Fresh off the release of her long-awaited debut album Little Miss Jagged, the 21-year-old rising star unveiled the bluesy new video for “Dirty” — a track that radiates the charm of a mature, confident woman while still brimming with the raw, jagged energy that first stunned audiences when she was just 13 on America’s Got Talent.
The video, dripping with smoky atmosphere and attitude, shows Hadwin leaning fully into her soul-rock instincts. Anytime that gritty, gravelly part of her voice cuts through, it lands like a thunderclap — goosebumps, chills, and smiles all at once. The song channels shades of Amy Winehouse while carving out its own unique lane, reinforcing what many fans have called one of Hadwin’s strongest vocal performances yet.
One fan raved, “‘Dirty’ is dripping with bluesy soul! Anytime that gritty, gravely part of her voice comes out to play, goosebumps and a big smile ensue.” Another called her “an unparalleled artist, whose voice turns every note into a story.” Others chimed in with praise like “musical excellence” and “voice so captivating… real performance.” From Germany to the Dominican Republic, listeners around the world echoed the same reaction: Hadwin has delivered something unforgettable.
Lyrically, “Dirty” is an unapologetic cut, steeped in heartbreak and defiance. Over smoky guitars and a pulsing groove, she belts:
“Fix what you broke with mirrors and smoke / ’Cause you’ve had your last last chance / You don’t deserve me… I hope you sleep like a baby in the bed you made / ’Cause you ain’t sleeping here no more.”
The words land like a dagger, but Hadwin’s delivery makes them soar — equal parts wounded and unshakably strong.
“Dirty” is one of many standouts from Little Miss Jagged, a record Hadwin described to FAULT Magazine as her “personal diary.” Written over the course of five years, the album is an unfiltered collection of coming-of-age stories and raw self-expression. “I’m jagged: rough around the edges, but with a little sparkle,” she said. “I’m not scared to be different; everyone should embrace their individuality.”
And embrace it she does. With tracks like “Sixteen” (a reclamation of a song once dismissed as “not good enough”) and the euphoric “Electric”, Hadwin’s debut cements her as more than just a powerhouse vocalist — she’s a songwriter unafraid to bleed truth into every lyric.
For “Dirty”, the fan response has been overwhelming. One longtime supporter wrote, “It’s always amazing how you manage to translate moods into images, Courtz… your looks, your music, your style are all prerequisites for a successful career, but I hope you stay true to yourself as an excellent singer and outstanding songwriter.” Another simply summed it up: “WOW, absolutely WOW. Love the video.”
With her first album finally out in the world and performances already being mapped out, Hadwin is stepping into her artistry with confidence. She’s not the 13-year-old phenomenon anymore — she’s a woman, a writer, and a voice of her own. And with “Dirty”, she’s made it clear: the jagged edges are exactly what make her shine.