At just 12 years old, Grace VanderWaal arrived at America’s Got Talent, ukulele in tow, and confidently assured Simon Cowell that “miracles can happen.” True to her words, her stellar performance of an original indie pop song not only wowed the judges but also earned her the coveted golden buzzer.
Hailing from the small village of Suffern in New York State, Grace captivated everyone with her vibrant personality. When it was her turn to perform, she showcased her impressive talent by delivering her original “I Don’t Know My Name,” while playing the ukulele masterfully. Her performance revealed a songwriting style that was refreshingly unique for the America’s Got Talent stage, winning over the audience completely.
Grace shared that the song was a personal reflection, exploring the theme of finding one’s identity amidst peer pressure. This thoughtful approach to songwriting, especially from someone so young, set Grace apart from others. Additionally, her vocal performance was both powerful and nuanced, beautifully conveying the song’s emotional depth.
The judges were particularly impressed, especially Howie Mandel. “You’re original. People not knowing your name is so right and so wrong because I think the world is gonna know your name,” said the actor. Mandel then didn’t hesitate to press the golden buzzer, signaling that Grace’s name was indeed about to become known worldwide.
The emotional high point came when Grace shared a tearful embrace with her mother on stage. Grace’s journey continued on the show, where she performed another heartfelt original, “Beautiful Thing,” further showcasing her budding talent.
Another judge, Simon Cowell made a bold prediction after Grace VanderWaal’s performance, suggesting she could be the next Taylor Swift. Overwhelmed with emotion, Grace responded with a mix of tears and laughter, saying, “I feel like I’m kind of just daydreaming and I’m getting ready to wake up.” Her journey on America’s Got Talent didn’t stop there, as Grace sailed straight into the live shows.
Sharing his thoughts with other judges, Cowell stated: “I 100% think we’ve got a star. This girl is special.” His instincts were spot-on, as Grace went on to win the 11th season of America’s Got Talent, marking her as the second child contestant and the second female to win the title in the show’s history.
Following her successful triumph on television, Grace embarked on her music career, signing a deal with Columbia Records. Her EP, Perfectly Imperfect, released in 2016 and including tracks she performed on the show, landed in the top 10 in the US. Her success continued with the release of her debut studio album, Just the Beginning, which climbed into the top 30 in 2017. Indeed, it was all just the beginning for Grace, a true star in the making.
To delve deeper into Grace VanderWaal’s musical journey and enjoy more of her captivating performances, feel free to subscribe to her YouTube Channel or follow her Instagram. This New York native has demonstrated that with originality, a ukulele, and heartfelt vocals, you can never be too young to reach for the stars, and prove that miracles do happen in real life.