At just 13 years old, Courtney Hadwin burst onto the scene and her raw audition on America’s Got Talent stunned audiences. Instead of being moulded into the industry’s next pre-packaged pop star, Courtney took a different path, one that embraced her jagged edges, personal stories, and unfiltered sound.

Now 21, she steps fully into her artistry with the release of her long-awaited debut album, Little Miss Jagged – we sat down with the rising star to discuss her journey, her debut, and the power of embracing FAULTs.

How did it feel to finally release Little Miss Jagged after years of people anticipating your debut album?
I honestly can’t explain how I’m feeling; it’s such a mix of emotions. Little Miss Jagged has been in creation, without me even realising, since I was 16. I’m now 21, and I feel like I’ve just given the internet my personal diary. It’s a little scary, but I’m loving the thrill of it!

What inspired the title choice?
When looking back at the album, I panicked a little. I said to myself: What on earth do all of these songs have in common apart from my vocals and the stories that bring them together? There’s no lyrical or genre connection; it’s just me. My raw, unique, weirdo self is creating music that I love without trying to please other people. I’m jagged: rough around the edges, but with a little sparkle. I’m not scared to be different; everyone should embrace their individuality.

You’ve described the songs as coming-of-age stories. What moments in your life most shaped the themes running through this record?
I’ve been in the crazy music industry since I was about 13. Straight away, I was placed in rooms with songwriters and producers and told to “write! Write music, write lyrics.” I sat there thinking: Wow, my life is so boring. That’s when I realised I needed to experience life before I could be a true songwriter.

How are you supposed to write songs that people relate to when you’re 13 and haven’t lived through any major steps in life?
When I was 16, I started finding myself more, discovering who I was as a human being, and figuring out what love and difficult relationships were. From then, I just went on a mad run, writing about every small detail I felt.

When you look back at your America’s Got Talent audition, how do you think that version of you would react to hearing this album now?
I think she would be shocked at how much I’ve changed and proud of how much courage I have now. I used to care so much about what people thought. I never showed it, but every hate comment or sly remark hit me really hard. I’d sit and wonder if I wanted to put myself in the limelight at all.
But now, I honestly couldn’t care less what people think. Of course, I want people to connect with my music, but I’m writing it for me. Anyone who helps along the way is a bonus. I also think she’d be proud that I didn’t let “the people in suits” change me into something I’m not; that was always one of my biggest fears.

What track on this record would you say had the biggest impact on you during recording?
Probably Sixteen. I originally wrote it when I was actually 16, but I was told it would never make an album and that it wasn’t good enough. When I became independent, I revisited the song at 20 and rewrote the lyrics from the perspective of me looking back at my 16-year-old self. Recording that track really took me back to how strange my life has been, and how much pressure I was under at such a young age.
I’m so glad I wrote that song; it means so much to me. And I love that I’m sticking my fingers up to the people who said it wasn’t good enough because look, it made the album! Track No.10, baby!

What song would you say was the most challenging?
I think Electric was maybe the hardest song to write, even though it’s such a happy, feel-good track. It took me back to being 18, partying every night to take my mind off personal things going on in my life.
I love Electric so much. I think every teen goes through that stage of finally being allowed into bars, feeling independent and cool, and just wanting to dance the night away. The song really captures that, but I remember sitting there writing it with my co-writer and thinking: wow, I’m so glad I’m back on track now.

What would you say is the overarching message you wanted to showcase with this release?
Music doesn’t have to fit into one genre; music is music. Why should an artist have to release a whole album and then be labelled as just one genre? I don’t understand it.
I’m just going to keep writing good songs, and if people vibe with them, that’s a bonus. I’m having a great time doing it. I hope people walk away from the album thinking: you know what, I’m going to embrace my own little bit of jagged too.

As you take these songs on tour, what kind of live experience do you hope fans walk away with after seeing you perform them?
People are not ready for when this album goes on tour. I’m not just a singer, I’m an entertainer. I want people to think: Wow, I feel her energy, I need to dance. Every show should be like that. I’m so excited, and the fact that dates are already being discussed makes it even more exciting.

What is your FAULT?
My fault is that I have really bad trust issues; my producer will tell you that, and so will my family. I don’t trust anyone straight away, and it takes me a long time to open up and let people in.