Paulina Paukštaitytė, a captain of the Marijampolė choir, shares her reflections on the rapid rise to fame she experienced during her participation in the talent show 'Lietuvos balsas.' At the age of 16, she found herself overwhelmed when her follower count on social media surged from one thousand to ten thousand after just one performance. Despite her excitement for the opportunity to sing for the love of music, she admits she was unprepared for the sudden attention and the various challenges that came with it.

Despite these challenges, Paukštaitytė successfully navigated her early fame without succumbing to what is commonly referred to as 'star disease.' She attributes her groundedness to her education and her hometown of Marijampolė. The experiences of returning to school and facing the everyday pressures of academic life provided her with a sense of stability and perspective, reminding her of her true self and the values she holds dear.

Paukštaitytė’s story serves as an inspiration for young artists facing sudden notoriety, emphasizing the importance of support systems and the ability to maintain one’s identity amidst external pressures. Her journey reflects the delicate balance between pursuing one’s passion in the limelight while staying true to oneself, showcasing how personal roots and community can play a crucial role in an artist’s life.