Who is Grace VanderWaal? Grace VanderWaal is a young musical prodigy who captured hearts worldwide with her unique voice and ukulele skills. Born on January 15, 2004, she rose to fame after winning the 11th season of "America's Got Talent" in 2016. Known for her original songs and distinctive style, Grace has since released multiple albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her music blends pop, folk, and indie elements, creating a sound that's both fresh and timeless. Beyond music, Grace has also ventured into acting, making her film debut in "Stargirl" on Disney+. Curious about more facts about this talented artist? Keep reading to uncover 29 fascinating details about Grace VanderWaal!
Grace VanderWaal: The Early Years
Grace VanderWaal, a name that resonates with music lovers, has a fascinating journey. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early life and career beginnings.
- 01Grace Avery VanderWaal was born on January 15, 2004, in Lenexa, Kansas.
- 02She started writing songs at the age of three, showing her musical talent early on.
- 03Grace taught herself to play the ukulele by watching YouTube videos.
- 04At age 12, she auditioned for "America's Got Talent" (AGT) and wowed the judges with her original song "I Don't Know My Name."
- 05Simon Cowell, one of the AGT judges, called her "the next Taylor Swift."
America's Got Talent Journey
Grace's journey on AGT was nothing short of spectacular. Her performances left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience.
- 06Grace received the Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel during her audition, sending her straight to the live shows.
- 07Throughout the competition, she performed original songs, showcasing her songwriting skills.
- 08Grace won the 11th season of AGT on September 14, 2016.
- 09Her win included a $1 million prize and a headline show in Las Vegas.
- 10Grace became the second female and the second child to win AGT.
Post-AGT Success
Winning AGT was just the beginning for Grace. Her career took off, and she continued to achieve remarkable milestones.
- 11Grace signed a record deal with Columbia Records and Syco Music shortly after her AGT win.
- 12She released her debut EP, "Perfectly Imperfect," in December 2016, which debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart.
- 13Grace's first full-length album, "Just the Beginning," was released in November 2017.
- 14She embarked on her first tour, the "Just the Beginning Tour," in 2018.
- 15Grace made her acting debut in the Disney+ movie "Stargirl," released in March 2020.
Musical Style and Influences
Grace's unique musical style and influences have played a significant role in shaping her career.
- 16Her music blends pop, folk, and indie genres, creating a distinctive sound.
- 17Grace cites Twenty One Pilots, Katy Perry, and Jason Mraz as some of her musical influences.
- 18She often incorporates personal experiences and emotions into her songwriting.
- 19Grace's raspy voice and ukulele playing have become her signature style.
- 20She has been compared to artists like Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson.
Awards and Recognition
Grace's talent has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
- 21Grace won the Radio Disney Music Award for Best New Artist in 2017.
- 22She was named to Billboard's 21 Under 21 list in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- 23Grace received the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women in Music event in 2017.
- 24She was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Next Big Thing in 2017.
- 25Grace was included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the Music category in 2018.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her music career, Grace has a variety of interests and a unique personality that endears her to fans.
- 26Grace is an animal lover and has a pet dog named Frankie.
- 27She enjoys drawing and often shares her artwork on social media.
- 28Grace is passionate about fashion and has a distinctive, quirky style.
- 29She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and self-acceptance.
Vanderwaal's Fascinating World
Vanderwaal's life is full of interesting facts that make her a unique figure. From her musical talents to her passion for animals, she’s more than just a singer. Her dedication to her craft and her philanthropic efforts show a person who cares deeply about her fans and the world around her. Whether it's her record-breaking achievements or her quirky hobbies, Vanderwaal continues to inspire many. Her journey from a young talent to a celebrated artist proves that with hard work and authenticity, dreams can come true. Keep an eye on her; she’s bound to surprise us with more amazing feats. Thanks for sticking around to learn these fun tidbits about Vanderwaal. Keep exploring the world of facts, and who knows what you'll find next!
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