Courtney Hadwin brought the Christmas season to life with a vibrant, high-octane performance of Chuck Berry’s Run Rudolph Run, delivering a rock ’n’ roll holiday experience that had audiences dancing around the Christmas tree.
True to Howie Mandel’s remark that “she isn’t from this era,” Hadwin’s raspy, soulful vocals and infectious energy transported fans to the golden age of rock, while still feeling entirely contemporary.
The performance drew rapturous praise online. Admirers hailed her as a “wild child destined for greatness” and “this generation’s Janis,” with fans across the globe celebrating the authenticity of her voice and stage presence.
One commenter wrote, “Finally, this is the voice we have fallen in love with! The pure Rock & Roll spirit, never change girl!!” Another added, “The legendary Chuck Berry would be so proud of Courtney, she is without doubt the very best performer today, an incredible voice like no other.”
Hadwin’s journey to this moment has been a story of resilience and artistic discovery. She first stunned audiences at the age of 13 on America’s Got Talent, performing Otis Redding’s Hard to Handle. That audition became one of the show’s most-watched in history, cementing her reputation as a rising star with a voice that belied her years. Yet, despite early recognition, her path in the music industry was anything but smooth.
After signing a record deal post-AGT, Hadwin struggled to find songs that truly reflected her sound. “I was put into big writing camps with producers who didn’t necessarily know my style,” she recalls. Pop-focused sessions felt disconnected from her soul and blues roots. It wasn’t until she teamed up with producer Kevin Bowe — whose credits include work with Etta James and Joe Cocker — that her music began to take its authentic form. Together, they created her debut album, Little Miss Jagged, an intimate and raw expression of her journey from a 13-year-old talent show sensation to a confident, independent artist.
Fans say the transformation is evident in her live performances. Beyond her technical skill, Hadwin’s shows radiate joy, passion, and spontaneity. In her rendition of Run Rudolph Run, every gesture, every riff, and every rasping high note resonated with an infectious holiday spirit. Some fans even confessed the performance made them “feel like teenagers again,” regardless of their age.
Hadwin’s story is as much about perseverance as it is about talent. She continues to challenge the public’s perception of her as the girl from a talent show, using her music to tell her story and carve out a place as a modern rock ’n’ roll icon.
