exceptional singing or working exceptionally hard? | voice reaction/analysis of "Voila"

At 15, Emma Kok's performance of "Voila" with Andre Rieu's Orchestra has gone absolutely viral. Today we'll be breaking down how it might be moving so many people and what is exceptional about this young performer.
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Original Video: • 15 Year Old Emma Kok S...
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[@jvoxfox]

Thank you for your suggestions to listen to Emma! She's an incredible young vocalist and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for her as a singer and performer. Is there another video of her performing that you would like me to analyse? Comment below and let me know.

[@paoladepoel90111]

you should have watched the whole video with the introduction, its a very important part to watch

[@locatellidiana4622]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6K5eYSrhbaompIsi=F_dqF_RoOwhQTv40 Good evening Julia, I'm french, excuse for my english, I think it's a great performance, Thank you

[@AVC-Works]

I caught this "Halleluja" version of Emma Kok yesterday.. I'm so so so curious what you think of it?!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6K5eYSrhbaompI

[@lukemarson5541]

@jvoxfox I love your thorough novel analysis, especially with your research thesis specialization on young singers. Emma's voice brought me to tears.

[@hanzzl0112]

Hi Julia. You should also look at the song Hallelujah from her performance at a Dutch Christmas show. That was also a masterpiece from Emma.

[@henkiejong1136]

Emma didn’t sing us a song , she told us her life story with her exceptional beautiful voice.

[@udohalfkann7660]

She is not only 15 years old, she has a serious incurable illness (gastroparesis, a paralyzed stomach and is artificially fed 22 hours a day). Despite all this, she radiates so much feeling and passion and the text could have been written exactly for her. Because she puts all her emotions into it. Her fears and worries but also her heart and she sings with so much soul that it still makes me cry even after I've listened to it umpteen times. She not only sings great, she is an inspiration. God bless you Emma🙏

[@botaone939]

i'm french , and i'm literally amazed ! an unbelievable young girl with an amazing voice ! 😭😭❤❤❤

[@incroyableMec]

Emma Kok est angélique ni plus ni moins.🙏🏻❤️

[@pickin4you]

Also, when she walked out on stage, did her curtsy, if you go back and listen, she sang the first three note BEFORE the orchestra came in, and was dead on. Another reason why Andre was watching her so intently. She was the lead. He was there to make sure the orchestra was kept at HER pace. Not his.

[@BobSakamoto]

She did the same on the key change. I can't remember any singer ever doing that a cappella, a conductor who trusted them enough to handle it, and the singer absolutely naliing the pitch.

[@brendangrimace]

Julia - I’m late in finding this, but I’ve been watching reactions of this performance for the last several days. Yours is the first that mentioned that her voice still has the qualities of someone her own age, not an adult’s voice coming from a younger vocalist To me that’s an enormously important distinction that needs to be made. The lyrics don’t necessarily indicate an adult singer, so her voice sounding her own age really emphasizes the deep personal and emotional connection she feels with the song she is singing. This difference is why seeing a young kid sing the blues in a grown man’s voice makes me think of what a great imitation he performs, while Emma’s performance has brought me to tears every single time

[@NormTaylor-pn6xu]

She is what perfection sounds like!!! "SHE IS THE SONG"

[@ronaldderooij1774]

You seem to have missed the intro. Emma Kok was born with a paralysed stomach. She cannot eat or drink normally. She is fed by infusion 22 hours a day. She never have or will have a normal life. That is why she is so small for her age. On top of that, I think she was also bullied at school. I admire her courage to sing a song in French (she is Dutch) for such a large audience in a foreign language that well in a song the lyrics scream "See me for what I am, before I hate my body and please stay to listen to me". She will give her earnings to a fund she put into place to study her rare condition. Many people predict her a great career. I hope she lives long enough to do that.

[@Watchamacallit000]

I wish her physical condition wouldn't be brought up all the time. It doesn't define her, nor does it influence her much since she's getting all the nutrition she needs. She's probably on a healthier diet than all of us are. I feel people are projecting their emotions onto her condition more than they need to. It's a challenge she was born with, and she's handling it. She deserves her privacy

[@BrendonChase_2015]

@@Watchamacallit000 "It doesn't define her, nor does it influence her much". Of course you didn't mean to say that André Rieu included the introduction to "define" Emma, right? It's simply an integral part of the performance and, sad but true, it has also been an integral part of her life. And to state that her illness/physical condition doesn't influence her much is evident nonsense to be quite honest. A few obvious ones: her growth is impaired and the 22/7 tube feeding will have an impact on vocal production (think e.g. diaphragm here). Huge obstacles that she managed to overcome. This is who she is as a singer & a human being and that's something that shouldn't be excluded. Cheers!

