Grace VanderWaal: From ukulele prodigy to edgy artist
A journey of transformation
Eight years have passed since Grace VanderWaal captured hearts on “America’s Got Talent” with her ukulele and soulful songs. Now 20, VanderWaal reflects on her evolution from a shy 12-year-old to a confident young woman. Recently, she recounted an amusing encounter with a fan who couldn’t believe she had grown up. “She was like, ‘You’re a woman! You’re a grown-up!'” VanderWaal recalls, laughing at the fan’s shock.
Breaking free from the past
Despite her growth, many fans still see her as the symbol of youthful innocence. “I’ve been so afraid to shatter that dream for people,” she admits. However, VanderWaal is determined to reclaim her identity. “I want you to ask yourself, why do you feel personally affected? It is really sad, but it’s been very liberating to reclaim that for myself.”
Musical evolution
After her “America’s Got Talent” win, VanderWaal released her debut EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” which became the bestselling EP of 2016. Her first album, “Just the Beginning,” followed in 2017, showcasing her folky, ukulele-driven sound. But VanderWaal has since moved beyond that image, releasing singles with more complex production and an edgier vibe.
Now, she’s gearing up for her second full-length album, which she feels truly represents her. This year, she signed with Pulse Records and began pushing the project in a “conceptual” direction. “It’s definitely going to upset people and make people really uncomfortable,” she says of the album, which tackles serious and heavy topics.
A bold new direction
VanderWaal’s new album promises to be a departure from her previous work. “I was saying crazy shit and Pulse is just like, ‘Oh, we love it! Yes!'” she says. “They were genuinely like, ‘Yeah, let’s freak people out together.'”
The first single, “Call It What You Want,” is a grunge-tinged guitar-pop track that serves as a gentle reintroduction. “We were like, let’s not throw people over the edge,” she explains. However, her latest release, “What’s Left of Me,” hints at the album’s darker themes, exploring the aftermath of a life-changing breakup.
Art imitating life
VanderWaal’s artistic journey extends beyond music. After starring in Disney’s “Stargirl” and its sequel, she takes on a dramatically different role in Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming film, “Megalopolis.” In the movie, she plays Vesta Sweetwater, a virginal pop star caught in a deep-fake sex scandal. VanderWaal even wrote two songs for the film, adding a personal touch to her character.
Working with Coppola was a collaborative experience. “You’d think Francis Ford Coppola, at his stature — I would never, ever anticipate the experience that I had,” she says. “He truly just wanted to follow the art and what was best for the movie.”
A focus on music
Despite her foray into acting, VanderWaal remains committed to her music. “I don’t think I would ever do anything just for a check or to be on-screen,” she says. “Honey, I spent my whole childhood on-screen.”
Looking ahead
As VanderWaal prepares to release her new album, she continues to challenge herself and her audience. Her journey from a ukulele-playing prodigy to an edgy artist is a testament to her growth and resilience. For fans old and new, Grace VanderWaal’s evolution promises to be an exciting ride.
For more on Grace VanderWaal’s music, check out her latest single What’s Left of Me.
For a glimpse of her acting chops, watch the trailer for Megalopolis.
Note: This article is a personal reflection and analysis of Grace VanderWaal’s career and artistic evolution. It aims to provide an in-depth look at her journey and the themes she explores in her work.