Nikoll Kaloustian, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter, wowed the judges at the Hume Talent Quest grand final at the Broadmeadows Town Hall with an emotional rendition of the gospel song His Eyes on the Sparrow, followed by an upbeat original song Don't Let Go.

It was a combination of her moving vocals and impressive presentation that won the judges' hearts and the title.

Kaloustian has been singing for about 12 years and just returned from London after promoting an independently-recorded album.

As she returned, jaded and a little disappointed, she came to know about the Hume Talent Quest auditions and decided to give them a go.

"They were the first thing I saw when I came back and I thought 'why not? I've got nothing to lose'," she said.

"I'm really happy I did because it was a lot of fun."

Kaloustian said she was influenced by a mixture of jazz, blues, gospel and love songs.

Her passion and talent for music were a mystery to her family and friends.

"My mother can't work it out - my sister and I did dancing as children and she hated it but I loved the music.

"I'm pretty much the only one [in the family] who's pursued it."

The young songwriter said she hoped to record another album next year. She hoped the talent quest would give her some exposure in the singing world.

"I've never really done many competitions or anything but I really liked it."

As she pursues her goal of making it 'big' in the music industry, Kaloustian works at Equip Jewellery in Broadmeadows Shopping Centre and provides singing lessons.

But if her dream never eventuates, she has a back-up plan.

"Now I just want to keep pushing my originals with gigs, singing regularly and getting out there," she said.

"But regardless of how that goes I have a dream to one day open my own singing school."

Stephanie Ciantar, 8, was the other dazzler in the Hume Talent Quest as she won top place in the five to

16-year-old category.

Stephanie won the judges' approval with her personal take on River Deep, Mountain High.