Epic Top Trending's video: The Evolution of Grace Vanderwaal 2004 -2020

Born in January of 2004 in Lenexa Kansas, Grace is the youngest of three children born to Tina and David Vanderwaal. Depending on who you ask, Grace drew inspiration to learn the ukulele from either watching a video of Twenty One Pilot’s Tyler Joseph or watching her Brazilian au pair play the instrument. As Grace’s confidence increased, she set her sights on the show that launched Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to stardom, American Idol. Unfortunately, the age limit for the show was 15 and Grace was not old enough to audition but this would open the door for another talent show. The singer told Teen Vouge in 2016, “We always said that when I was 15, I was going to audition for American Idol. And then one day my mom just called me downstairs and she had her laptop out and was like, ‘I signed you up for America’s Got Talent’, and the next weekend I auditioned.” From the moment she started singing, Grace captivated the judges and viewers with her performance of her original song “I don’t know my name.” The performance earned Grace a standing ovation and judge Howie Mandel called Grace a living, beautiful, walking miracle before hitting the golden buzzer, sending Grace straight to the live shows. Grace would go on to win season 11 of America’s Got Talent, making her the second female winner and only the second child act to win in the show’s history. In December of 2020, Grace showed off a new look which she debuted on Instagram and her newly created TIK Tok account. Nearly unrecognizable with the edgy new look, the change in appearance left some fans concerned, fearing the drastic change might be tied to potential mental health issues. More than anything it sounds like Grace is just experiencing the next turning point in her life as she gains wisdom and explores newfound personal freedom and independence. What do you think of Grace’s new look?