Performed in 2017 when she was just 11 years old, Hadwin’s version of the Wheatus hit showed a level of vocal strength, stage presence, and emotional depth that was far beyond her years.
Like a wild horse on stage, she charged into the song with fearless energy, leaving audiences stunned by the sheer force of her performance.
Watch her performance below.
This wasn’t her first time performing “Teenage Dirtbag”, which makes the song choice all the more intriguing. While the original version by Wheatus carries dark and defiant undertones, Hadwin gave it a voice that mixed youthful frustration with a surprising amount of grit.
As always, it’s Hadwin’s voice that takes center stage. At just 11, she commanded the stage with a raspy, soulful sound that would be impressive coming from someone twice her age. Her delivery was passionate and raw, drawing listeners into every word.
The performance also highlighted Hadwin’s natural talent for connecting with a song’s deeper meaning—even one as complex as “Teenage Dirtbag.” Her bold, emotional delivery made the song feel like more than just a fun rock anthem—it became a personal statement.
The story behind “Teenage Dirtbag” adds a new layer to Hadwin’s performance
Originally released in 2000, “Teenage Dirtbag” was written by Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown based on a real-life experience from his childhood.
In a 2012 interview with Tone Deaf, Brown revealed that the song’s lyrics were inspired by a tragic event from the summer of 1984 on Long Island, where a teen was killed in a drug-related ritual in the woods near Brown’s home.
Brown recalled being just 10 years old at the time, and how the media linked the tragedy to heavy metal bands like AC/DC and Iron Maiden—music he personally loved. “All the parents and the teachers and the cops thought I was some kind of Satan worshiper,” he said. That feeling of being judged and misunderstood became the heart of the song.
“When I sing, ‘I’m just a teenage dirtbag,’ I’m effectively saying, ‘Yeah, f*** you if you don’t like it,’” Brown added.
That defiance—of being labeled, boxed in, or misunderstood—is something Courtney Hadwin seems to channel effortlessly. Even as a pre-teen, her fearless performance of the song felt like a powerful pushback against expectations.
And with that kind of fire, it’s no wonder she’s still in a class of her own.
