At just twelve years old, singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal gave the world a glimpse of her talent during her 2016 *America’s Got Talent* audition. Before stepping on stage, Grace confidently said, “I’m performing my own song tonight because I really think it shows who I am.” Born in Kansas and living in New York at the time, she hoped the song would resonate with everyone.
Grace’s performance turned out to be a momentous one. It not only earned her the nickname “the next Taylor Swift,” but also paved the way for her incredible success. Ultimately, she won Season 11 of *AGT*, walking away with the $1 million prize.
During her audition, when Simon Cowell asked if she believed she could win, Grace humbly replied, “Miracles can happen, so possibly.” When asked about the song she’d be performing, she simply said, “It’s about me,” before adding that most of her school friends didn’t even know she could sing.
Accompanied by her ukulele, Grace stunned the audience with her original song, “I Don’t Know My Name.” The heartfelt lyrics about self-discovery struck a chord with everyone. With lines like, “I don’t play by the rules of the game,” her authenticity shone through.
As the crowd roared with applause, Grace faced the judges’ feedback. Howie Mandel was the first to speak, calling her performance “a beautiful, walking miracle.” He praised her originality and added, “Everyone will know your name now.”
Then, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending Grace straight to the live shows. Overcome with emotion, Grace cried tears of joy as Howie embraced her, telling her she was “incredible.”
Simon Cowell compared Grace to a pop star, saying her ability to write personal, heartfelt songs reminded him of someone famous. “You could be the next Taylor Swift,” he predicted.
The other judges were equally impressed, with Heidi Klum calling her “amazing,” and Mel B noting how special and unique she was. Simon summed it up, saying, “I think we’ve got a star.”
Since her rise to fame on *America’s Got Talent*, Grace VanderWaal has expanded her career into acting, starring in *Stargirl* and landing a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s *Megalopolis*. She has also released multiple albums, continuing to evolve as an artist.
You can catch past seasons of *America’s Got Talent* on Peacock. Don’t forget to share Grace’s inspiring story with friends and family, and let us know what you think in the comments!