Grace VanderWaal
Press Reviews

About the Artist

Grace VanderWaal rose to stardom as the precocious ukulele player and singer-songwriter who captivated America when she won NBC's America's Got Talent in 2016 at just 12 years old. Her performances blend a mature lyrical introspection with a youthful, soulfully raspy voice that effortlessly straddles pop and indie sensibilities. Grace's music often reveals layers upon repeated listens, as she herself admits to uncovering the subconscious meanings in her songs like "Stray," which explores the exhilarating fear and freedom of growing up — a theme that resonates with her fans who have watched her grow in real time. Despite her rapid rise to fame, Grace maintains a grounded persona, humorously balancing her life between sold-out tours and high school proms, even planning to work at a local movie theater concession stand. Her songwriting is marked by a raw, authentic quality accompanied by the gentle strumming of her signature Fender ukulele, adding a distinctive acoustic texture that sets her apart in the contemporary music landscape. Off stage, she channels her energy into philanthropy through her own Little Miracles Foundation aimed at supporting music education for marginalized communities, proving that her impact extends far beyond the microphone.