Grace Vanderwaal (born on January 15, 2004) is a young American songwriter, singer, and actress who gained widespread recognition after emerging as the season 11 American Got Talent winner.
She has also gained popularity for her tracks like Letters, Perfectly, imperfect, and Others.
Early life
Grace Vanderwaal was born and raised in Lenexa, Kansas, within the family of David Vanderwaal and Tina Vanderwaal. Her father, David Vanderwaal, is of Dutch descent. After David’s promotion to the position of vice president of marketing at LG Electronics, the family had to relocate to Suffern, New York.
Growing up, Grace had the company of her older brother and sister, Olivia Vanderwaal and Jacob Vanderwaal. She attended Laurel High School, where she completed her primary education.
Career
Grace Vanderwaal’s passion for music began to take shape at the tender age of three. Even at such a young age, she felt inspired to pursue a career as a singer, drawing inspiration from movies and engaging in imaginative play. With a deep love for music, Grace took it upon herself to learn the ukulele, a musical instrument, by watching video tutorials.
In 2015, Grace made her initial foray into the public sphere by showcasing her singing talent on YouTube. She captivated audiences with her soulful voice, accompanied by the ukulele. Eager to share her music with a live audience, she started performing at open mic events in her local area.
A significant turning point in Grace’s musical journey came in 2016 when she auditioned for season 11 of “America’s Got Talent.” She wowed the judges and viewers alike with her original song, “I Don’t Know My Name,” earning the coveted golden buzzer. Grace’s remarkable performances propelled her to the finale, where she ultimately emerged as the show’s winner, capturing hearts with her heartfelt rendition of “Clay.”
Following her triumph on “America’s Got Talent,” Grace released her debut album, “Just the Beginning,” in 2017. The album showcased her songwriting skills and established her as a rising star in the music industry. Furthermore, she lent her talents to the soundtrack of the animated film “Wonder Park,” contributing to the song “Highway.”
In addition to her musical pursuits, Grace ventured into acting. In 2022, she starred in the Disney film “Stargirl,” portraying the character of Susan Caraway. Her multi-faceted talent and artistic endeavors continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Awards & Nomination
- America’s Got Talent
- Radio Disney Music Awards
- Teen Choice Awards
- Billboard Women in Music
- MTV Europe Music Awards
- iHeartRadio Music Awards
- Shorty Awards
- Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
- Radio Disney Music Awards (additional years)
- Streamy Awards
- People’s Choice Awards
- Kids’ Choice Awards
Discography
Studio Albums:
- Just the Beginning
EPs:
- Perfectly Imperfect
- Letters: Vol. 1
Soundtrack:
- Wonder Park (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Featured on the song Highway
Personal Life
Grace Vanderwaal, an emerging actress in the industry, is garnering attention for her talent and potential. Despite her rising popularity, she is currently believed to be single, choosing to prioritize her career and focus on her professional endeavors.
Regarding her physical attributes, Grace stands at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). She maintains a lean physique, weighing approximately 48 kilograms (106 pounds).
Social Media
- Instagram @gracevanderwaal
- Twitter @Grace Vanderwaal
Net Worth
Grace has amassed a total net worth of about US$3 million – US5 million. She derived most of her income from her song sales.