Grace VanderWaal's AGT Journey: Where Is the Singer Now?

Grace VanderWaal: From Child Star to Multifaceted Artist

Grace VanderWaal may no longer be the ukulele-strumming wunderkind of her youth, but her artistic talent continues to shine brightly. The singer-songwriter and former child star captured the hearts of millions on America’s Got Talent nearly a decade ago when she won Season 11 at just 12 years old. Her unique voice and original song “I Don’t Know My Name” left the judges in awe, earning her a Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel and setting the stage for a career that has evolved far beyond her early fame.

Now 21, VanderWaal has built a multifaceted career spanning music, film, and modeling. In April 2025, she released her sophomore album, Childstar, an emotionally rich project that delves into her experiences growing up in the entertainment industry. The album marks a significant step in her artistic journey, reflecting on the pressures and challenges of early stardom while also embracing her personal growth.

A Journey Through Music

VanderWaal taught herself to play the ukulele at age 11 by watching YouTube tutorials. Her talents caught the attention of the world during her 2016 audition on AGT. She performed her original song with a raspy tone that stunned the judges. When asked if she thought she could win the show, she modestly replied, “I mean, miracles can happen.”

Her performance resonated deeply with Howie Mandel, who gave her a Golden Buzzer, calling her “a living, beautiful, walking miracle.” VanderWaal went on to win the competition, beating out other talented contestants like the mentalist duo The Clairvoyants and magician Jon Dorenbos.

Following her victory, VanderWaal quickly released her debut EP, Perfectly Imperfect, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2017, she released her first full-length album, Just the Beginning, featuring hits like “Moonlight” and “Sick of Being Told.” The album earned her recognition at Billboard’s Women in Music event, where she received the Rising Star Award.

After a six-year hiatus, VanderWaal returned to the music scene with Childstar, an album that explores themes of identity, success, and the emotional toll of being a child star. In interviews, she has spoken openly about the pressure to conform to certain expectations and the struggle to maintain her authenticity.

Acting and Modeling Ventures

In addition to her music career, VanderWaal has made a name for herself in the acting world. She made her debut in 2020 with a starring role in Stargirl, a Disney+ adaptation of the young adult novel of the same name. The film was followed by a sequel, Hollywood Stargirl, in 2022. VanderWaal described the experience as challenging yet rewarding, noting that it was different from performing her own songs. “When you’re telling someone else’s story, it’s more difficult to figure out what they would have wanted people to feel,” she said in a 2020 interview.

More recently, she appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s sci-fi epic Megalopolis, playing the role of teen pop star Vesta Sweetwater alongside Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Nathalie Emmanuel. Her role in the film further solidified her presence in the entertainment industry.

A Career Beyond the Spotlight

VanderWaal’s career extends beyond music and acting. In 2017, at just 13 years old, she signed with IMG Models and began attending major fashion events. She has been a regular at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, showcasing her versatility and appeal in the fashion world.

Her journey from a child star to a well-rounded artist has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Through her music, acting, and modeling, VanderWaal continues to evolve and redefine what it means to be a successful performer in today’s entertainment landscape. With each new project, she demonstrates a deep understanding of her craft and a commitment to authenticity.