Watch 13-year-old UK girl wow America's Got Talent with amazing Otis Redding cover

14 June 2018, 09:50 | Updated: 14 June 2018, 10:14

A shy girl from County Durham has become an overnight star in the States, thanks to an incredible TV performance.

13-year-old Courtney Hadwin won judge Howie Mandel's golden buzzer on America's Got Talent, after performing an amazing version of 'Hard to Handle' by Otis Redding.

She will go straight to the live shows after her unique performance on Tuesday's episode (June 12).

The teenager burst into a high-energy performance of the classic soul track, moments after appearing rather timid on stage.

Watch the performance below:

Courtney said winning the golden buzzer was more than she "could have dreamed".

The schoolgirl hails from Peterlee, and will now be in the running for a $1m (£750,000) prize.

"Bloody hell, Courtney!" said judge Simon Cowell after she finished, describing her as a "lion" when she sings.

Mandel also compared her to late singer Janis Joplin. "Oh my gosh. You are not from this era," he said.

Courtney previously competed in The Voice Kids UK last year, but amazingly didn't win the competition.

Listen to the original Otis Redding version below: