Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A former winner of America’s Got Talent has announced that she will be stepping back from planned tour appearances while she addresses her mental health.
Grace VanderWaal was crowned the winner of the competition show’s 11th season, becoming known for her distinct singing voice and ukulele skills when she was 12 years old.
Now 22, WanderWaal returned to social media Monday after an extended break to let her fans know that she would no longer be joining singer-songwriter Natalie Jane on tour.
“Hi everyone, it’s been a bit,” her statement read. “Im happy to be back and talk to yall. I unfortunately will not be going on the Natalie Jane tour due to mental health.”
“I’ve been struggling for a while and am choosing myself in this moment. I love you Natalie and know you’re going to kill it, and I’m sorry to anyone who’s disappointed,” she continued.
open image in gallery
‘America’s Got Talent’ winner, Grace VanderWaal, announced she was stepping away from a planned tour appearance for her mental health (Getty Images for The Recording A)
VanderWaal’s post concluded as she assured fans she would be singing again “soon” and apologized for disappointing anyone who wanted to see her.
“Thank you guys for understanding. Again so so much love. – G,” the singer wrote, further emphasizing her point in the post’s caption by writing, “I apologize, sending love to all of you.”
Many people replied to the “I Don’t Know My Name” singer’s post, expressing that her health should come first and that her fans will still be around when she returns.
“Health comes first always!!!” Jane wrote.
“Mental Health is health,” Today co-host Carson Daly also wrote in the comments. “Wish more young artists would be as honest w themselves as you are being. Good on you.”
VanderWaal has previously spoken about her mental health following her time on the competition show, opening up to E! News in 2022 about being in the spotlight from such a young age.
open image in gallery
VanderWaal, pictured in 2016, was just 12 years old when she appeared on ‘AGT’ (Getty Images)
“Looking back, I have definitely faced the mental repercussions of that growing up,” she said at the time. “I keep learning about how to take care of myself better, and my biggest thing recently is just acknowledging your triggers.
“I’ve been doing this for so long that you get desensitized to hate online,” she added. “I went through a ton of hate online when I was really young. I’m happy it happened, though, because it prepared me for this life.”
The AGT winner’s announcement comes months after her mother, Tina VanderWaal, died in October 2025 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Can’t yet find the words,” the singer wrote on Instagram at the time. “I love you mommy. So much. I wake up and want to call you. I don’t know how to move forward without you. I love you.”