I have never been a fan of TV shows with auditions and winners, but for some reason I decided to tune in to “America’s Got Talent” this year. Surprisingly, I wasn’t disappointed.

One thing I noticed while watching was that the contestants seem to be getting younger and younger. There were countless kids under 12 on AGT this season — magicians, contortionists, singers, musicians — and they’re absolutely amazing.

Twelve-year-old Grace VanderWaal reeled me in after her very first performance — singing her original song “I Don’t Know My Name” and playing the ukelele. Her emotions and little smiles throughout her performance made me tear up.

The song was very mature for a twelve year old. It started off quiet, and then became louder and louder as Grace’s passion and emotion grew. Lines such as “I am lost, trying to get found in an ocean of people,” and “I now know my name” show how the 12-year-old is trying to find her identity.

VanderWaal’s next song during the quarterfinals was called “Beautiful Thing.” At this point you could tell everyone watching was waiting for this particular performer.

“Beautiful Thing” was written about VanderWaal’s sister, and there was so much love and affection in this song — “We’re a beautiful thing together,” she sings. “Even when the weather is low, you’re a beautiful thing.”

Combining a croaky voice with emotion in every song made each of VanderWaal’s performances spectacular. The next song she performed was “Light the Sky,” and it was during the semifinals.

With its cracks and raspiness, VanderWaal’s voice is mature beyond her years. She sings for a new generation, judge Simon Cowell said, and the judges praised this performance, calling VanderWaal “in control” and “humble.”

Her final performance was one of the most anticipated in AGT history. The passion she put into “Clay” was so powerful. The song started off soft, similar to “I Don’t Know My Name,” and then grew into something bigger.

“I won’t live inside your world,” VanderWaal sings. “All your jokes and stupid games, they don’t work.”

A few verses later, something explodes within her, as she sings, “But baby I’m not clay.” A smile grows on Grace’s face and the song gets louder as she expresses that she won’t change herself for anybody.

This was a monumental moment for VanderWaal in the competition. I didn’t think it could get any better after each previous performance, but she proved me wrong during the finals. Grace has never-ending talent, including being an incredible performer, singer and ukulele player, and no other contestant deserved to win more than her.

From being referred to as “the next Taylor Swift,” to being a favorite among the judges, including the notoriously skeptical Cowell, it was no shock when VanderWaal was crowned the winner of “America’s Got Talent.” She is going to be a huge star because of her individual sound, and she is only 12 years old.

Recently, it seems like more singers and performers are launching their careers at young ages. For example, Daya, the 17-year-old  “Don’t Let Me Down” singer, has seen exceptional success. Fifth Harmony’s Camila Cabello is only 19, and all the other members are 22 and under. Heartthrob Sean Mendes is an impressive 17 years old. The list could go on forever.

Nowadays it’s hard to find new, pure and raw talent in the cluttered and fast-paced music world. It’s coming from a different and younger generation now. Luckily, the world has been introduced to VanderWaal, who will be around for a long, long time.

Published on September 26, 2016 at 9:12 pm