Walking onto the stage with no shoes and a fearless heart, 11-year-old Courtney Hadwin delivered a performance of “Beautiful Me” that proved she was no ordinary talent.
Long before she became a household name on America’s Got Talent, this young girl from County Durham already had the raw presence and passion of a future rock and roll legend.
Watch her performance below.
Performed at the Newcastle Open Mic UK Music Competition, Hadwin’s cover of “Beautiful Me” by Dappy was more than just a vocal showcase.
With her signature raspy tone and emotional grit, Courtney made the song completely her own. Her performance had the kind of soul, vulnerability, and fire that’s rare to see in someone so young and the crowd knew it.
As she stood barefoot on the stage, she poured everything into the lyrics. It wasn’t just a song—it was a story she was telling with every word, every note. Her voice carried an old-soul quality, filled with emotion far beyond her years, leaving the audience speechless.
Backed only by a simple track, Courtney’s vocals took center stage. What she lacked in staging or big production, she made up for with an undeniable stage presence. Every movement felt instinctual, every expression authentic. Judges and audience members alike saw something unforgettable that day.
Here’s what to know about “Beautiful Me” and the Open Mic moment that sparked Courtney’s journey
The performance took place during the Open Mic UK Music Competition—an event known for discovering future stars like Jacob Banks, Birdy, Jaymi Hensley of Union J, Jahméne Douglas, and Lucy Spraggan. Organized by Future Music, the same company behind some of the UK’s biggest singing talent, Open Mic UK serves as a platform for young artists ready to break through.
Courtney Hadwin’s appearance at the competition would become one of the standout moments of the event. Her performance was not only a personal milestone but also a clear sign to the industry that this barefoot schoolgirl had something special.
Since that night in Newcastle, Courtney’s journey has taken her to international stages and millions of fans. But those who saw her back then—belting out “Beautiful Me” with barefoot confidence—won’t forget the spark they witnessed.
