Even if you hadn't heard of Ella Yelich-O'Connor 12 months ago, there's little chance you've escaped mention this week of the North Shore 17-year-old who performs under the name Lorde.
In a relatively short space of time she's gone from anonymous schoolgirl to household name the world over, rubbing shoulderswith entertainment's biggest stars, and this week claiming some of music's biggest prizes.
On Monday Lorde won two Grammy Awards from four nominations, beating megastars including Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry and even this year's Grammy kings Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in their categories.
It was a nervous few hours for Kiwis, some perhaps afraid to get their hopes up after the recent highs and crushing lows of our America's Cup campaign.
But the wonder from Down Under came through, delighting the nation and cementing young Ella as the voice of a generation - a voice teens can perhaps identify with more readily than the Miley Cyruses of this world.
Lorde's story is an amazing one, and should provide inspiration to anyone with a dream. You can dream big.
Yes, talent is a major factor in her success, despite what the tall poppy choppers will say, but you can't discount the years of hard work and preparation for this moment, and importantly, for what's yet to come.
It's a lesson that dreams are achievable, even when you're starting at the bottom of the world.
