Taylor Swift, Katy Perry et al. cheer on ‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Grace Vanderwaal
International pop superstars Taylor Swift and Katy Perry were among the music industry icons who congratulated Grace Vanderwaal for winning “America’s Got Talent” season 11.
Swift sent a huge bouquet of purple orchids to the 12-year-old singer-songwriter days after VanderWaal took home the titled and US$1 million (AU$1.3 million) grand prize of the NBC’s top-rated talent show.
The surprised preteen jumped for joy after finding out that Swift sent her the flowers. Earlier, AGT judge Simon Cowell had predicted VanderWaal to be the next Taylor Swift due to her superb song-writing talent.
Words can not explain how honored I am for this.. thank. You. SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! @taylorswift13 pic.twitter.com/KwcvIwGtpq
— Grace VanderWaal (@GraceVanderWaal) September 17, 2016
In an interview after her victory, VanderWaal said she hasn’t met Swift in person. She also disclosed her wish to see Perry in the flesh.
But for now, Perry managed to congratulate the young musician via social media.
@GraceVanderWaal Congrats! You have it. Protect it and keep _ing and ✏ ️ing...it will always serve you ❤ ️
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) September 16, 2016
Thank you i love you so much__ https://t.co/LLR8zZ0cyL
— Grace VanderWaal (@GraceVanderWaal) September 16, 2016
Jason Mraz also urged on the young Ukulele-playing musician.
Congratulations Grace!
— Jason Mraz (@jason_mraz) September 15, 2016
You really do SHINE!@GraceVanderWaal https://t.co/BL4e9UdyrX
Before being named as “America’s Got Talent” season 11 winner, VanderWaal performed four of her original songs during the competition. She auditioned with “I Don’t Know My Name,” which won her the golden buzzer from AGT judge Howie Mandel.
VanderWaal was voted through to the finals after performing “Beautiful Thing” during the quarterfinals, “Light The Sky” during the semifinals, and “Clay” during the Sep. 13 AGT finale night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Read: ‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Grace VanderWaal goes viral on YouTube with her original songs)
Ellen DeGeneres was also impressed with VanderWaal’s talent and inviter her to appear on her show this week.
You are so amazing, @GraceVanderWaal. America picked right. See you next week on my show. #AGT
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 15, 2016
During the awards night, Stevie Nicks lauded VanderWaal for being “quirky, a little weird and different.”
“Whatever happens, Grace is going to the top,” she said.
We see what @StevieNicks sees in @GraceVanderWaal. #AGT pic.twitter.com/RFTepdUlCP
— America's Got Talent (@nbcagt) September 16, 2016
Fans can catch VanderWaal perform on Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from Oct. 27 to 29. She will perform alongside AGT finalists Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass of The Clairvoyants and Tape Face.
This just in! @TapeFaceBoy & @ThommyAndAmelie will join @GraceVanderWaal for #AGTLive.
— Planet Hollywood (@PHVegas) September 16, 2016
Tix: https://t.co/KmhKI6jUQf pic.twitter.com/91aaI4gfTn
Meanwhile, audition for "America's Got Talent" season 12 has began. (Read: America’s Got Talent’ Season 12 audition dates announced)
