Grace VanderWaal's Net Worth, Biography • Scottmax.com

Grace VanderWaal is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, actress, and ukulele virtuoso, who rose to prominence as a child prodigy. Born on January 15, 2004, in Lenexa, Kansas, she demonstrated a passion for music from a young age, writing her own songs and learning to play the ukulele by watching YouTube videos. Grace’s breakthrough came when she won the 11th season of “America's Got Talent” (AGT) in 2016 at the age of 12, captivating both the judges and the audience with her original songs and soulful performances.

Her audition on AGT with the original song “I Don’t Know My Name” quickly went viral, earning her a Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel and a place in the hearts of millions. Throughout the competition, Grace continued to perform her own songs, showcasing a remarkable maturity and authenticity in her music. Her win on AGT led to widespread recognition and praise from notable figures in the music industry, including Simon Cowell, who called her “the next Taylor Swift”.

Following her success on AGT, Grace released her debut EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” in December 2016, which debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. The EP featured original tracks that highlighted her distinctive voice and insightful lyrics, further solidifying her reputation as a talented young artist. In 2017, she released her first full-length album, “Just the Beginning,” which included hit singles like “Moonlight” and “So Much More Than This”. The album showcased her evolving sound and lyrical depth, earning positive reviews and expanding her fan base.

Grace’s artistic journey is marked by numerous accolades and milestones. She has won several awards, including the Radio Disney Music Award for Best New Artist and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Next Big Thing. She was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Music list in 2018, highlighting her impact on the industry at a young age.

Grace VanderWaal continues to evolve as an artist, consistently pushing the boundaries of her music and exploring new creative avenues. With her talent, drive, and genuine spirit, she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a role model for aspiring musicians and performers worldwide.

Life And Career

Grace Avery VanderWaal was born on January 15, 2004, in Lenexa, Kansas, and grew up in Suffern, New York. Demonstrating an interest in music from an early age, she began writing her own songs and learning to play the ukulele by watching YouTube tutorials. Supported by her family, she performed at local open mic nights and community events.

Grace's big break came in 2016 when she auditioned for the 11th season of “America's Got Talent” (AGT) at the age of 12. Her audition performance of her original song “I Don’t Know My Name” wowed the judges, earning her a Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel and sending her straight to the live shows. Throughout the competition, she continued to perform original songs, including “Beautiful Thing,” “Light the Sky,” and “Clay”. Her unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and charming stage presence quickly made her a fan favourite. Grace ultimately won the competition, becoming the second female and second youngest winner in the show’s history.

In November 2017, Grace released her first full-length album, “Just the Beginning”. The album included singles such as “Moonlight,” “Sick of Being Told,” and “So Much More Than This”. It showcased her evolving musical style and lyrical depth, earning critical acclaim and expanding her fan base. Grace promoted the album with her first headlining tour, the “Just the Beginning Tour,” which spanned North America.

Grace continued to build on her success with several singles, including “Clearly” (2018), a reimagined cover of Johnny Nash's “I Can See Clearly Now,” and “Stray” (2019), which marked a more mature and introspective turn in her music. She performed at various high-profile events, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival and opening for Imagine Dragons on their “Evolve World Tour”.

In addition to her music, Grace ventured into acting. She made her film debut as the lead character, Stargirl Caraway, in the Disney+ original movie “Stargirl,” released in March 2020. The film, based on the best-selling novel by Jerry Spinelli, received positive reviews, with Grace's performance being particularly praised for its authenticity and charm. She reprised her role in the sequel, “Hollywood Stargirl,” released in 2022, continuing to impress with her acting abilities.

Grace is known for her down-to-earth personality and advocacy for individuality and self-expression. She often addresses themes of self-discovery and empowerment in her music and uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their unique identities. Despite her young age, Grace has shown remarkable maturity and resilience in navigating the pressures of fame and maintaining her artistic integrity.

Grace has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Some of her notable achievements include the 2017 Radio Disney Music Award for Best New Artist, the 2017 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award, the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Next Big Thing, and being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Music List in 2018.

Rise To Fame And Major Achievements

Grace VanderWaal's rise to fame began in 2016 when she auditioned for the 11th season of “America's Got Talent” (AGT) at just 12 years old. Performing her original song “I Don’t Know My Name,” Grace captivated the judges and the audience with her distinctive voice and ukulele skills. Howie Mandel awarded her the coveted Golden Buzzer, propelling her straight to the live shows. Throughout the competition, Grace continued to showcase her song writing talent with performances of “Beautiful Thing,” “Light the Sky,” and “Clay,” each of which resonated deeply with viewers and the judges. Her authenticity and heartfelt lyrics quickly made her a fan favourite and she ultimately won the competition, becoming the second female and second youngest winner in AGT history.

Following her AGT victory, Grace signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. She released her debut EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” in December 2016. The EP, featuring five original tracks including her AGT hit “I Don’t Know My Name,” debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. Critics praised the EP for its authenticity and Grace's unique voice, establishing her as a promising young artist.

