In concert, Carlton explained that "Annie" is about a little girl she met one summer in a hospital, named Victoria. Victoria had cancer (leukaemia), and yet she was one of the strongest and most positive, inspiring people Vanessa had ever met.
Vanessa thought 'Victoria' had too many sylables, so she named the song 'Annie', but it is written for Victoria.
The girl had cancer.. She hugged Vanessa and started whispering a song of Vanessa's song into her ear. It touched Vanessa so much... and this girl didn't have long to live.