There are moments in music competition history that go beyond entertainment — moments when raw talent meets the perfect song and something unforgettable happens. That’s exactly what unfolded when 16-year-old Kathrin German stepped onto The Voice of Germany stage and delivered a soul-stirring performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” In just three minutes, she cemented herself as one of the most exciting vocal discoveries in years.
From the first breathy line, Kathrin’s presence was magnetic. She didn’t shout for attention or oversing — she invited the audience in, letting the emotional weight of the song build slowly. Her voice moved with quiet strength, and when the chorus hit, it soared. Coach Nico Santos turned his chair almost immediately, followed by the rest in quick succession. By the final note, the entire room was standing — even the production crew looked visibly moved.
From Small Town to Spotlight
Kathrin hails from the Bavarian town of Bad Tölz, where music runs deep in her family. Both her parents are music educators, and they nurtured her talent from a young age. Though audiences first met her in 2020 on The Voice Kids, the version of Kathrin who returned four years later was transformed — polished, powerful, and emotionally wise beyond her years.
“She worked like crazy,” says her longtime vocal coach Markus Weber. “During the lockdowns, she didn’t stop. While other kids relaxed, Kathrin spent up to six hours a day training — studying jazz, mastering phrasing, expanding her range. What you saw on TV was the result of real discipline.”
Since her Blind Audition aired, the performance has spread rapidly online — with over 8 million views across platforms. Several major labels have reached out, including Sony and Universal. She’s currently balancing school with songwriting sessions and is rumored to be recording original demos with local producers in Munich.
In recent interviews, Kathrin has shared that she draws inspiration from soul icons like Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys, and hopes to create music that speaks honestly about growing up, anxiety, and self-discovery. Despite the growing spotlight, she remains down-to-earth. “I still do dishes at home. My mom doesn’t care how many views I get,” she joked with a smile.
She’s also taken a thoughtful approach to her next steps. While many young artists rush to release after a viral moment, Kathrin is choosing patience and quality. “I don’t want to be a one-hit face on a show,” she said. “I want to be an artist people can grow with.”
You can enjoy her performance below.