Howie Mandel pressed the Golden Buzzer, and Simon Cowell dubbed her “the next Taylor Swift.” Grace VanderWaal’s first audition on America’s Got Talent at the age of 12 wowed audiences, demonstrating her exceptional vocal ability.
Her choice of song made the judges question her performance, but she was able to stun over 50 million viewers who had seen her audition.
Asked if she believed she could win the competition, charming Grace answered, “Well, miracles can happen.”
Grace accompanied herself on the ukulele. When she walked the stage at the talent competition, most of her friends and classmates discovered that she can sing and write songs. She unleashed her distinct voice and songwriting abilities right there, divulging the secret of her musical passion.
She wowed the judges right from the start; with the opening lines of her original song.
“I don’t know my name. I don’t play by the rules of the game,” the lyrics went. “So you say I’m just trying, just trying.”
Both the judges and the audience were surprised more and more as her song went on.
Howie Mandel was quick to comment the performance that took his breath away. “This is a show about surprises,” he said. “You used the word miracle, and I think you are a living, beautiful, walking miracle.”
He then continued praising Grace’s song and performance, adding, “You’re original. People not knowing your name is so right and so wrong, because I think the world is gonna know your name. I think right now they’re gonna know your name,” referencing the lyrics of the unique piece.
Mandel then pressed the Golden Buzzer.
Simon Cowell wasn’t short of words of praise for the young talent.
“Grace, you know what I predict for you,” he said. “I think you are the next Taylor Swift. What a great girl. What a great personality.”
You can watch Grace’s mesmerizing performance in the video below.
