With a history of turning heads on every stage she steps on, Courtney Hadwin celebrated her 21st birthday in a style that said one clear thing: the shy teen from America’s Got Talent is long gone.

Dressed in a fitted outfit with delicate lace patterns—elegant yet tasteful—and wearing a small crown, Hadwin shared photos that lit up social media within minutes.

In each shot she beams with the same fierce confidence that once shook AGT judges, but now with the ease of a young woman who fully owns her image.

A look that marks a new era

The birthday posts show Hadwin posing under soft lights, guitar at her side, crown sitting lightly in her hair.

The lace details hint at rock‑chic edge, while the overall look stays classy, letting fans see how far she has grown without losing her rebel spark. Comment sections filled quickly with messages like “Queen energy!” and “From AGT to icon!”—proof that her audience is ready for whatever comes next.

New music on the horizon

Hadwin’s glow‑up comes just days after she dropped her latest single, “Die and Stay Pretty,” a blues‑rock story about trying to save someone racing through a wild life.

 

Written with gritty lyrics and powered by her husky high notes, the track sets the stage for her debut album Little Miss Jagged, due September 12. Early singles cover a wide range—funk on “D.N.A.,” neo‑soul on “You Only Love Me When I Lie,” and pop‑punk bounce on “Spellbound.” Fans can pre‑order the 15‑track set now.

Fresh off her first London headline show at the Fiddler’s Elbow and a slot at Portugal’s Festival VILA, Hadwin is lining up more live dates across the UK. If her birthday reveal is any sign, those shows will feature both powerhouse vocals and a bold new look.

What to know about “Die and Stay Pretty”

Released June 27, 2025, “Die and Stay Pretty” finds Hadwin using her trademark soulful range to tell a darker story. The lyrics name‑check rock heroes like The Velvet Underground and Echo & The Bunnymen, but twist the usual love‑song script: instead of chasing romance, the singer pleads with a partner speeding down a risky path.

The single’s mix of blues growl and soaring high notes showcases the “full‑throttle soul voice” that first shocked AGT viewers—and hints at the raw honesty packed into Little Miss Jagged.