In 2016, 12-year-old Grace VanderWaal took the stage for her America’s Got Talent audition with a song of her own creation. “I’m performing my original song tonight because it truly represents who I am,” she shared before playing “I Don’t Know My Name” on her ukulele. From the first note, her voice and heartfelt lyrics captivated the audience.
Judge Howie Mandel was quick to react. “You’re a living, beautiful, walking miracle,” he said before slamming the Golden Buzzer, sending Grace straight to the live shows. He confidently added, “I think the world is going to know your name.”
Simon Cowell chimed in with, “I think you’re the next Taylor Swift,” while Heidi Klum echoed the panel’s admiration, calling it “a big wow.”
Grace went on to win Season 11 of AGT and took home the $1 million prize. Since then, she’s expanded her career into acting, starring in Stargirl and portraying a pop star in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.
Catch previous seasons of America’s Got Talent on Peacock.
Watch the incredible audition below: