is on full display in this latest release.
The video for “Dirty” leans heavily into atmosphere, using moody visuals and smoky tones to complement the track’s bluesy swagger. Hadwin delivers the song with a rasp and intensity that immediately grabs attention. Her voice cuts through the arrangement like a thunderclap — powerful, soulful, and unpolished in the best way. Fans have pointed out the echoes of Amy Winehouse in her vocal delivery, but “Dirty” is unmistakably Hadwin’s, infused with her own energy and edge.
Lyrically, the song tells a story of heartbreak and defiance. Against a backdrop of pulsing grooves and smoldering guitar, Hadwin sings lines such as:
“Fix what you broke with mirrors and smoke / ’Cause you’ve had your last last chance / You don’t deserve me… I hope you sleep like a baby in the bed you made / ’Cause you ain’t sleeping here no more.”
It’s a clear break-up anthem, unafraid to show vulnerability while also radiating strength. The delivery makes the lyrics soar, balancing anger and resilience in a way that feels both personal and universal.
Fans around the world have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Many praised the emotional punch of the performance, describing it as “goosebump-inducing” and “musical excellence.” One supporter from Germany called her an “unparalleled artist, whose voice turns every note into a story,” while another highlighted her ability to “translate moods into images” with both music and visuals. The global reaction reflects the way Hadwin’s voice continues to resonate far beyond her early talent show fame.
“Dirty” is not the only strong moment on Little Miss Jagged. Tracks like “Sixteen,” which Hadwin once shelved after being told it wasn’t good enough, and “Electric,” a euphoric, high-energy song, show her range as both a vocalist and a songwriter. Together, the album confirms that she is more than a performer with a distinctive voice; she is an artist unafraid to put her own stories into her songs.
With her debut album finally released and live performances on the horizon, Hadwin is carving out her place as a fully-fledged artist. “Dirty” may be bluesy, raw, and unapologetic, but it is also a statement: Courtney Hadwin has grown up, and she’s doing it on her own terms.