She is Australia's youngest ever X Factor winner and the only girl under 25 to have won the television talent quest, but Marlisa Punzalan says she was convinced she wouldn't win.
The 15-year-old Mercy Catholic College student beat 22-year-old Queensland crooner Dean Ray and folk-pop trio Brothers 3 in a surprise finish on Monday night.
"I'm feeling amazing, I just cannot believe it," Punzalan told Fairfax Media. "It hasn't sunk in yet. I was expecting Dean to win because apparently he was the favourite, he had a lot of votes and his fan base is humungous."
But seemingly not as "humungous" as Punzalan's, whose victory was watched by 1.316 million nationwide, making it the most watched TV show last night.
Having now secured herself a recording contract Sony Music Australia, Punzalan will wave goodbye to her everyday life as a teenager.
While her classmates are in school today, Punzalan begins her winner's journey and first up is a mammoth day of meeting the press.
"It's going to be so busy. I have more than 30 interviews I think," she said, but added that her mum Ria was with her at every stop.
As for school her days in the playground may be over, but she said she was still very focused on studying.
"I will be doing home-schooling because school is really important and I really need it in my life, but of course I will also be doing my music," she said.
Throughout her time as a contestant on the show Punzalan spoke of former Australian Idol contestant Jessica Mauboy as her inspiration.
Performing with Mauboy on Sunday was one of the biggest highlights in the finals experience, Punzalan said. "She said to me, stay true to who you and keep your family close."
Mauboy was among a number of Australian performers who publicly congratulated Punzalan on Twitter.
Well done marlisa !!! :) enjoy the ride gorgeous girl ! ❤️ — S∆MANTH∆ J∆DE (@sjademusic) October 20, 2014
Well done Marlisa! Very proud of you. It will be so much hard work and a lot of changes in your life..… http://t.co/OpL5wTdFvY — Dami Im (@damiandmusic) October 20, 2014
Marlisa Ann, I loved sharing the stage with you gorgeous young lady! May you continue to shine, stay true and... http://t.co/WN1sAXXzjW — Jessica Mauboy (@jessicamauboy) October 20, 2014Punzalan says she will meet with Sony Music this afternoon to discuss the details of her contract, but for the meantime she is just appreciating the past 24 hours.
"Last night was so much fun, Ronan and I were dancing with everyone there from The X Factor. i'm just enjoying the moment."
