-2017- The backstage of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was a whirlwind of color and chaos, models rushing past in shimmering wings and glittering smiles. I’d just come offstage after singing Kiwi, still riding the high, when I spotted her in the corner, nervously adjusting a strap on her outfit.

She was different—smaller than the others, 5’4” at most, with long blonde hair falling over her shoulders and big green eyes that flicked around the room like she was trying to find her footing. Sweet. Shy. Stunning.

“Hey,” I said, stepping closer, my voice soft enough to cut through the noise. “You were incredible out there.”