In November 2017, Grace released her first full-length album, “Just the Beginning.” This album marked a significant step in her career, featuring singles such as “Moonlight,” “Sick of Being Told,” and “So Much More Than This”. The album showcased her evolving musical style and lyrical depth, receiving critical acclaim and further expanding her fan base. Grace promoted the album with her first headlining tour, the “Just the Beginning Tour,” which spanned North America and solidified her presence in the music industry.

Grace continued to build on her success with several standalone singles. In 2018, she released “Clearly,” a reimagined cover of Johnny Nash's “I Can See Clearly Now,” which demonstrated her ability to reinterpret classic songs with her unique style. In 2019, she released “Stray,” a more mature and introspective track that marked her continued growth as an artist. These releases were well-received, and she performed at high-profile events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and as an opening act for Imagine Dragons on their “Evolve World Tour”.

As of 2024, Grace is working on new projects, both in music and potentially in film, demonstrating her dedication to her craft and her versatility as an artist. Her journey from a small-town girl with a ukulele to a globally recognized artist and actress is a testament to her exceptional talent, creativity, and authenticity. Grace VanderWaal's rise to fame and major achievements serve as an inspiring story of following one's passion and staying true to oneself.

Net worth

Grace VanderWaal's net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $5 million. She initially gained widespread fame by winning the 11th season of “America's Got Talent” in 2016, where her unique voice and original song “I Don't Know My Name” captivated audiences and judges alike. This victory not only earned her a $1 million prize but also launched her music career.

Following her win, VanderWaal signed a record deal with Columbia Records. Her debut EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” was released in December 2016 and reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. Her first full-length album, “Just the Beginning,” came out in 2017 and included popular singles like “Moonlight” and “So Much More Than This”.

In addition to her music career, Grace has ventured into acting. She made her acting debut in the Disney+ film “Stargirl” in 2020, which expanded her fan base and added to her income. She also reprised her role in the sequel, “Hollywood Stargirl,” released in 2022.

VanderWaal's income is bolstered by her music sales, concert tours, and brand endorsements. She has collaborated with brands such as Fender, which released a signature ukulele in her name. Her YouTube channel and various sponsorships also contribute significantly to her earnings.

Personal Life

Grace Avery VanderWaal was born on January 15, 2004, in Lenexa, Kansas. Her parents, Tina and David VanderWaal have been supportive of her musical pursuits from a young age. David VanderWaal works as a vice president of marketing for LG Electronics. Grace has two siblings, an older sister named Olivia and an older brother named Jakob.

The VanderWaal family relocated to Suffern, New York when Grace was young. Growing up, Grace was home-schooled for a time and attended online classes after her win on “America's Got Talent” in 2016. She later attended public school and was slated to graduate from Laurel Springs School in 2022.

Grace's interest in music began early, as she started writing songs at the age of three. Her passion for the ukulele was ignited after watching a video by Twenty-One Pilots on YouTube. For her 11th birthday, she requested a ukulele, but her mother initially refused. Undeterred, Grace saved her birthday money and bought one herself, teaching herself to play through online tutorials.

Despite her early fame, Grace has maintained a grounded and authentic persona. She is known for her advocacy of individuality and self-expression, often addressing themes of self-discovery and empowerment in her music. This focus on positive messaging has resonated with many of her fans, making her a role model for young people around the works.

Philanthropy

Grace VanderWaal, a talented singer-songwriter who gained fame with her unique voice and original compositions, has demonstrated a profound commitment to philanthropy throughout her career. Since her rise to prominence, VanderWaal has used her growing platform not just for musical expression but also to champion various charitable causes. Her philanthropic efforts are often centred on issues related to children's health, education, and general well-being.

One of the key aspects of VanderWaal's charitable work is her support for organizations that focus on improving the lives of young people. She has been involved in campaigns and events that aim to raise awareness and funds for initiatives dedicated to bettering the lives of children facing health challenges or educational barriers. By lending her voice and influence to these causes, VanderWaal helps shine a spotlight on important issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Additionally, VanderWaal's philanthropy extends to personal engagements, where she participates in charity events and collaborates with non-profits to further their missions. Her contributions go beyond mere financial support; she actively engages with the causes she supports, often participating in events or using her platform to advocate for change.

Conclusion

Grace VanderWaal's career is a testament to her exceptional talent and social consciousness. Rising to fame with her distinctive voice and ukulele skills, she has achieved significant success in the music industry. Alongside her artistic accomplishments, VanderWaal has actively supported charitable causes, particularly those focused on children's health and education. Her journey reflects a harmonious blend of creative excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

References

1· https://www·gracevanderwaal·com/

2· https://www·rollingstone·com/

3· https://www·billboard·com/

4· https://people·com/

5· https://www·charitynavigator·org/