Before she became a household name through America’s Got Talent, a then 12-year-old Courtney Hadwin stood in front of a small audience at the Open Mic UK competition in 2016—and sang Etta James’ “At Last” with such grit, poise, and emotion that it still resonates nearly a decade later.
Her performance of the 1960 classic didn’t rely on theatrics or imitation. It relied on one thing: raw, undeniable vocal presence. From the first lingering note, it was clear Hadwin wasn’t just covering a legendary soul ballad—she was interpreting it with a maturity far beyond her years.
The Song That Defined Etta James—and a New Generation’s Voice
Originally released by Etta James on her At Last! debut album, the song has become a staple of American soul music. Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, “At Last” found its true home in James’ recording—equal parts vulnerable and commanding. It’s since been covered by everyone from Beyoncé to Celine Dion, but few have managed to strike the balance of reverence and individuality that Hadwin achieved in her early rendition.
Standing alone on stage in 2016, Hadwin—still relatively unknown—gripped the mic and let her vocals do the talking. The tremble in her opening lines felt personal, not polished. But as the chorus approached, her voice swelled into full soul power, revealing the now-signature rasp and dynamic control that would become her hallmark.
A Star in the Making
Though the stage was small and the setup minimal, the moment felt huge. The emotional depth, phrasing, and confidence with which Hadwin delivered “At Last” marked her as more than a contestant—it marked her as an artist. She didn’t sing to impress. She sang to express.
In a clip that has resurfaced repeatedly online, many fans return to this performance not just for nostalgia, but because it captures the essence of who Courtney Hadwin is as a performer: soulful, fearless, and emotionally open.
“She was born to sing this song,” one commenter wrote recently.
“Etta would be proud,” said another.
A Voice That Belongs to No One Else
Hadwin’s vocal DNA is built on a unique fusion of old-school soul and modern grit. Her “At Last” was never about mimicry—it was a subtle declaration that she belonged in the lineage of powerful female vocalists, not as a copy, but as the next link in the chain.
While many singers approach “At Last” with polished elegance, Hadwin leaned into the song’s heartache and yearning. She cracked when she needed to. She growled at just the right moments. She didn’t smooth the edges—she sharpened them.
Still Resonating Years Later
Looking back now in 2025, with Hadwin having grown into a more seasoned performer and recording artist, her Open Mic UK performance remains a foundational moment in her trajectory. It captured the first public glimpse of an artist whose power lies not just in her voice, but in her ability to make a classic feel new again.
With every note of “At Last,” Hadwin offered something rare: a reminder that great music doesn’t age—and neither does great talent.
