At just 12 years old, Grace VanderWaal has become an international sensation. The talented singer was found on America’s Got Talent but she’s actually been on the internet for some time.
Global (18 September 2016) – If you haven’t heard of Grace VanderWaal yet, let me introduce you to one of the most talented young artists to grace a stage (pun fully intended).
Grace, a singer-songwriter with a ukulele and a voice that pulls at your heartstrings, first captured the world’s attention on America’s Got Talent at just 12 years old. It wasn’t just her raspy voice or her musical talent that stole the show—it was her authenticity, vulnerability, and absolute joy that made her performance so unforgettable.
Grace performed an original song titled “I Don’t Know My Name” in her audition, and it was pure magic. You could almost feel the room hold its breath. The ukulele might be a small instrument, but Grace made it fill the entire stage with her unique sound. Her lyrics were raw, and her voice sounded far beyond her years, with a touch of soulfulness that you’d expect from a seasoned artist, not a pre-teen. When she finished her song, it was clear she had left everyone in the audience and at home stunned.
It was no surprise when Simon Cowell said she was “the next Taylor Swift,” and even less of a shock when Howie Mandel hit the golden buzzer, sending her straight through to the live shows. The sheer emotion on her face was such a genuine moment—one of those moments that reminds you why we all love watching talent shows like AGT.
What’s truly inspiring about Grace isn’t just her talent; it’s the way she stayed true to herself throughout the entire competition. She continued to perform her original songs, unafraid to let the world see her creativity. At an age where most kids are still figuring out who they are, Grace was already owning her quirks and turning them into her greatest strengths. She wasn’t just another contestant trying to fit into the mould of a pop star; she was unapologetically herself—and that’s what made her a standout.
Check out some of her awesome videos below (pre America’s Got Talent):
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