Current:Home > reviewsAmerica's Got Talent Alum Grace VanderWaal Is All Grown Up in Rare Life Update -FundTrack
America's Got Talent Alum Grace VanderWaal Is All Grown Up in Rare Life Update
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-06 18:34:53
Grace VanderWaal is fine being perfectly imperfect.
Nearly eight years after winning America's Got Talent, the singer made an impromptu appearance on one of TikToker David Carmi's Confidence Heist videos, in which he asks New Yorkers their secret to being confident while out on the streets.
"Oh my god, you're the TikTok guy!" she raved in an Aug. 14 video. "My name is Grace VanderWaal."
After David marveled at the "coincidence" of stumbling upon her, Grace said that her secret to looking confident is actually "having somewhere to go."
In addition, the 20-year-old said growing up in the spotlight helped her get out of her comfort zone.
"It threw me into scrutiny," explained Gracem who won America's Got Talent in 2016 at the age of 12. "And just kinda forced me to sink or swim."
And though it may sound "corny," the ukulele player advised viewers to "accept who you are" and embrace "your strengths" to become a more confident person.
But Grace also had some foreboding words to her younger self, adding with a grimace, "Don't trust everyone."
Indeed, Grace has done a lot of growing up since her TV debut, during which America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell called her the next Taylor Swift.
"Looking back, I have definitely faced the mental repercussions of that growing up," she told E! News in 2022. "I keep learning about how to take care of myself better and my biggest thing recently is just acknowledging your triggers."
Grace continued, "I've been doing this for so long that you get desensitized to hate online. I went through a ton of hate online when I was really young. I'm happy it happened though because it prepared me for this life."
So, what is she up to these days? Grace shared an update Aug. 26, posting a photo of her smoking on a New York City rooftop, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her filming her recently-released "Call It What You Want" music video.
She wrote on Instagram, "Life."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (58)
Related
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Terry Venables, the former England, Tottenham and Barcelona coach, has died at 80
- Digging to rescue 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in India halted after machine breaks
- Supporting nonprofits on GivingTuesday this year could have a bigger impact than usual
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Watch: Alabama beats Auburn behind miracle 31-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal
- Greek police arrest 6 alleged migrant traffickers and are looking for 7 others from the same gang
- Pakistan’s army says it killed 8 militants during a raid along the border with Afghanistan
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Terry Venables, the former England, Tottenham and Barcelona coach, has died at 80
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Beyoncé films to watch ahead of 'Renaissance' premiere
- Here's how much shoppers plan to spend between Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 live results: CM Punk returns, highlights from Chicago
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Former UK leader Boris Johnson joins a march against antisemitism in London
- Missing dog rescued by hikers in Colorado mountains reunited with owner after 2 months
- Mac Jones benched for fourth time this season, Bailey Zappe takes over in Patriots' loss
Recommendation
Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' film premieres: Top moments from the chrome carpet
Alex Smith roasts Tom Brady's mediocrity comment: He played in 'biggest cupcake division'
Mac Jones benched for fourth time this season, Bailey Zappe takes over in Patriots' loss
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
A new Pentagon program aims to speed up decisions on what AI tech is trustworthy enough to deploy
How WWE's Gunther sees Roman Reigns' title defenses: 'Should be a very special occasion'
Digging to rescue 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in India halted after machine breaks