Judges Thought She Picked A Hard Song, But Once She Started Singing I Got Chills
A Star Is Born: The Audition That Shocked the Judges
This young talent walked into the audition full of confidence, ready to show the world her voice. However, when she revealed her song choice, Simon Cowell’s initial reaction was one of disbelief, laughing at her selection. The other judges quickly chimed in, saying, “Oh, that’s a hard song.” But the girl didn’t flinch. Instead, she flashed a determined look, made a playful face, and began to sing. And then, something incredible happened. Her performance was pure magic, and before anyone knew it, the GOLDEN BUZZER was pressed. You won’t want to miss this—watch the video in the comments below.
A Moment to Remember: Grace VanderWaal’s Breakout Performance
In 2016, a 12-year-old Grace VanderWaal stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, ready to share her original song. “I’m doing my own song tonight because it really shows who I am,” she declared. At the time, Grace was living in New York but was originally from Kansas. “Hopefully it does,” she added, nervously but excitedly.
What followed was a moment that would change her life forever. Grace’s heartfelt performance of “I Don’t Know My Name,” backed only by her ukulele, instantly captivated the judges. The song, raw and emotional, was a reflection of Grace’s journey in finding her identity. As she sang, “My name is unknown to me, I don’t play by the rules of the game,” her authenticity resonated with everyone in the room.
The Judges’ Reactions: A Life-Changing Moment
When the music stopped, the judges were stunned into silence. Howie Mandel, always one to speak his mind, was the first to express his thoughts. “This is a show about surprises,” he said. “You called yourself a miracle, and I think you are a beautiful, walking miracle.” He praised her originality, adding, “Everyone will know your name soon,” before pressing the Golden Buzzer, sending Grace straight to the live shows. Tears filled Grace’s eyes as Howie rushed to give her a hug. “You are incredible,” he told her.
Simon Cowell, known for his sharp eye for talent, was equally impressed. He noted that Grace’s ability to draw inspiration from her personal experiences made her stand out. “Grace, you know what I predict for you? You could be the next Taylor Swift,” he said. “What a wonderful girl. What a wonderful personality.”
Heidi Klum was equally taken aback by her talent, calling it “amazing.” Mel B echoed the sentiment, adding, “She’s unique.”
When asked if she thought she was now a star, Howie looked at Simon and said, “Do you think we have a star here?” Simon, with a smile, replied, “I think we’ve got a star.” And although he didn’t get to press the Golden Buzzer himself, he seemed more than satisfied with the moment.
Grace VanderWaal’s audition was nothing short of magical, and it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would eventually lead her to win America’s Got Talent Season 11 and take home the $1 million prize.