[@ronaldderooij1774]

@@Watchamacallit000 I disagree, whether she likes it or not, her illness defines her and her life. And she acknowledges that by sending the revenues directly to research into her illness. But I mean it in a positive way. She deserves EVEN MORE credit for such skill with such impairments in life.

[@Watchamacallit000]

@ronaldderooij1774 when someone comments about Andrea Bocelli, do they mention his blindness first? I work in healthcare. Nobody likes being defined by a challenge, or for it be mentioned all the time. She doesn't sing with her stomach. With or without it, she would have the same voice and same talent.

[@Watchamacallit000]

@brendonchase9736 gastroscopy or jejunostomy tubes may have certain complications, but they don't interfere with the normal function of the diaphragm. Unless you have a medical qualification, it is better not to comment on how something affects her or not. It is a complex medical matter and if you would like to read more about it, I can point you in the right direction. Yes, I am a healthcare professional. Andrea Bocelli isn't defined by his blindness and nobody mentions his impairment as soon as they say something about him. The same respect should be afforded to her. She is not defined by her physical condition, and it shouldn't be mentioned in the first sentence people write about her

[@RobertDeMartin]

If I was starting a little league baseball team (and I've been doing that for years) I have a criteria I subscribe to and teach them how to play the game properly and to improve the skills they already have. Occasionally I come upon a young player who exhibits skills which are at a level which are incredibly advanced. Recognizing those attributes my goal is for him to influence the other players on 'how it should be done'. People and his teammates always applaud his efforts and he is very humble and never shows off. But then, one day we found out he had a serious medical problem with his body, something which could have prevented him from becoming such a skilled player. Instead of allowing his condition to take over his life, with strength and determination he wouldn't let that happen. So, now we have a player who is a fabulous talent, a very humble person and someone with a debilitating disease who will not let that stand in his way. The admiration we have for that young man turns to a feeling of love. The inspiration he gives to everyone who gets to know him is enormous. Julia, if you are still with me, by now you've probably already been made aware of Emma's condition. I understand you focus on the voice and mechanics of it when reacting to young singers. But, in Emma's case, if you had listened to the introduction you would have instantly understood the great force within her to make what you heard possible. I'm sure everything you said was technically correct but you seemed to hold back when describing her performance. Why? I don't know. But what we heard was a performance that anyone who listened and watched it WILL NEVER FORGET IT. Emma is not an upcoming star. She is a star right now and if she is able to continue to do what she must do in regards to her condition, we are looking at a super star to be. Julia, I guess my main point is although you focus on a singer's abilities, the make up of a person's personality has a tremendous influence on what we hear when they sing for us and it can never be dismissed or ignored.

[@jvoxfox]

I 100% agree that personality and story absolutely influence how a performance connects with us. Emma is an incredible performer and is doing exceptionally well as a vocalist. The additional story of her condition makes WHO she is seem exceptional as well. Going forward I'd definitely be keen to dive into that. With that being said, I'm glad I got to first listen to her as a performer in her own right without any potential bias' from knowing her background (I do this for most first time reactions to artists). My heart was moved by her skills as a singer and musician alone. To do that in a language I don't speak and to learn of her story after? It increases my appreciation for her skill, my excitement for what she will do with time and admiration for what she is managing.

[@RobertDeMartin]

Everything you said I knew was in your heart and it was very nice to see you explain it to us in writing. She's currently doing a Christmas tour with Andre and she is scheduled to perform with him on his 2024 global tour. Her mom will travel with her and administer all the equipment she needs to cope with her situation on a daily basis. What a wonderful inspiration she is for everyone.@@jvoxfox

[@forkless]

@@jvoxfox Thanks for that. There's another group of singers which is popular in the reaction sphere that has a singer with a missing lung, which somehow is a more important distinction than her actual qualities as a singer (she is amazing in her own right, regardless). These kind of qualifiers do a disservice to a singer -- or whatever skill a person has for that matter.

[@WishForTheNight]

Everytime i see prople reacting i kinda miss the appreciation for Andre Rieu and his orchestra and his dutch ears for bringing such people on stage for huge crowds and television worldwide. Its a worldfamous orchestra. But great reaction and great info on vocaltraining at young age.

