Grace VanderWaal Net Worth

What is Grace VanderWaal's net worth?

Grace VanderWaal is an American singer and songwriter who has a net worth of $3 million. Grace VanderWall rose to national fame in 2016 after winning the 11th season of "America's Got Talent" at just 12 years old. With her distinctive voice, ukulele-driven style, and original compositions, she captured the hearts of judges and viewers alike. Her debut single, "I Don't Know My Name," became an anthem of self-discovery and set the tone for a music career that has since included EPs, full-length albums, and arena tours. VanderWaal was quickly signed to Columbia Records and Syco Music and released her debut EP, "Perfectly Imperfect," later that year. She followed it with her first full album, "Just the Beginning," and continued to evolve her sound with the more introspective and experimental "Letters: Vol. 1."

Outside of music, VanderWaal has expanded into acting, making her feature film debut as the lead in Disney+'s "Stargirl." With her unique fashion sense, poetic songwriting, and mature lyrical voice, she has continued to gain a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim as one of her generation's most compelling young artists. Whether through music, film, or public appearances, VanderWaal has consistently displayed a blend of creativity, vulnerability, and independence that sets her apart in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Grace Avery VanderWaal was born on January 15, 2004, in Lenexa, Kansas, and later moved to Suffern, New York. She began singing and writing songs at the age of three and taught herself to play the ukulele by watching YouTube tutorials when she was around 11. Before her breakthrough, she performed at local open mics and recorded covers and original songs on her YouTube channel. She was inspired by artists like Twenty One Pilots, Katy Perry, and Jason Mraz, and developed a musical style that blended folk-pop with singer-songwriter authenticity.

Encouraged by her family, VanderWaal auditioned for "America's Got Talent" in 2016 with her original song "I Don't Know My Name," which immediately earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Howie Mandel. Her performances throughout the season continued to highlight her songwriting talent and vocal uniqueness, culminating in her winning the competition at age 12.

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Breakthrough and Music Career

Following her win on "America's Got Talent," VanderWaal signed with Columbia Records and Syco Music and released her debut EP, "Perfectly Imperfect," in December 2016. The EP featured songs she performed during the show, including "Light the Sky" and "Clay." It debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and became the best-selling EP of the year.

In 2017, she released her first full-length studio album, "Just the Beginning," which showcased a more mature pop sound while retaining her signature introspective lyrics. Songs like "Moonlight," "So Much More Than This," and "Escape My Mind" further established her artistic range and earned praise from music critics. VanderWaal supported the album with a solo tour and served as an opening act for Imagine Dragons on their "Evolve Tour."

In 2019, she released the EP "Letters: Vol. 1," which marked a shift toward darker, more experimental production and deeply personal themes. Songs like "Ur So Beautiful" and "Waste My Time" reflected her growth both as an artist and as a young woman navigating adolescence in the public eye.

(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Acting and Other Projects

In 2020, Grace made her acting debut in the Disney+ original film "Stargirl," playing the title role of Susan "Stargirl" Caraway. Adapted from Jerry Spinelli's novel, the film tells the story of a free-spirited teen who shakes up the social norms of a high school with her kindness and creativity. VanderWaal also contributed several songs to the soundtrack, including "Today and Tomorrow." Her performance received positive reviews and led to a sequel, "Hollywood Stargirl," released in 2022.

Musical Style and Influence

VanderWaal's music is often described as a mix of indie pop, folk, and alternative, driven by her raw lyrics and distinctive voice. Her early work prominently featured the ukulele, which became something of a trademark, though her later material has incorporated more layered pop and electronic production. Lyrically, she often writes about identity, insecurity, change, and the complexities of growing up—topics that resonate with her largely Gen Z fanbase.

Her songwriting maturity and unfiltered approach have drawn comparisons to artists like Regina Spektor, Lorde, and Sia. She has consistently resisted industry pressure to conform to mainstream pop trends, instead choosing to experiment with her sound and aesthetic on her own terms.

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