Grace VanderWaal SaysAmerica's Got TalentForced Her to 'Sink or Swim': 'It Threw Me into Scrutiny'

Mar. 15, 2025

Grace VanderWaal attends Amy and Gary Green’s the Footprint of Life Gala at Private Residence on August 24, 2023 in Bridgehampton, NY.Photo:Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan/Getty

Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan/Getty

Grace VanderWaalis reflecting on her experience onAmerica’s Got Talent.

The singer and actress, 20, took part in TikToker David Carmi’s Confidence Heist videos. When asked what makes her confident on a New York City street, she initially responded, “Having somewhere to go makes you look confident because you’re just in a rush.”

“I honestly felt like it helped me as a person because it threw me into scrutiny,” she explained. “And just kinda forced me to sink or swim.”

As for her secret to becoming a more confident person, she shared, “Just accept who you are… ew, that’s so corny but it’s true,” adding that people should focus on their “strengths.”

She also revealed the advice she would give her younger self, saying, “Don’t trust anyone.”

Grace VanderWaal on “America’s Got Talent”.NBC

NBC

In May, VanderWaalstepped outfor the premiere of her film,Megalopolis. The movie marks VanderWaal’s third film since she got into acting after starting her music career, which includes two EPs and one studio album.

She first starred in the 2020 Disney+ film,Stargirl,and then its sequel,Hollywood Stargirl,in 2022.

From left: Grace VanderWaal and Nick Cannon on “America’s Got Talent”.NBC

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Back in 2022, the performer reflected on the moment whenAGTjudgeSimon Cowellreferred to her as the nextTaylor Swift.

“Looking back, I have definitely faced the mental repercussions of that growing up,” she toldE! Newsat the time. “I keep learning about how to take care of myself better and my biggest thing recently is just acknowledging your triggers.”

“I’ve been doing this for so long that you get desensitized to hate online,” she added. “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.”

source: people.com