[@snakeperson2482]

Best vocals explanation I've heard so far!! A+

[@stevecgarry]

Love the depth of analysis you gave, and the reasons for why Emma sounds so good, it explains a few things that most reactors just don't know or understand, and that's so helpful in knowing WHY she's so good and creating the impact that she is. So now, a few suggestions for you. There are videos of Voila with English subtitles, and when you watch it with them on, the meaning of the words will become so much clearer, and when you factor in the struggles she's had since birth, it will make sense, she chose Voila before she became involved with Andre because the words are appropriate to her life experience. she's had a very hard time, and needed professional help at one stage to overcome the problems of bullying and her own reaction to her condition, she's very much in a better place now, and can talk freely about the illness, and has been able to be seen on video and the like while carrying her pumps and attached to them, but it's taken a long time for her to get to that place of acceptance. Andre, his team and Emma very significantly changed her presentation of Voila, some of her earlier performances are also on KZbin, and when you compare them, Emma's technically very good, she chose this song because the words meant so much to her, and learnt it phonetically, with help from a French speaker that she knows, and Andre's changes meant that she had the time and space to really get into the song, it's what makes her performance so powerful is that she didn't just give the performance of her life, she LIVED it on that stage, and it showed. Andre also worked with her on polishing her performance, and he had 4 different dresses made for her and then they both knew the black dress was right when they saw them, and she said in a TV interview, she felt strong and powerful wearing it, but the real change was that for the first time, rather than appearing as a competent and capable girl singer, she came out on to that stage visibly and emotionally as a strong, powerful, serene, composed, driven and dedicated young woman, and then her dream happened, it's in her song 'Let me be a butterfly', on youtube, in Dutch, and also available with English subtitles, it's every bit as emotional as Voila, especially as she sings a section, around 2:10 in, 'if only for a day, or even for a count of ten, if I could be another', and you will see a gentle shake of her head, the pain in her eyes, and then her head goes down to silence for a moment, and then she rises, physically and in the song to an even greater height, as much as to say, this is NOT going to beat me, or define me, I WILL rise above it, an incredibly emotional moment, it was written for her, an expression of her dream, and as she walked out onto that stage to sing the new version of Voila for the first time in front of a huge audience, (there's close on 12,000 people there, this video was recorded on the first night of the 12 nights she was singing), mentally, the chrysalis that had been maturing for so long and with such pain in the cocoon emerged as the beautiful butterfly of her dreams, mentally, she soared high and free over the stage, the orchestra and the audience, she dominated it, and Andre admitted in another TV interview, the only reason that he and the orchestra were not also shedding tears was because they'd shed the tears in rehearsals, and had to learn to steel themselves to not break down during the performances. The success and incredible response to her appearances at the Vrijthof resulted in Andre inviting Emma to participate in both the Christmas concerts series that have literally just finished, and she will also travel with the extended family that is his orchestra for the 2024 world tour, with his vast experience, he's clearly seen her huge potential, and from having followed Andre for close on 15 years, Emma will bring a freshness to some of the works she performs, it was already evident at the Christmas concerts, there are audience recorded videos on KZbin, and worthy of mention is the way she starts White Christmas, and sings the first verse unaccompanied, and then the orchestra joins in, she must have perfect pitch to be able to do that so well, and it makes for a very impressive arrangement. Worth a look at for several reasons, the video on KZbin of her progress through Voice Kids, 2 years ago, gives an indication of how good she was then and of how much the gastroparesis has held her growth back, she is TINY when compared to the other contestants, on the stage with Andre, she's wearing 5" platform shoes, which helps her not look quite so small, but seeing her on Voice Kids, it's clear that she's been held back by her illness, and what that's meant for her vocal development is not at all clear, I'm not trained like you clearly have been, but what is very evident, albeit assisted by clever sound management, she is very different, even when singing as part of an ensemble of 6 other adults, there's something beautiful about her voice that makes her stand out, but it's a nice difference, not a case of being harsh or unpleasant, and with his long experience of recognising talent and promoting it (Amira WIllighagen is another vocal example from about 9 years ago), Andre is clearly very keen to have Emma as part of his 2024 line up, she will be capable of singing songs that are beyond many other people's ability, and Andre will be very good at pushing her to discover what her limits are. In terms of other things she's done, there are three I will mention, the first is 'Part of your world', a Disney cover, not performed in front of an audience, and then another recording, 'Come Back Home', also not recorded with an audience, and they are only a couple of examples of many other things Emma's put on KZbin, there's also a couple of examples of 'All I want for Christmas is you', one very recent with Andre and the orchestra, and another from about a year ago, with a small band, again, it's interesting to contrast how they were both done. The rabbit warren that is Emma is large, but if you've got the time, I don't think you'll be dissapointed with the experience, I'm the wrong side of 70, and Emma's got into my heart and emotions in ways that I didn't think were still possible, the first time my wife and I heard her was at a local cinema, the same video you've commented on, but on a wide screen and with cinema surround sound set to almost pain levels, we didn't just hear Emma and the orchestra, we FELT them, and it was a defining moment for both of us, and I'm very glad to have decent sound equipment on the TV at home, Emma's work justifies being played with the volume set to a decent level, and things like a smart phone speaker, or ear buds just don't do her justice, she deserves to be heard with the sort of levels that they were using in the cinema. I hope these thoughts help, and that you too will enjoy discovering the incredibly beauty and ability that Emma already has, and I suspect that as long as she doesn't have health issues, she's going to be a very bright star in the sky for some considerable time to come, my own personal hope is that Andre will let her have a go at the Celine Dion Titanic song, 'My heart will go on', I think Emma will be capable of delivering another definitiive performance with that song, Andre's musical arrangement of that theme is beautiful, and with Emma's vocal on top. it will be stunning.

