Judges Thought She Picked A Hard Song, But Once She Started Singing I Got Chills

Before stepping on stage for her life-changing 2016 America’s Got Talent audition, 12-year-old singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal gave the audience a glimpse of what was to come. “I’m doing my own song tonight because I think it really shows who I am,” she said with quiet confidence. Born in Kansas and living in New York at the time, Grace wasn’t entirely sure of what was about to happen. “Hopefully,” she added with a hopeful smile. Little did she know, her performance would leave a lasting impact on the judges, the audience, and the world.

Grace’s powerful audition quickly earned her comparisons to Taylor Swift, marking the beginning of a sparkling career in music. That night, she performed an original song titled “I Don’t Know My Name,” a deeply personal and introspective piece about self-discovery. Accompanied by her ukulele, Grace’s unique voice and raw emotion captivated everyone in the room. The lyrics, “I don’t play by the rules of the game, so you say I’m just trying,” struck a chord with the audience and the judges, making it clear that this young girl was unlike any performer they had seen before.

When the performance ended, the judges were in awe. Howie Mandel, never one to shy away from expressing his excitement, called Grace “a beautiful, walking miracle.” He was particularly moved by her originality and confidence in showcasing such a personal piece. Without hesitation, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, propelling Grace straight into the live shows. Overcome with emotion, Grace burst into tears as Howie rushed to embrace her. “You are incredible,” he whispered to the young star.

Simon Cowell, known for his critical eye, was equally impressed. He told Grace that her songwriting reminded him of a pop star, predicting that she could be “the next Taylor Swift.” Heidi Klum and Mel B echoed Simon’s sentiment, praising Grace for her authenticity and unique voice. “She’s one of a kind,” Mel B noted.

That night, Grace became more than just a contestant—she became a star. Her performance not only won her the $1 million prize in AGT Season 11, but it also launched her career in both music and acting. Since then, Grace has released several albums and ventured into acting, starring in Stargirl and landing a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.

Now a rising star, Grace continues to shine in the industry, but her America’s Got Talent audition remains a defining moment in her career. Want to relive the magic? You can watch past seasons of AGT on Peacock.

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