Grace VanderWaal Just Dropped Her Most Honest Album Yet: “CHILDSTAR”
Grace VanderWaal releases “CHILDSTAR” — a raw, powerful new album and short film exploring fame, girlhood, and growth.
Grace VanderWaal is ready to tell her side of the story. Her new album CHILDSTAR, out now via PULSE Records, is a vulnerable, powerful deep dive into the experience of growing up famous—and reclaiming her voice in the process.
The 20-year-old artist co-directed and co-choreographed CHILDSTAR: Final Act, a short film that brings five songs from the album to life. Featuring striking performances of “Proud,” “Brand New,” “Homesick,” “Behavioral Problems,” and “Fade,” it’s an emotional visual experience that mirrors the album’s raw storytelling.
On “Proud,” she sings, “Promise I’ll be small. I won’t take up space at all…” and unpacks how praise and pressure were weaponized in her youth. “You’re choosing to be strong, only because it’s your responsibility to be strong,” she explains. “Proud is the story of the ‘golden child’ archetype.”
CHILDSTAR also explores objectification (“Brand New”) and romanticized nostalgia (“Homesick”) with poetic honesty.
“This album gifted me something I’m eternally grateful for, and that’s my power,” says Grace. “To you reading, thank you endlessly for listening.”
Her CHILDSTAR – ON TOUR run kicks off May 4 and includes dates in Chicago, New York, Toronto, and L.A.
From Forbes 30 Under 30 to starring in a Coppola film at Cannes, VanderWaal’s resume is stacked—but CHILDSTAR is all about the girl behind the headlines. And she’s not holding back anymore.