[@antbrk986]

What a nice and heartfelt reaction! I am all with you in "aweness" over Emma. I wonder if you know this video of her kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrYZaxvfNaGadU Its a recording on a fair somewhere from right after she won "The Voice Kids". Shes on a roll there in her 2 hours being disconnected from her tubes. She does 4 songs and before the fourth; her new single "Laat mij een vlinder zijn" (Let me be a butterfly) she proudly "boasts" that it has already 50000 streams on YT and 125000 on Spotify! Her confident stage presence is right there but so sweet and so authentic. This is where she wants to be, this girl is on a mission!

[@Happymali10]

Just to add, Rieu has now published professional videos of the christmas performances. Also Emma has recently also posted photos on her own social media (or rather, maybe her parents did the actual posting) and even appeared on Dutch TV showing the pump/explaining how it works, so she really has come to accept it, and (I assume) is using her newfound fame as a way to get attention to the issue and her foundation.

[@stevecgarry]

@@Happymali10 Very much aware of the Christmas bonanza, and 2 of the four videos have already had over a million views since they were released, and the other two are also climbing very nicely, Emma's star truly has risen, she is destined for so much more as long as her health doesn't have any issues. There is a lovely new video that's not as such showing much, other than the reactions and the emotions, have tissues handy, a presentation by Andre to Emma at the end of the season, the still shots at the end are so good to see. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5vQfmONntCgp5Y The comments associated with it give more information, it's an example of why Andre is held in such high esteem by his orchestra, they are like a huge extended family, and clearly, for at least the next year, Emma is going to be very much a part of that, and I can't think of a better place for her to be right now, Andre and the orchestra will provide so much love, support and direction, and at the same time, Emma will benefit from Andre's massive experience and skill, and we're all going to benefit from it.

[@marq9607]

Julia, I need to thank you for your thoughtful analysis. I heard this song sung by Emma some time ago, and could not understand my emotional response to it, I am a 79 year old man who rarely 'feels' music; but when I heard Emma sing "Voila" I had tears in my eyes - even though I don't speak a word of French. You have helped me to understand this reaction, and I appreciate that. So 'THANK YOU!'.

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I love how you add comments without stopping the song!!!

[@AF-sc4df]

We had the honor and privilege to admire her live in Athens, Greece, March 12-13, 2024. Huge respect to this talented and brave girl with the voice of an angel

[@paulzeien8578]

That was incredible! Emma is amazing! The word that comes to mind in that performance is, PASSION!

[@bobbycollins6783]

Watched this a lot of times. And it still has the same effect as the first time. And to watch most people in the audience trying so hard not to cry or show to much emotion. Is quite funny to see. The conductor does an amazing job. Andre Rieu never takes his eyes off of Emma. And conducts the orchestra to follow her all the way. Brilliant. The original of this is also very good. But this performance is one of those that just happens. You can't rehearsal a performance. It's something that just happens. Eye watering every time. For me technique. Is secondary to how it makes you feel. Does it touch you in a deep way. And this does.

[@pioter3124]

Great review! Thanks for that. There are not many high quality recordings of Emma to find on KZbin because she's just getting started. However, when she was 14, she recorded a cover of "Come back home". Emma recorded the song in her own litle studio, and she shows how she can turn a song into a song of her own and just how she enjoys singing. I can recommend you to check it out. You will enjoy her lovely voice. Not to fancy for an analist like you but different from Voila and therefore interesting. At the end of the recording, she treats you with the cutest smile❤.

[@locatellidiana4622]

Emma transcends all her covers with a voice that sends more emotions. She is a supernatural phenomenon. I hope that one day we will see great musicians writing songs for her, it would be great recognition for this immense talent. Thank you for the excellent reaction/analysis.

