Grace VanderWaal: From 12-Year-Old AGT Sensation to Hollywood Star
The world first met 12-year-old Grace VanderWaal in 2016, when she appeared on America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage with just a ukulele and a song she had written. “I’m doing my own song tonight because I really think that it shows who
.
I am,” Grace declared, apprehensive but determined, before enthralling the crowd with “I Don’t Know My Name.” What transpired was a pivotal event that would permanently alter her life.
Both the live crowd and the millions of people watching at home were moved by Grace’s performance from the very first pluck of her ukulele. The response to her sincere lyrics, unfiltered emotion, and distinctive voice was very good.
However, the real highlight of the evening was when AGT judge Howie Mandel, who was clearly impressed by Grace’s performance, pressed the coveted Golden Buzzer, saturating the stage with golden confetti and guaranteeing Grace’s spot in the live performances.
Unable to conceal his excitement for the young star, Mandel declared, “You are a living, beautiful, walking miracle.” “I think the world is going to know your name,” he added boldly. His prediction came true as Grace’s audition went viral, garnering millions of views and catapulting her into immediate fame.Never one to back down from a strong opinion, Simon Cowell provided yet another striking analogy. Cowell proclaimed, “I think you are the next Taylor Swift,” placing Grace beside one of the most well-known pop stars of the era. Mel B and Heidi Klum were similarly impressed; Klum merely remarked, “That is a big wow.”
Grace’s experience competing on America’s Got Talent was truly remarkable. She performed original songs week after week, showcasing her unique talent and profound emotional awareness that were well above her years.
As one of the youngest winners in AGT history, Grace secured her position by winning the $1 million grand prize at the conclusion of Season 11.
But for Grace VanderWaal, winning AGT was just the start. Since then, the adolescent sensation has pursued acting in addition to music. She debuted as an actress in 2020 in the Disney+ original movie Stargirl, in which she portrayed the title role,
a self-assured and eccentric high school girl who infuses her friends with vitality and color. The movie had positive reviews, and Grace was praised for her effortless on-screen persona.
Grace continued her acting career after that. She will feature in the upcoming epic drama Megalopolis, which is helmed by the renowned Francis Ford Coppola. She plays a blossoming pop singer in the movie, which enables her to combine her growing acting career with her musical abilities.
Many people are excited to discover how Grace’s character fits into the bigger story of this massive undertaking, and the excitement surrounding Megalopolis has been growing.
Grace VanderWaal has developed further as an actress, singer, and artist since her stint on AGT. Fans all throughout the world are still drawn to her music because of its eerie melodies and reflective lyrics.
Grace has always been committed to forging her own distinct career in the entertainment sector, even though she may be compared to Taylor Swift and other icons.
From her modest beginnings as a timid preteen playing the ukulele to her thriving Hollywood career, Grace VanderWaal has demonstrated that she is a multifaceted star with a promising future rather than merely a passing talent. The world is definitely aware of her name now, as Howie Mandel foresaw, and Grace isn’t showing any signs of stopping down.
Fans can relive Grace’s memorable audition and performances from previous seasons of America’s Got Talent, which are currently available for streaming on Peacock.
