Even with a cold, Courtney Hadwin lit up the Las Vegas stage with a performance that felt anything but under the weather.
In her first solo show at America’s Got Talent Live in Vegas on November 2, 2018, the 14-year-old rocker delivered an explosive rendition of Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” — and it was pure fire from the moment she stepped on stage.
Watch her performance below.
With her untamed hair, signature growl, and unmatched energy, Hadwin stomped, spun, and howled through the song like she owned the building.
She didn’t just sing the lyrics — she attacked them, moving across the stage like it was her kingdom, her legs stepping out of rhythm in the most captivating way.
The performance may have lasted only a few minutes, but it left the audience stunned and cheering like they’d just seen something unforgettable. Cold or not, Hadwin was in total control.
What to Know About “Hard to Handle” by Otis Redding
Originally released posthumously in 1968, “Hard to Handle” is one of Otis Redding’s most electrifying and playful songs. Built on a funky groove and bold brass, the song became a classic with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and high-energy delivery.
Though the Black Crowes later popularized their own version in the ’90s, it’s Redding’s original that carries the soul and swagger of true Southern rock.
By choosing this song, Courtney didn’t just cover a legend — she tapped into the grit and freedom that defined Redding’s style, making it her own. And in true Hadwin fashion, she didn’t hold back.
From the raspy vocals to the full-body performance, she honored the spirit of Otis Redding while injecting every second with her unique, fearless flair. The result? A showstopping moment that reminded everyone why live music is magic — and why certain songs never go out of style.