[@roeloftooms]

On the same stage with Andre Rieu there was 9 years ago a 10 year old kid named Amira Willighagen singing an Italian opera song also with many crying people and a full standing ovation. For sure also one to watch!

[@forkless]

Funnily enough if you listened to what she said you would have gathered that she isn't a fan AT ALL of kids (in this instance a 9yo Amira) pushing themselves into sounding like an adult.

[@bibisally]

I did not see many crying with Amira, and emma has such an angelic voice what Amira doesnt have.

[@blackislepeas]

@@bibisally Rather than argue which is which and what, just accept both are very talented and understand that both are giving back in different charities for young people who don't have the same opportunities / abilities as themselves rather than debate trivialities in the grand scheme of things.

[@incroyableMec]

Absolument phénoménal !! Emma Kok est angélique, aucune chanson ne m’a jamais autant touché que celle là… Je ne l’oublierai jamais de ma vie. Merci à elle pour ce moment magique Emma Kok que Dieu te facilite la vie , merci André Rieu et son orchestre.🙏🏻❤️ Merci pour la réaction, bonne continuation. Cordialement,

[@anthonystevens8683]

I have seen the video quite a few times, Emma's presentation and an incredible projection of emotion for me is off the scale. Every time I see it I cannot help but well up a tad. Emma has a gift that I am so pleased that she is sharing with us. A brilliant deconstruction Julia including the changes in vocal sounds that vary with age along with the things younger singers need to be careful of. Many thanks for sharing.

[@garylagstrom3864]

Unbelievable voice and at age 15! She will have an amazing career ahead of her! Thanks Julia for bringing her to our world! I’ve never heard of her before! Hats 🎩 off Emma! ❤️

[@roimerlopez1275]

Thank you Julia!!!...Thank you for accept our suggestions to meet The incredible Emma!!...For me Emma is a young Lara Fabian...Same beautiful tone and amazing storytelling skills!!😊😊

[@onepiece-hx9vx]

yessssss felt the same

[@ericzeichert511]

I did some research and found a KZbin video of the Voice Kids, in which a 9 or 10 year old Emma knocked em dead with Je Sui Malade. Well worth watching.

[@desertrose5956]

@@ericzeichert511 that's not Emma Kok, but a French girl also named Emma and participating in The Voice Kids France. Emma Kok won The Voice Kids Holland and she auditioned with 'Warrior", she never performed Je Suis Malade.

[@ericzeichert511]

Thank you. I discovered my error earlier, but couldn't get back to correct it . Too many talented Emma's out there, including a reviewer named Emma, and the ever popular Emma Krumbes. who makes fine desserts, but I could be wrong about that too.

[@fnglert]

One thing that makes this performance even more impressive is her background. She's struggled with a severe medical condition all her life and has been bullied at school because of it. And here she is singing her heart out, with a song that goes "Listen to me, the half singer, who wants to write stories that get you, here I am, here I am, it's not much but everything I have I put here". Emma has gastroparesis, a complex medical condition where iirc her stomach basically doens't work and she has to be slowly drip fed via tubes for large portions of the day.

[@Musicmanrobert]

Thanks for your info.

[@allandriver2066]

My daughter suffers from gastroparesis so I know too well the toll this debilitating illness can take. Emma's achievements are amazing and full testament to her dedication. Emma you are amazing. 🙏❤

[@MisterMB56]

Emma Kok is a 15 year old Dutch girl. She has won the Voice Kids of Holland in 2021 and mini superstars in 2022. The song "Voilá' rehearsed especially for this concert, she did not speak a singele word of French bevore this! She is going touring the word with this same orchestra, she already has with the entire orchestra performed in Malta!

[@desertrose5956]

She knew the song already very well before performing it with André Rieu, because she did a videoduet with Barbara Pravi of Voilà during the Dutch tv-show Ministars and that's how she won the show, which was in February 2023, not 2022. And after her win she also performed Voilà in several Dutch talk shows and in the studio's of Dutch radiostations. That's why André Rieu invited her to sing this song during his concerts and then they re-arranged it to this version with the orchestra, which I personally think is even better than the original 😊

[@MichaelGroves777]

Beautiful reaction, Julia, I've been waiting for you to do this performance.

[@esilabet]

I watched that performance about 50 times hahaha! And for the lyrics makes just sooo much sense with her story, she really is connecting, lyrics basicly says : «listen to me, I'm half a signer, but stay and listen to my stories, watch me, love me, I can't help it, I just want to sing so please listen to me».... It's really heart breaking to listen to that young girl saying those words.

