Grace VanderWaal: From America’s Got Talent to Megalopolis

Grace VanderWaal, who first captured the nation’s attention as a 12-year-old ukulele prodigy on America’s Got Talent, is now a 20-year-old singer and actress with a promising career ahead. With two new singles released in the past two months and a role in the upcoming Francis Ford Coppola film, Megalopolis, VanderWaal is making waves in both the music and film industries.

A new chapter in music and film

In a recent interview, VanderWaal shared her experiences working on Megalopolis and her evolving musical journey. Having made her acting debut in Disney’s Stargirl, she is not ruling out future acting projects but is currently focused on her next album. VanderWaal describes her upcoming album as “heavy” and a true reflection of her current mental state.

“There isn’t really a resolution to the album because it is a freeze in time of what I’m mentally going through right now,” she explains. “I thought that that is impactful and artistic because it is so real, and it is kind of dark, but reality doesn’t have a resolution.”

Behind the scenes of Megalopolis

A creative and collaborative experience

VanderWaal’s experience on the set of Megalopolis was both creative and collaborative. She felt a sense of freedom in making the role her own, which allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the project.

“The experience on the set and making my portion of it was really creative, and it was very collaborative. I definitely felt like I was able to make everything my own.”

Working with a cinematic legend

Despite being born after most of Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic films were released, VanderWaal was well aware of his legendary status in the film industry.

“His work has solidified itself in cinematic history; it’s just timeless. His work will thrive for generations and generations.”

A compelling character

In Megalopolis, VanderWaal plays Vesta Sweetwater, a young woman caught in the power struggles of two men. The depth and complexity of her character drew her to the project.

“I liked the virginal aspect being translated into modern times. It was a crystal clear commentary on very conservative pop stars that we have today.”

Musical evolution

Bridging the gap

VanderWaal’s recent singles, “Call it What You Want” and “What’s Left of Me,” serve as a bridge between her earlier music and her new artistic direction. This transition was intentional, aiming to introduce her new project gradually.

“It was really important for us to slowly integrate my new project into the music that people know and what I do.”

Breaking out of the box

Reflecting on her musical journey, VanderWaal acknowledges that she has felt confined by her early success, but she recognizes that these limitations were self-imposed.

“I think that we end up telling ourselves that people like us for one thing and kind of limiting ourselves probably more than any other outsider would.”

Life beyond the spotlight

Reflecting on America’s Got Talent

As she enters her 20s, VanderWaal looks back on her time on America’s Got Talent with a sense of gratitude and perspective.

“I’m happy. I’m so happy with everything that went down. America’s Got Talent was nothing. I mean, that’s such a machine that there’s no really… you know what I’m saying? You’re just kind of going through the motions of it.”

Personal passions

When she’s not working on music or acting, VanderWaal enjoys watching movies, decorating her house, and spending time with her cat. She is also deeply passionate about understanding patriarchal values and systems and how they affect society.

“I’m very, very passionate and inspired by patriarchal values and systems historically, and also how they subconsciously still affect every single person today without even knowing it.”

The role model dilemma

VanderWaal has never felt pressured to be a role model, but she acknowledges the inherent responsibility that comes with being in the public eye.

“I never felt pressure to be a role model because I was 12 and 13. Just the inherent pressure to, and not even pressure, I mean for good reason, but obviously protect myself in a sense.”

Looking ahead

As VanderWaal continues to grow and evolve as an artist, she remains committed to creating and producing work that she herself would enjoy.

“I like quality. I like thought and art, and that’s kind of all you need to know about me, and if you like those things or crave those things, I might be the person to kind of entertain that in the near future.”

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