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10 Things You Didn't Know About AGT'S Grace Vanderwaal

This songwriting prodigy keeps on surprising.

Lindsay Thomaston

Nov 15, 2016

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10 Things You Didn't Know About AGT'S Grace Vanderwaal

http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/video/grace-vanderwaal-live-finale-performance/3098889

Grace Vanderwaal, the 12-year-old pint-sized indie vocal powerhouse stole hearts and the show when she performed for the first time on the America's Got Talent stage during its season 11 run.

The recording of her standing ovation performance blew up the internet barely a day later, skyrocketing Vanderwaal's name to viral level, inciting Simon Cowell and new fans alike to call her "the next Taylor Swift". Now, she's won America's Got Talent, has just released an EP, and is set to perform during the iconic 90th anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade celebration. This golden buzzer girl is just getting started. If her prodigy songwriting hasn't surprised you enough, check out the 10 facts below:

1. She taught herself how to play the ukulele...

She was inspired to play after seeing Twenty One Pilots' cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love", and began to teach herself watching YouTube videos. Her penchant for songwriting began at age 10.

2 ...which she saved up for and bought herself.

She now has a total of five in her collection, but her 11th birthday funds went toward purchasing the first uke. And what an investment it was.

3. She also plays saxophone. Aaand the piano.

Brb just feeling like I haven't done anything with my life.

4. Her friend's didn't know about her talent.

And they didn't, until at school the day after her golden buzzer audition aired!

5. She started performing at open mic nights.

America's Got Talent was by far, the biggest crowd yet, but Vanderwaal only started performing in front of audiences a year ago. Check out this rendition of her performing Sia's "Breathe Me" an an open mic.

6. She loves animals.

Two dogs complete the Vanderwaal family.

7. A lot of celebrities have noticed her- including Justin Bieber, Lucy Hale, & Reese Witherspoon

Vanderwaal could not believe that singer/actress Lucy Hale knew her name.

8. She's lactose intolerant

And she misses ice-cream. A lot. (Who wouldn't?)

9. She's a Capricorn!

Her birthday is January 15th, making this gal a proud rep of #TeamCap.

10. T. Swift sent her flowers

Watch the video of her adorable freak-out here.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things You Didn't Know About AGT'S Grace Vanderwaal

This songwriting prodigy keeps on surprising.

1. She taught herself how to play the ukulele...

2 ...which she saved up for and bought herself.

3. She also plays saxophone. Aaand the piano.

4. Her friend's didn't know about her talent.

5. She started performing at open mic nights.

6. She loves animals.

7. A lot of celebrities have noticed her- including Justin Bieber, Lucy Hale, & Reese Witherspoon

8. She's lactose intolerant

9. She's a Capricorn!

10. T. Swift sent her flowers

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The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

You can forget to breathe OR to buy fruit OR to even pet a dog but you cannot forget these things!!

All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

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