At just 13 years old, Laura Kamhuber dazzled audiences and set records with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s iconic ballad, “I Will Always Love You,” during her audition on The Voice Kids. Her powerful performance didn’t just secure her passage to the next round; it soared to become the most-viewed performance by an Austrian artist on YouTube, amassing a staggering 224 million views. By a teenager, no less.
In the video, Laura showcases a vocal maturity and depth that is astonishing for her age, especially when she hits the climactic chorus of the song. Her exceptional talent prompted all three judges to turn their chairs in approval, earning a standing ovation from everyone in the studio.
Pop artist Tim Bendzko, one of the judges of the show, humorously remarked that Laura tackled “the forbidden song,” a track many deem too challenging to cover due to its vocal demands. Yet, Laura did more than just cover it; she owned it, leaving Bendzko, the rest of the judges, and the whole audience in awe of her sensational performance.
Choosing Lena Meyer-Landrut as her coach, Laura continued to impress, leaving Meyer-Landrut almost lost for words at the young singer’s extraordinary talent. Laura’s journey on The Voice Kids Germany was filled with more memorable performances, including a popular rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,” showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.
Before The Voice Kids, Laura was already familiar with the spotlight, having competed in various talent contests across Austria, consistently making it to the finals. Her breakthrough on The Voice Kids catapulted her into the professional music realm, leading to her signing with the renowned Austrian label Tyrolis Music. She then released three diverse albums that span from folk to pop and electronic music.
Laura’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” adds to the song’s rich history, a track originally penned and performed by Dolly Parton, then famously reimagined by LeAnn Rimes, Amber Riley, John Doe, and of course, Whitney Houston for the movie The Bodyguard. Houston’s version remains unparalleled, but Laura Kamhuber’s rendition is right up there as well as one of the best covers ever.
For those who’ve been enchanted by Laura Kamhuber’s soul-stirring performances, you can keep up with her on her YouTube channel and Instagram.