In 2016, a young Courtney Hadwin took the stage at the Live & Loud event and delivered a cover of Elvis Presley’s timeless classic “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Though she was still at the beginning of her musical journey, the performance captured something extraordinary: a raw, soulful voice beyond her years and a presence that foreshadowed the artist she would become. Looking back now, this early moment shines as an important chapter in Hadwin’s rise from small-town performer to internationally recognized rock star.

Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is one of the most iconic love ballads in history. Covered by countless artists over the decades, it is a song that requires not only technical control but also deep emotional sincerity. For Courtney, who was just a teenager in 2016, tackling such a legendary piece was a bold move. Yet her unique tone and natural gift for storytelling made the performance unforgettable. Rather than attempting to mimic Elvis’s smooth croon, she infused the song with her own edge—raspy, emotive, and powerful.

What stood out most in the Live & Loud 2016 performance was Courtney’s authenticity. Even at that age, she carried the song with an emotional weight that felt genuine. Her voice, already developing its signature bluesy-rock texture, connected with the audience on a deeper level. As she sang the familiar lyrics, she managed to make the song feel fresh, as if rediscovering love and vulnerability for the very first time.

The atmosphere of the show contributed to the magic. The setting was intimate but energized, with fans leaning in to witness the raw emotion of her delivery. There was no elaborate stage production or flashy effects—just a young artist, a microphone, and a classic song. The simplicity allowed Courtney’s voice and presence to shine. Each phrase built on the last, and by the time she reached the soaring final lines, the crowd was completely captivated.

For longtime followers of Courtney Hadwin, this performance now feels like a glimpse into the future. The traits that later propelled her to fame on America’s Got Talent—the gritty vocals, fearless stage presence, and ability to pour her soul into every lyric—were already evident. In “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” you could hear the seeds of the rock and blues powerhouse she would blossom into.

It is also significant that she chose Elvis Presley, one of the greatest icons of music history. Much like Elvis, Courtney thrives on breaking expectations and blending styles. While he bridged gospel, country, and rock ‘n’ roll, she draws from soul, blues, and modern rock influences. In that sense, her 2016 cover felt almost symbolic—a young artist paying tribute to a legend while carving out her own identity.

Today, fans continue to revisit clips of Courtney’s Live & Loud performance as a reminder of where it all began. It is a performance that not only honors Elvis’s legacy but also highlights Courtney Hadwin’s rare gift: the ability to transform even the most familiar songs into something personal and electrifying. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” was not just a cover that night—it was a promise of the artist she was destined to become.