Grace VanderWaal, American singer

Grace VanderWaal: A Rising Star's Journey from YouTube to Global Recognition

Grace Avery VanderWaal, born on January 15, 2004, is a distinguished American singer-songwriter and actress. Hailing from Suffern, New York, VanderWaal captivated audiences from a young age with her unique musicality. She is widely recognized for her distinctive, husky vocals and her signature accompaniment, often performed on the ukulele, which has become synonymous with her artistic identity.

The Genesis of a Career: From Online Videos to AGT Triumph

VanderWaal's journey into the music industry began in the digital sphere, where she independently cultivated a following by uploading videos of her original compositions and creative covers to YouTube. This foundational period was complemented by her appearances at local open mic nights in and around her hometown of Suffern, New York, allowing her to refine her stage presence and connect with early fans. Her remarkable talent quickly garnered attention, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in her career.

In September 2016, at the tender age of 12, Grace VanderWaal achieved widespread fame by winning the eleventh season of NBC's highly competitive television show, America's Got Talent (AGT). Her victory was particularly notable because she performed only original songs throughout the competition, a testament to her songwriting prowess and authentic artistic voice. Her debut song on the show, "I Don't Know My Name," instantly became a viral sensation, showcasing her raw talent and endearing personality to millions.

Post-AGT Success: Recording Deals and Album Releases

Following her AGT win, VanderWaal quickly transitioned into the professional music landscape. In December 2016, she released her debut extended play (EP), titled Perfectly Imperfect, under the prestigious Columbia Records label. This EP was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting impressively at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying her position as a significant new artist. Building on this momentum, she unveiled her first full-length studio album, Just the Beginning, in November 2017. This album further showcased her evolving songwriting and vocal capabilities. In November 2019, she continued to expand her discography with the release of her second EP, Letters Vol. 1, demonstrating her continued artistic growth and versatility.

Notable Performances, Extensive Tours, and Acting Debut

Grace VanderWaal's burgeoning career has seen her perform on some of the world's most iconic stages and participate in diverse, high-profile events:

• Major Venues: She has graced stages at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, a direct result of her AGT prize, and the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City.
• International Events: Her global presence was marked by performances at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria, highlighting her commitment to significant causes.
• Festivals and Benefit Concerts: VanderWaal has been a featured artist at renowned music festivals such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and has lent her voice to numerous benefit concerts, using her platform for charitable endeavors.
• Television Appearances: She has appeared on a variety of prominent television talk shows, including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," engaging with a broad audience.

Her concert tours have also been a significant part of her career trajectory:

• First Headlining Tour: In 2017, she embarked on her inaugural concert tour, directly supporting her album Just the Beginning, allowing fans to experience her music live.
• Supporting Major Acts: In mid-2018, she joined Imagine Dragons on their extensive Evolve World Tour, gaining exposure to larger audiences. Following this, in 2019, she opened for Florence and the Machine, further broadening her performance experience.
• "Ur So Beautiful" Tour: Demonstrating her growing status as a headliner, she subsequently launched her own "Ur So Beautiful" tour in 2019, leading her own series of concerts.

In 2020, Grace VanderWaal expanded her artistic repertoire by making her acting debut. She starred as Susan "Stargirl" Caraway in the Disney+ musical drama film Stargirl, a role that allowed her to showcase both her acting and musical talents to a new audience.

Accolades and Industry Recognition

Grace VanderWaal's impact on the music industry at a young age has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and inclusions:

• Radio Disney Music Award: She won the 2017 Radio Disney Music Award for Best New Artist, signaling her immediate appeal to a youth audience.
• Teen Choice Award: In 2017, she also received a Teen Choice Award for Choice Next Big Thing, further cementing her status as an emerging talent.
• Billboard Women in Music: She was honored with the 2017 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award, acknowledging her rapid ascent in the industry.
• Billboard's 21 Under 21: Demonstrating consistent impact, VanderWaal has been named to Billboard magazine's highly regarded "21 Under 21" list of fast-rising young music stars an impressive five times, spanning 2016–2019 and again in 2021. This consistent inclusion highlights her sustained relevance and influence in the music world.
• Forbes 30 Under 30: Notably, Grace VanderWaal holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever included in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 music list, a remarkable achievement that underscores her profound impact and promising future in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grace VanderWaal

When was Grace VanderWaal born?

Grace VanderWaal was born on January 15, 2004.

How did Grace VanderWaal become famous?

She gained widespread fame after winning the eleventh season of America's Got Talent (AGT) in September 2016, where she performed her original songs.

What instruments does Grace VanderWaal play?

She is primarily known for accompanying herself on the ukulele.

Has Grace VanderWaal released any albums?

Yes, she released her debut EP, Perfectly Imperfect (2016), and her full-length album, Just the Beginning (2017), along with another EP, Letters Vol. 1 (2019).

Did Grace VanderWaal star in a movie?

Yes, she made her acting debut in 2020, starring as Susan "Stargirl" Caraway in the Disney+ musical drama film Stargirl.