Beating out the competition at a pageant is no easy feat, but Somerset Primary student Téja Watson who won Little Miss Paradise 2011 wowed the judges with her knowledge and performance.The nine-year-old figured that she had a chance to make the shortlist, but hadn’t dreamed of taking home the crown.Both she and her mother Jamée Brangman spoke to The Royal Gazette about the pageant, which recently took place at City Hall Theatre.Téja has been singing for as long as she can remember, but during preparations for the Little Miss Paradise pageant programme, she received additional tuition at the Sandys Community Centre. And during the pageant the Sandys resident performed Mariah Carey’s song ‘Hero’ and won the hearts of both the judges and the audience.“I began learning to sing last summer in music camp with Miss Shani Smith at Sandys Community Centre,” said the youngster, “But I have always enjoyed singing since I can remember.”She admits to not expecting to win the Little Miss Paradise Pageant 2011.“I thought that I would just make the top three,” she said. “And I did!”When the announcements were being made regarding the finalists, she said: “I did think that I was going to be called as a runner-up, as I spoke properly, I smiled the whole time and I had a good time.“I also answered the questions the judges asked me to the best of my ability.”When the emcee, Patrina (Power Girl) O’Connor announced her as the winner she was seriously excited.“I couldn’t believe it was happening, I thought it was a dream,” said Téja. “My tears that were falling down my face were tears of joy.”Ms Brangman said: “Seeing Téja crowned Little Miss Paradise 2011 was a very overwhelming experience.“The feeling cannot be put into words. I am very proud of Téja. She worked very hard and I am glad to see that her hard work and perseverance paid off.“I enrolled Téja into the programme in hopes that it provided her with more self-confidence and also for the life experience.“At first she was hesitant, but after it started she thanked me for sending her, as she said she was having the best time of her life.”Of her first day as the pageant winner, Téja said, “I spent the first day as Little Miss Paradise 2011, happy, smiling and feeling as if I was on top of the world.”Téja chose PALS as her charity to support, because it was extremely close to her heart.“I have chosen PALS, because my great grandparents passed away from cancer, and before they passed away PALS took very good care of them.“I would like for others going through to receive the same care.”When asked for her thoughts on the competition, Ms Brangman said: “I believe that the Little Miss Paradise Pageant 2011 was a success and put together well.“All of the young ladies involved did a phenomenal job. Each of them gained a great life experience and friendships.“I take my hat off to them for a job well done. I recommend that when the pageant comes again in 2013 that other parents allow their daughters to get involved as it is a journey worth taking.”Téja thanked everyone involved for the opportunity and for providing an avenue for her experience.“I will take my role as Little Miss Paradise 2011 seriously by showing respect to others, being a good role model to others and supporting my chosen charity to the best of my ability.”