Grace Vanderwaal, the former winner of America’s Got Talent, has publicly shared her journey towards prioritising her mental wellbeing, revealing she recently completed a stint in rehab. The 22-year-old singer made the announcement in a candid TikTok video posted on Thursday, March 26.
In the video, Vanderwaal initially appears cheerful, with on-screen text proclaiming “out of rehab.” However, the mood shifts as she becomes visibly nervous, glancing away and mimicking a sense of breathlessness. She captioned the post, “First time kinda nervous,” acknowledging the vulnerability of sharing her experience.
Fans flooded the comments section with messages of support and pride. One TikTok user optimistically commented, “Back n better then ever,” reflecting the positive reception to her openness.
Vanderwaal Cancels Tour to Focus on Mental Health
This revelation about her rehab stay comes just two weeks after Vanderwaal made the difficult decision to withdraw from her upcoming tour with Natalie Jane. In a heartfelt message to her fans, she explained the reasons behind her cancellation.
“Hi everyone, it’s been a bit. I’m happy to be back and talk to yall,” she wrote. “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.”
She extended her apologies to those who might be disappointed, assuring them of her commitment to music. “I love you Natalie and know you’re going to kill it, and I’m sorry to anyone who’s disappointed I love you so much and will be singing very soon. Thank you guys for understanding. Again so so much love. -G.”
The decision to step back and focus on her mental health has garnered significant support from fellow artists and public figures.
Celebs Rally Behind Vanderwaal
Natalie Jane, her tour mate, was quick to show solidarity. She commented on Vanderwaal’s post, stating, “Health comes first always!!! ❤️❤️.”
Veteran broadcaster Carson Daly also weighed in, emphasising the importance of mental health. “Mental Health is health,” he wrote. “Wish more young artists would be as honest w themselves as you are being. Good on you 🙌.”
Singer Jewel also offered her support, simply penning, “Here for you, sis!”
The Weight of Early Fame: Vanderwaal Reflects on Childhood Stardom
This isn’t the first time Vanderwaal has spoken openly about the impact of her early career on her mental state. Having gained national recognition at a young age, she has previously detailed the “mental repercussions” she faced growing up in the spotlight.
In an interview in 2022, Vanderwaal shared her ongoing journey of self-care. “Looking back, I have definitely faced the mental repercussions of that growing up,” she said. “I keep learning about how to take care of myself better and my biggest thing recently is just acknowledging your triggers.”
She also touched upon the desensitisation to online negativity that comes with prolonged exposure to public scrutiny. “I’ve been doing this for so long that you get desensitized to hate online,” Vanderwaal explained. “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.”
Her mother’s passing from cancer in October 2025 also adds another layer to her personal journey, underscoring the resilience she has demonstrated in navigating significant life challenges. Vanderwaal’s willingness to share her experiences serves as a powerful reminder for others about the importance of prioritising mental health and seeking support when needed.
