All the judges hit their buzzers when 13-year-old Laura Kamhuber took the stage to sing “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston, take your pick—both delivered iconic versions, but Laura’s rendition was nothing short of remarkable, showing a voice and maturity far beyond her years.
The song itself has a long and fascinating history. Written by Dolly Parton in 1973, it was inspired by her amicable split from business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner. Released in 1974, it became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart—not once, but twice—solidifying Parton as the first artist to top the chart twice with the same song. Whitney Houston later made the song a global sensation with her version for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard, which spent 14 weeks at the top of the charts and became one of the best-selling singles by a woman in music history.
Singing “I Will Always Love You” is no small feat. The song requires immense vocal power, precision, and emotional depth—qualities only the most skilled performers can deliver. Laura Kamhuber proved she had all of them. During her blind audition on The Voice Kids Germany in 2013, she appeared confident and poised, playing an acoustic guitar while delivering a flawless, emotionally charged performance. Her high notes in the chorus left the judges in awe, earning her a spot on Team Lena Meyer-Landrut.
Laura, born in 1999 in Amaliendorf, Austria, began performing at just three years old in her great-grandmother’s nursing home. By age ten, she was studying vocals formally and participating in talent contests. Her early success included finishing third in Austria’s Kiddy Contest in 2010. The Voice Kids was her breakthrough on an international stage, and though she did not win the competition, her performance went viral, making her one of Austria’s most-watched young artists online.
After the show, Laura pursued a professional music career, signing with Tyrolis Music and releasing her debut album in 2014. Since then, she has released several albums and singles, blending folk, pop, and schlager music. She has also been recognized for her charitable work, serving as a youth ambassador for the UNESCO Club Austria’s Gold Ribbon Campaign.
Today, Laura continues to inspire young singers worldwide. From a small-town girl performing in a nursing home to a teen sensation on one of Europe’s biggest talent shows, her journey is a testament to talent, dedication, and the enduring power of music.