‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Grace VanderWaal goes viral on YouTube with her original songs
“America’s Got Talent” season 11 winner Grace VanderWaal indeed has the makings of the next Taylor Swift as her original compositions have accumulated over 35 million views on YouTube.
For performing her original tunes throughout the competition, the 12-year-old singer-songwriter from New York took home the US$1 million (AU$1.3 million) grand prize on NBC’s top-rated talent show after being declared as the winner Wednesday night in Hollywood. (Read: ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 11 winner is Grace VanderWaal)
A star is born. #AGT pic.twitter.com/wbsM4gohHp
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 15, 2016
VanderWaal’s audition piece, “I Don’t Know My Name,” has earned 35.7 million views on “America’s Got Talent’s” YouTube channel since it went online on June 7. Performing her original song earned VanderWaal the Golden Buzzer from AGT judge Howie Mandel, who described her as a “living, beautiful, walking miracle” and even predicted that “the world is going to know your name.”
The Ukulele-playing musician also impressed AGT judge Simon Cowell, who, after her audition, predicted that VanderWaal could be “the next Taylor Swift.”
.@GraceVanderWaal reprised "I Don't Know My Name" at the #AGTFinale and her journey came full circle. #AGT pic.twitter.com/l1g8uIojTw
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 15, 2016
VanderWaal secured a spot in “America’s Got Talent” 2016 semifinals after singing another original tune “Beautiful Thing,” which earned 4.7 million views on YouTube since Aug. 23.
We knew @GraceVanderWaal was a "Beautiful Thing" way before Quarterfinals. #AGT pic.twitter.com/WVqIb59tr7
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 15, 2016
She secured a spot on the Top 10 acts and rose to become the youngest finalist on season 11 after performing her composition “Light The Sky,” which recorded 2.6 million views since Aug. 30.
.@GraceVanderWaal lit up our hearts with "Light The Sky" during Semifinals. #AGT pic.twitter.com/XgyeFIYdR6
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 15, 2016
VanderWaal’s finale act, “Clay,” also went viral on YouTube with 2.7 million views since Sep. 13.
During the Finals, she proved she wasn't "Clay." @GraceVanderWaal is as original as they come. #AGT pic.twitter.com/CkgbkbU1f5
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 15, 2016
After “America’s Got Talent” season 11 wrapped up, VanderWaal will be seen next on Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she will perform from Oct. 27 to 29. She will also appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show next week.
You are so amazing, @GraceVanderWaal. America picked right. See you next week on my show. #AGT
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 15, 2016
The singer reportedly wants to donate part of her winnings from “America’s Got Talent” to a music charity and buy tree houses equipped with ziplines for her and her sister.
While she was compared to Taylor Swift, VanderWaal said she is yet to meet the international pop star and best-selling recording artist.
WATCH: Grace VanderWaal Wins 'America's Got Talent' Season 11
