12-Year-Old Girl Stuns the Judges with Original Song

In one of the most iconic auditions in America’s Got Talent history, a 12-year-old girl walked out onto the stage armed with nothing more than a ukulele, a nervous giggle, and a song she wrote herself. Her name was Grace VanderWaal, and no one expected what came next.

As she stood barefoot under the bright lights in her quirky yellow pants and preppy layered shirt, the audience wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. Her quiet voice and unsure introduction sparked skepticism. But the moment she began strumming her ukulele and singing the first words of her original song, “I Don’t Know My Name,” the entire room changed.

Grace’s raw, unpolished vocals held an honesty that felt rare and completely authentic. With every lyric, she unfolded her inner world with confidence that defied her age. By the time she hit the final note, the judges and crowd alike were visibly moved — especially Howie Mandel, who didn’t hesitate to slam his Golden Buzzer.

The golden confetti rained down as Grace stood stunned in the middle of the stage, overwhelmed by emotion. It was more than a performance — it was a moment of discovery. Overnight, Grace went from an unknown middle schooler to a global sensation, proving that sometimes, the quietest voices carry the loudest messages.

Watch the full performance here:

Credits: TalentRecap