GRACE VANDERWAAL

Grace VanderWaal is a 12-year-old singer-songwriter that lives in New York. She began making up songs when she was three and loved performing her originals for her family. She took piano lessons when she was four, which gave her a good foundation and basic understanding of music. Music has always been a passion for her and is a big part of her life. She began playing the saxophone when she was 10 and she plays in her school marching band and concert band.

For VanderWaal's 11th birthday, she bought herself a ukulele with her birthday money. She performed her first concert for her family two weeks later. To her parents' surprise, she could actually play the uke, which she learned from watching YouTube videos. Since then, the uke has been her instrument of choice and she has grown as an artist by performing at various open mic nights around New York and New Jersey. In April, VanderWaal began learning music theory from a local musician and this has really enlightened her and is broadening her understanding of music. She is so excited to be able to perform on "America's Got Talent" and hopes to break the barrier of age.

Follow Grace on Twitter @GraceVanderWaal