It was a Saturday night and going out didn't seem so inviting. I had two choices - either watch the EuroSong Festival on TVM or else search the net on my laptop. I'm glad I chose the former.

When Thea Garrett came on stage, it was as if even in my darkened room, this brilliant light shone ever so brightly. Her charismatic personality positively oozed out of her very 17-year-old soul. For a whole two minutes or so I was completely mesmerised by watching this tiny slip of a girl with the mighty and massive bird who seemed as if his sole mission was to protect her.

Maybe there were other singers who were just as good if not better, but Thea had that rare quality so many few people have - the unequalled gift of making people listen to her melodious voice and actually vie for more when the song was over.

During interviews after the show we got to know the other side of Thea. The unspoilt, sweet, adorable, naïve 17-year-old could teach a few singers a lesson in humility. She was so humble, so grateful that the audience she had held spellbound had voted for her, so pleased that they even clapped and cheered when she came on stage. How often does one get to meet people like that? I have been in contact with many singers in my lifetime, singers who make it to the top but who look down on people as if they were something the cat dragged in. As sure as I am that Christmas will be around this year, I am sure that Thea Garrett will not be one of those "yuk" people. For the rest of her life this young girl will keep on winning, if not festivals then people's hearts. May God go with her. Thank God for people like you, Thea Garrett.