[@pickin4you]

Yes, please watch the intro. So her abs, she has a poet installed that her feeding tubes attach to. So there’s that. Plus due to her condition, she is only the size of eh average 7 year old, yet she is 15. So she has 7 year old sized lungs. Impressive.

[@nightmusic8]

Well how wonderfull this is to get another Julia reaction before christmas. This is a great watch, you totally start glowing when you talk about young voice development. Glad you chose to stay with just the song. She is a great singer, regardless of any illness she has. (the song and technique should not be shadowed by her backstory.) wish you a merry Christmas. /NM8 - J

[@42earthling]

Yes, don't eat your headphone or hat :) she has quite some experience despite her young age, also winning the voice kids. The emotion is partly due to her illness i think with which she is struggling, it is beautiful that her wish to be a singer has come through.

[@wakledodd]

I am so happy you are back on your channel. I love your insight and analysis. Especially when it relates to young voices. I have always thought that young people singing like adults felt weird and wondered why those "perodigies" never kind of got anywhere. But with your explanation it now makes sense. Thanks Julia!

[@Lotlking]

Lyrics in English Listen to me, me, the singer-to-be Tell your lovers, your friends about me Tell them about this girl with the black eyes and the crazy dream. What I want is to write stories that will reach you. That's all Voilà, voilà, voilà, that's who I am. This is me, even when I lie open I'm afraid, yes This is me in the noise and in the silence Look at me, or at least what's left of me Look at me before I hate myself What shall I tell you that another's lips will not tell you? It's little, but it's all I have; I put it there. That's it Voilà, voilà, voilà, this is who I am This is me me, even if I lie open, it is finished This is my face, this is my scream, this is who I am Voilà, voilà, voilà, it's right here Me, my dream, my desire, how I go to ruin, how I laugh at it That's me in the noise and in the silence. Don't go, I beg you, stay for a long time. It may not save me, no But to live without you, I don't know how to do it. Love me like you love a friend who's going away forever I want people to love me because I can't like my outline Voilà, voilà, voilà, this is who I am This is me, even when I lie open, it's over This is me in the noise and also in the rage Look at me, and in the end also my eyes and my hands All I have is here, it's my face, it's my screaming This is me me, this is me me Voilà Voilà Voilà, voilà Voilà

[@ethanwinning1706]

Emma's is not an "interpretation" of Voila. It is her experience in her 15 years. You mention the importance of the abdomen in producing such quality and maturity. Now, you must listed to the bried narrative about what she has overcome to reach such heights (at 4'8" with gastroparesis in front of an audience of 12,500). She has taken Barbara Pravi's Voila and legitimately made it her own while Ms. Pravi. one of the three composers, wrote it for herself. I would certainly like to hear Barbara Pravi's "take" on Emma's version of what is now a new and different song. P.S. 31 million views in five weeks must say something!

[@peterkeijsers489]

You should've watched André's introduction. A lot would be clear about her right away. She has gastroparesis, and only comes off the machines when she's performing. She won The Voice Kids last year or a few years ago, so yes she has some performance experience. Tjeerd Oosterhuis (brother of Trijntje, with whom he formed Total Touch in the 90s) has written quite a bit of material for her, and she mostly sings in Dutch.

[@BobSakamoto]

Regarding your comment about her making a choice to speak and not sing some of the words - the song is written as a chanson - a French standard in which some words are spoken. Think Edith Piaf. And those commenting about not speaking of her physical ailment - considering the incredible beauty of the song and her voice, I agree it doesn't reallly matter. No doubt the lyrics allowed her emotions to flow and touch millions, but few singers can do that at any level, personal issues or not. The performance stands on its own.

[@lightsaber10001]

I enjoy your comments/critique with music like this! Thank you for sharing and teaching!

[@HyPnOsS1933]

Her voice at the end She says thank you With the most lovely Dutch voice Very sweet soft voice

[@TheComputec]

