At just 14 years old, the schoolgirl from Hesleden, County Durham, took to the stage in a stylish printed suit and Ramones T-shirt, delivering an explosive, high-energy set that had the audience and judges on their feet. “You’re a superstar,” said Howie Mandel, who originally sent her straight to the live shows with his Golden Buzzer after her unforgettable audition.
Watch her performance below.
“You are on fire. You are amazing,” Mandel added. “I love your look, I love your style, I love your voice, I love your performance. The world is watching a superstar in the making.”
Simon Cowell echoed the sentiment, telling the teen, “Courtney, I always say the most important part of being a star is being remembered—and you will be. Every time you perform, people will remember you. You’re going to inspire a whole new generation to discover what rock and roll is all about.”
All four judges—Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and guest judge Mel C—rose to their feet in praise of Courtney’s show-stopping vocals and unmistakable stage presence. “You killed it,” said Mel C. “I just love seeing you like this—wild, free, and totally yourself.”
A Family Back Home Beaming With Pride
Back in the UK, Courtney’s family watched proudly. Her mother, Annmarie, stayed home with Courtney’s younger siblings but stayed connected via FaceTime. “She’s done amazing—I’m really so proud of her,” Annmarie told the Hartlepool Mail. “To me, it doesn’t matter where she places. To make it to the final and perform there is fantastic.”
The family has been overwhelmed by support from the local community and her school, which rallied behind the teen as she advanced through each stage of the competition.
From Viral Audition to Global Phenomenon
Courtney’s rise to fame began in June with a jaw-dropping audition performance of Otis Redding’s Hard to Handle. Her unexpected transformation from shy schoolgirl to rock powerhouse earned instant comparisons to Janis Joplin—and millions of online views.
n. “You were this shy little thing when you came out… then you sing, and you’re like a lion.”
Howie Mandel made the moment even more unforgettable by comparing her to Joplin, who was discovered as a teenager. While he couldn’t offer a record deal, he did the next best thing—hitting the Golden Buzzer to fast-track Courtney to the live shows.
