Grace VanderWaal's latest ensemble is truly deserving of a golden buzzer moment. As she marked her 21st birthday on January 15, the former America's Got Talent sensation sparkled brilliantly in a glittery gown that perfectly suited the festive ambiance. On her special day, the singer—who triumphed in the talent competition series at the tender age of 12 back in 2016—shared an Instagram carousel showcasing her in a sheer beige minidress adorned with dazzling sequins. Throughout various snapshots and clips, she struck whimsical poses for the camera, playfully winking and blowing kisses with a radiant smile.
Though Grace has matured into a stunning young woman, she has recently reflected on navigating the pressures of coming of age in the public eye after her AGT victory. "I genuinely believe it benefited my personal growth," she confided to content creator David Carmi in a TikTok video posted in August 2024. "It subjected me to scrutiny and compelled me to either rise or falter." The "So Much More Than This" crooner then imparted some "cheesy" yet "genuine" advice, urging others to embrace their true selves. However, she also issued a word of caution against deceptive influences, sharing another invaluable lesson: "Don't place blind trust in everyone."
Grace has acknowledged that her public upbringing came with its own share of highs and lows, but she has transformed these experiences into opportunities for personal development. "I feel like I'm constantly learning how to better care for myself, and lately, my primary focus has been acknowledging my triggers," she revealed to E! News in 2022. "Staying in your pajamas all day will only lead to depression. Let's rise, dress up, and embrace the day."
Furthermore, she hasn't allowed negativity to dampen her well-being. "I've been in this industry for so long that I've become somewhat desensitized to online hate," she continued. "I faced a deluge of hatred online when I was very young. But I'm grateful for those experiences because they prepared me for this life."