As you say, the key to why this sounds so good is the Authenticity of her voice What makes this performance even more remarkable is that she is a young girl from The Netherlands (dutch) and doesn't actually speak French. She listened carefully, wrote down the French lyrics and learned to sing the song in French. Her pronunciation, especially those guttural French phrasings is simply remarkable Here is the nearest English translation. Translating some phrases into English can make then sound unconventional as some of the meaning of phrases in the French are not perfectly translatable in feeling by just looking at a literal dictionary translation Me, the half-singer, Talk about me To your loves, to your friends Tell them about this girl with black eyes and her crazy dream What I want is to write stories that reach you C 'is all There, there, there, there, that's who I am Here I am even if stripped bare I'm afraid, yes Here I am in the noise and in the silence Look at me, or at least what's left of me Look at me, before I hate myself What to tell you, that someone else's lips won't tell you It's a little thing but all I have is me drop it there, that's it There, there, there, there, that's who I am Here I am even if stripped bare it's over It's my face it's my cry, here I am too bad There, there, there, there, there it is right here Me my dream my desire , how I die, how I laugh, Here I am in the noise and in the silence Don't go, I beg you to stay for a long time It might not save me, no But to do without you I don't know how Love me like you love a friend who is leaving forever I want us loves me because I don't know how to love my contours There, there, there, there, that's who I am Here I am even if stripped bare it's over Here I am in the sound and in the fury too Look at me finally and my eyes and my hands Everything I have is here, it's my mouth it's my cry Here I am, here I am, here I am There , there you go, there you go, there you go Voilà

[@robinakins4861]

By far, you give the best analysis of the singer’s voice that I have heard from the reactors. Perhaps you are the Emma of critiquers!

[@joshdv4977]

This was great fun. Thanks you for showing me yet another new artist to follow and for once again detailing what is happening and why I like it so much.

[@sheilabree1991]

Translation English There It Is [Verse 1] Listen to me To me, a sort-of singer Mention me To your loves, to your friends Tell them about that dark-eyed girl And of her wild dream That I want to write of fantasies That will reach out to you That is all [Chorus] There it is, there it is, there it is That is who I am Here I am even though Lain bare, I am fearful, yes Here I am amongst the row And amidst the silence [Verse 2] Look upon me, Or at least what remains of me Look upon me, Until I detest myself What can I say to you, that the lips of another Will not tell you It isn't much, but it's all I have I'll lay it down here Like so [Chorus] There it is, there it is, there it is That is who I am Here I am even though Being lain bare is over It's from my mouth, it's my outcry Here I am, it doesn't matter Here I am, it's me, this is me I am right here Me, my dream, my longing How I am dying, how I laugh Here I am amongst the row And amidst the silence [Verse 3] Do not depart I beg you to stay on for a while It may not rescue me, no But to go on without you, I know not how Love me as you'd love a friend Who is going away forever I want to be loved, because I don't know how To respect my boundaries [Chorus] There it is, there it is, there it is That is who I am Here I am even though Lain bare, I understood Here I am amongst the row And amidst the wrath as well I mean, look at me And at my eyes and my hands Everything I have is here It's from my mouth, it's my outcry There it is, there it is, there it is There it is, There it is, There it is, There it is [Vocalizations] [Chorus] There it is, there it is, there it is That is who I am Here I am even though Being lain bare is over It's from my mouth, it's my outcry Here I am, it no longer matters lyricstranslate.com/en/voila-there-it.html

[@petitbarzun]

Thanks for your great reaction! Emma performed (and won) The Voice Kids. She has more performances, but this was the first for such a large audience. This was a series of 11 performances for 12000 viewers each day. After the first, Andre Rieu invited her for his world tour

[@Musicmanrobert]

OK I am a fan of Emma. She has a KZbin channel and Instagram. She is on tour with André Rieu 2023. Christmas with André Rieu 2023 at MECC Maastricht. 1:12 dad and sister. Her Bother is a great violin player too.

[@DeansMayhem]

As usual, great analysis. I appreciate it.

[@falconfira]

Hearing the technical breakdown of the anatomy helps me to appreciate this more. Thank you!

[@cindylou3205]

It always blew me away as we all know how important abdomen muscles are critical for good singing, and she belts out this song in the end like her's doesn't have a hole in it!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Julia, You were one of the very first reactor/analysers I came across when I started digging around on YT and you are still equal best ( with Elizabeth Zharoff). If a viewer can't learn anything from one of you vids, they just ain't listening... Thank you once again.

[@user-hn4ix8ho8c]

Very good technical analysis... God Bless

[@linmonash1244]

