Like a sparrow on the windowsill, she epitomizes a better world. Her words and style of singing are simple, yet haunting. Zhou Zhaoyan, known by many of her YouTube fans as Miumiu, is just 6 years old but she has touched the hearts of Internet users worldwide, many of whom are still living amid COVID-19 restrictions. Since her parents started to post her performances on video-sharing platform YouTube in early March, her account Miumiu Guitargirl has attracted more than 157,000 fans. The video of her singing “Fly Me to the Moon,” written by Bart Howard, while playing guitar received over 5 million hits on the platform. In her version of the classic song, “Hotel California,” by the Eagles, she is seen singing, playing guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums and maracas. With over 1.8 million hits, it’s been described by viewers as the “cutest version” of the song. Followers send best wishes online to the “talented angel.” Many of her covers are bossa nova style, a jazz-influenced music of Brazilian origin that was developed in the 1950s and ’60s. Some singers, bands and celebrities from home and abroad also reposted her videos on their social media. The American instrumental guitarist Neil Zaza reposted the girl’s cover of his guitar music “I’m Alright” on Facebook, and commented: “6 years old! They get younger and younger!” The young girl has received numerous messages online from those who want to make a remixed version of them playing various instruments or singing with her original videos. The musicians, both professionals and amateurs, post their creative remixes on their own accounts. “I’m glad that many people like my music. I know some of them will watch it over and over. I feel very warm-hearted,” says Zhou from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, who learned guitar from the age of 3 from her father, a guitar teacher. “Among all the instruments that I can play, I like guitar most. My favorite singer is Jay Chou, and I’ve also covered his popular songs.” Besides music, her other hobbies are skating, drawing and playing Lego. It’s been over two weeks since she resumed her school life, as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in China. She says she likes going to school, because she missed her friends so much. The girl has covered both Chinese and English songs. The most difficult is “I Wish You Love,” which was sung by bossa nova singer Lisa Ono. It took about three weeks to master the guitar-playing and singing, her father says. (China Daily) | 