Grace VanderWaal

Grace VanderWaal – Life, Career & Memorable Quotes

Explore the inspiring journey of Grace VanderWaal (born January 15, 2004) — from winning America’s Got Talent at 12 to becoming a singer-songwriter and actress. Discover her music, philosophy, and standout quotes.

Introduction

Grace Avery VanderWaal (born January 15, 2004) is an American singer-songwriter and actress known for her unique voice, lyrical maturity, and early breakout via America’s Got Talent. VanderWaal’s story is one of youthful ambition, creative authenticity, and evolving artistry in the public eye.

Early Life and Family

Grace VanderWaal was born in Lenexa, Kansas, and her parents are Tina and David VanderWaal.

She has an older brother and older sister. Laurel Springs School in 2022.

Her upbringing combined the support of family, an early interest in music, and a willingness to share her voice publicly.

Career & Achievements

Breakthrough — America’s Got Talent (2016)

At age 12, VanderWaal auditioned for Season 11 of America’s Got Talent, singing her original song “I Don’t Know My Name.”

Her audition video became widely viewed online and helped establish her early fan base.

Recording & Musical Releases

After her AGT win, VanderWaal signed with Columbia Records and Syco Music and released her debut EP Perfectly Imperfect in December 2016. best-selling EP of 2016.

She then released her first full-length studio album, Just the Beginning, in 2017, which debuted at number 22 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

Over the years, she continued writing and releasing new music, including the EP Letters Vol. 1 (2019).

Acting & Recent Projects

VanderWaal also branched into acting:

• She starred in Stargirl (2020), playing Susan “Stargirl” Caraway.

• She reprised her role in Hollywood Stargirl (2022).

• In 2024, she appeared in Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, as Vesta Sweetwater, a pop star character entwined in a deep-fake scandal. She also contributed songs to the film’s soundtrack.

• In 2025, she released her second full-length album Childstar and embarked on the Childstar Tour.

She also delivered a stirring rendition of “The Impossible Dream” at the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors.

Awards & Recognition

• She has received Radio Disney Music Awards, a Teen Choice Award, and the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award.

• In 2018, she won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Push Act.

• She has been featured multiple times on Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list (2016–2019, 2021).

• She is the youngest person ever included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 music list.

Her influence also includes being the youngest artist with a Fender signature ukulele series, which was released in 2018.

Personality, Style & Themes

Grace VanderWaal’s musical style blends pop, folk, and introspective singer-songwriter sensibilities, often accompanied by ukulele.

Her songs often explore themes such as identity, personal growth, emotional honesty, and the struggles of growing up under public scrutiny.

VanderWaal has spoken openly about the pressures of fame beginning in childhood, managing public scrutiny, and striving to stay authentic.

She values kindness, setting boundaries, and the idea that one can express truth and self in spite of external expectations.

Famous Quotes by Grace VanderWaal

Below are some memorable statements attributed to her:

• “Always be kind, but kindness doesn’t mean that you have to not say what you think.”

• “The way I deal with the haters is that they’re supporting me even though it might be negativity… they’re putting another comment on my page which is helping me in the long run achieve my goal.”

• “Whenever I’m traveling, it’s a switch of, like, adult, mature Grace VanderWaal answering questions. Sometimes it’s hard to get that balance of old, normal me as well.”

• “All the pain in my sorrow. Won’t change today, only ruin tomorrow.”

• “Stars are dull when they’re compared to you and I.”

These lines give a window into her reflections on self, struggle, and emotional integrity.

Lessons from Grace VanderWaal

1. Authenticity resonates
   Even at a young age, Grace’s willingness to write and perform original songs (instead of covers) helped her stand out.

2. Vulnerability can be strength
   She doesn’t shy away from discussing doubts, fears, or criticism—recognizing that truth connects with others.

3. Growth is continuous
   Transitioning from a child star to a mature artist involves balancing past identity and future evolution.

4. Boundaries matter
   Being kind doesn’t mean suppressing one’s voice—Grace emphasizes expressing truth respectfully.

5. Take care of yourself under spotlight
   Facing public scrutiny early can be taxing; her experience underscores the importance of support, self-awareness, and mental resilience.

Conclusion

Grace VanderWaal is a rare contemporary example of someone who grew up in the public eye while maintaining a strong sense of self and creative voice. From her AGT victory at 12 to her expanding roles as musician, songwriter, and actress, she continues to evolve and push boundaries.