At just 12 years old, Grace VanderWaal stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage armed with nothing but a ukulele and a belief in miracles. When Simon Cowell questioned her chances of winning, she confidently replied that miracles could indeed happen. Little did she know, she was about to become the living proof of her own words, earning the coveted golden buzzer after a mesmerizing performance.
Hailing from Suffern village in New York State, Grace instantly won over the judges with her infectious personality. But it was her talent that truly stole the show. With her original indie pop song “I Don’t Know My Name,” accompanied skillfully by her ukulele, she showcased a songwriting style unlike anything seen on the show before. The audience was captivated, fully supporting this young prodigy.
Grace explained that her song was a reflection of her own journey to find her identity amidst her peers. It was a refreshing change to see a young artist tackle such a unique topic with such depth. But it wasn’t just the lyrics that impressed; Grace’s vocals were equally compelling, brimming with emotion and charisma.
Judge Howie Mandell became an instant fan, praising Grace’s originality and predicting that the world would soon know her name. And he wasn’t alone in his admiration. Simon Cowell himself likened her to the next Taylor Swift, a comparison that left Grace stunned and overwhelmed with emotion.
As Grace advanced straight to the live show round, Cowell shared his confidence in her potential, declaring her a star in the making. And he was proven right when Grace went on to win season 11 of America’s Got Talent, marking a historic moment as the show’s second child winner and second female winner.
Following her television success, Grace embarked on an original music career, signing with Columbia Records. Her 2016 EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” featuring the songs that propelled her to fame, enjoyed a top 10 US hit. And her debut studio album, “Just the Beginning,” further solidified her status as a rising star in the music industry.
Today, Grace continues to inspire with her talent and authenticity. Whether through her YouTube channel or Instagram, she remains a beacon of hope and creativity, proving that indeed, miracles can happen.