With a growing reputation for electrifying performances, 13-year-old Courtney Hadwin captured hearts and attention with her live rendition of “Teenage Dirtbag” at a local show in 2017.

From the moment she took the stage, her raw, “madiac” energy set her apart, making it clear she belonged in a class all by herself. Many watching that day could already imagine her headlining a Super Bowl halftime show one day.

Courtney’s choice to perform Wheatus’s “Teenage Dirtbag” was more than just a cover; it was a bold statement. The song, written by Wheatus’s frontman Brendan B. Brown, draws from his own childhood experiences—specifically a dark summer in 1984 marked by fear and misunderstanding.

Brown has explained that the song’s chorus is a rebellious anthem, a way of saying, “Yeah, if you don’t like it, that’s on you.”

Hadwin’s passionate performance brought new life to this defiant classic. She masterfully combined youthful intensity with mature control, making her interpretation both fresh and heartfelt. It was a performance that resonated deeply, hinting at a bright future ahead for this young star.

Released in 2000, “Teenage Dirtbag” became an unexpected hit with its catchy chorus and relatable story of teenage outcasts and rebellion. The song remains a nostalgic favorite, recognized for its mix of pop-punk energy and honest lyrics.

Brendan B. Brown has shared in interviews how the song’s background gives it a layer of depth beneath its sing-along surface, touching on themes of fear, misunderstanding, and defiance.

Courtney Hadwin’s performance didn’t just pay tribute to a classic—it reminded everyone why the song still matters and why she is a rising force to watch in music.