With an undeniable presence and signature grit, Courtney Hadwin once again proved why she’s one of the most electrifying young performers of her generation.
In her 2017 cover of Etta James’s “Tell Mama,” Hadwin slid across the stage and dropped to one knee, delivering a powerhouse performance that paid homage to the legends before her while adding a fierce modern twist uniquely her own.
Originally released as the title track of Etta James’s 1968 album, “Tell Mama” became one of the biggest hits of her career, peaking at #23 on the Billboard Pop chart and marking her first top 10 R&B hit in four years. It’s a track rich with history, emotion, and groove and Courtney knew exactly how to channel its spirit.
Watch her performance below.
From the moment the beat kicked in, her raspy vocals and full-bodied energy transported the audience, combining the soul of the ’60s with the edge of contemporary rock.
What made this performance especially captivating was Hadwin’s ability to deliver the song in a classic style while injecting it with her signature Courtz twist.
Her stage movements—especially the iconic drop to her knees—sent a jolt of electricity through the room, drawing cheers and goosebumps in equal measure.
As one longtime fan put it: “Very impressive—it’s cool how Courtney is paying homage to many of the greats from the past simply by performing their songs in a classic style, but with a Courtz twist.”
The performance, which has since racked up hundreds of thousands of views, clearly struck a chord with viewers across generations. One commenter called her “my rocker from my Woodstock times,” while another beamed, “Here she is evolving into the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” It’s that rare ability to channel the soul of a bygone era while forging her own path that keeps Hadwin in a league of her own.
Whether you’ve grown up with the music of Etta James or discovered it through rising voices like Courtney Hadwin, this performance is a reminder of the timeless power of soul. And as one viewer aptly put it: “God she makes me so happy, I’m gonna tell Mama!”
