Grace VanderWaal’s 2016 debut on “America’s Got Talent” captivated many viewers. Howie Mandel gave her the coveted Golden Buzzer for her original song “I Don’t Know My Name,” which established the tone for her stay on the programme. At the age of 12, VanderWaal won first place and the whole competition.
Since then, the singer has continued to release new songs and has appeared in Disney+’s “Stargirl” movie. In addition, VanderWaal discussed what it was like to transition from an ordinary child to an instant fame. “I was a little child and had no idea what I was doing,” she stated in reaction to her audition all those years ago, as reported by E! News. “The manner that has simply revolutionised my life is just unreal. And now, many years later, I am still in the business. I never imagined I would be doing that.”
Even still, winning “America’s Got Talent” at such a young age was not without its drawbacks; VanderWaal had more than her fair share of detractors growing up in the spotlight.
Despite her early success, Grace VanderWaal was negatively affected by her popularity. She became weary of media attention and criticism, which often manifested as online harassment. The musician told E! News that he had mental ramifications as a result of this growing up. VanderWaal noted that “things may be painful at times,” but the singer has learnt to disregard internet hatred. “However, I’m glad that occurred because it prepared me for this life,” she said to the newspaper.
Although VanderWaal said that she still suffers with her early rise to stardom, she has developed coping mechanisms. “I feel like I’m always learning how to take better care of myself, and the most important thing I’ve learned lately is to recognise your triggers,” she told E! News. “Staying in your jammies all day would make me feel miserable. Let’s get up, get dressed.”
VanderWaal told Fault in May 2022 that she was thrilled about where she was in her career and how she had become “unfiltered and raw” as a result of her hardships.
With Disney’s “Stargirl,” Grace VanderWaal added “actress” to her portfolio after winning “America’s Got Talent.” The 2020 film, based on Jerry Spinelli’s book of the same name, follows the musically talented young Stargirl Caraway, whose compassion has a good effect on others around her. Two years later, a sequel titled “Hollywood Stargirl” was published, which followed Stargirl to Los Angeles.
While not explicitly modelled on VanderWaal, it is difficult to overlook the parallels between the actor and Stargirl. The singer tells Schon! that she and her character have “certainly grown up together.” Then, VanderWaal noted that she’s “ecstatic that the narrative was somewhat adapted to this truth. Being able to grow with Stargirl and experience the same musical transformation enabled her to develop a strong emotional bond to the character.” The film was released at the perfect moment.
VanderWaal told Schon! that she, like Stargirl, “finds possibilities in adverse circumstances.” Her future objective is to create a “growth year” and improve her communication skills. If the singer’s self-expression results in more sincere music, it is logical to assume that she will have an abundance of followers. In fact, it was her exceptional skill that won over audiences all those years ago.