Two Things: 1] I'm REALLY glad you bypassed the intro and concentrated just on her voice, her skillful use of dynamics, and overall performance - and discussed these in detail. This is exactly what Emma asks for. She refuses to be defined by her medical condition { which you know by now is very significant and life intrusive - linked to medical equipment 22 hours out of every 24.} Of course her accomplishments are amazing then in this context and adds an 'emotional loading'. Especially when we consider the effort she has to expend just to stand on stage and deliver such a powerhouse performance for short periods, but Emma is not asking for pity, for reactors who say 'poor girl' and then burst into tears. She demands; " Don't treat me differently!" "Judge me and my performance on it's merits or deficits, just as you would any other artist." And that's precisely what you did. Well Done. In addition to Emma clearly having a skilled vocal coach, and using every opportunity to study the best of the best; {the likes of Lara Fabian, and Piaf, and so many more}, it is evident that she must also be doing a whole lot of physical work. Training to strengthen her 'core', her diaphragm, and develop her lung capacity, and, given her condition, she must be doing at least part of this work with Physio's etc. ## Qu: As someone who has worked in acute care, in neonatal intensive care teams, and in rehabilitation centres; with one role being to link multi-disciplinary efforts toward optimal outcomes for each individual patient, I NOW have questions! Given YOUR discussion Julia about your own field of speciality and comments about abdominal structure and age related development of musculature for young singers, my mind is ticking... We know that Operatic vocal coaches, for eg; target very specific techniques that develop particular physiological supports towards such extraordinary vocal skills. I now wonder whether the physio's and other members of Emma's medical support team, also have some of that targeted focus; on such 'vocal support' musculature and strength, so important for Emma's continued career development, or whether it's all exclusively tailored surrounding the obviously overarching critical job of keeping her alive and healthy!# And / or whether these strength / support building exercises are likely to be all one and the same? Or different? In which case she may need - or already be receiving?- extra input to 'marry' the both. (# Ie; whether her (almost total?) lack of normal gut motility stems from a genetic abnormality, or some subsequent nerve damage/ deficit - her daily physio would be tailored to supporting the entire gastrointestinal system and a balanced delivery of nutrition. ) > Curious to hear your thoughts on this aspect. Regards, LM { And the Very Best of New Year Greetings! } 😄

[@rnowak85]

Thank you for such a detailed and insightful analysis. Emma does have prior performing experience. She won the Dutch version of the Voice Kids in 2021. Watching her performances from the show you can see that all that musicality, technique, maturity, and performative skill is present. Part of what makes her performance impressive is that her illness, gastroparesis, has impacted her physical development so that she is the size of a 10 year old which surely affects things like stamina and breath control (I could be wrong). In any case her technique and stage presence are outstanding no matter what. Again, Loved your insights!

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I cry every single time

[@bjornengel1481]

This was new to me and truly heart touching. What a singing, what presence, what Charisma. Wow! Stunning! Thank you for sharing and showing

[@erwinamesz7642]

Oh Julia, thank you soooo much reacting to our precious gems Emma Kok and André Rieu!!!!

[@cola1155]

Thank you for your reaction! Meet The Netherlands singing sensation Emma Kok: Emma Kok, 15, has won the hearts of many with her amazing voice and incredible talent. In fact, she won The Voice Kids 2021 Netherlands as well as the first episode of the Dutch 2023 talent show, Ministars. Also in September 2023, she was awarded the GirlPower Tina Award. But what sets Emma apart from other young singers is her incredible strength and determination to achieve greatness despite the challenges she has faced in her young life. Emma only knows how to speak Dutch and English. For “Voila,” she learned French phonetically to cover the song. (“Voila” was written and performed by Barbara Pravi to represent France for the Eurovision Song Contest of 2021. It came in second.) Almost since birth, Emma has had a paralyzed stomach (gastroparesis) which means that she cannot eat or drink like most people do. Instead, she is fed intravenously for 22 hours a day. She says the only time she feels free is the two hours she is not connected to the tubes that are hooked to her two feeding packs. As a child, Emma was bullied by her classmates and ridiculed because they did not understand her condition. She could not participate in many of her classmates’ activities. Emma was bullied before The Voice Kids, but after she won and returned to school, she received a rousing reception! The students cheered and the staff made a speech. Emma even sang for them. Despite her condition, Emma has not let it stop her from pursuing her dreams. Emma has become an inspiration to many, not just for her singing ability but also for her resilience, kindness and positive attitude off stage. With grace and humility, Emma shares her story with the world in the hopes of raising awareness about her condition and to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. She has started a foundation called Gastrostars to help raise awareness and funding to study this disease and hopefully provide a cure for it someday. The world famous conductor, Andre Rieu, with his 70-member Johann Strauss Orchestra, has asked Emma to tour with him in 2024 which she has agreed to do. Her website where you can sign up for her newsletter or follow her on all her social media sites: www.emmakok.nl Her organization that she founded where you can keep up with the latest research about her condition and other interesting things about it and/or the foundation: www.gastrostars.nl/

[@lindag1372]

Gastroparesis is a fairly rare disease. Its awesome she is bringing awareness to this. There needs to be more awareness as having to carry an infusing pump around many hours a day is not easy. God bless her, and her talents.

[@bobkellerjr1956]

What a gift to our ears, hearts, and souls. Emma Kok is a treasure. I get the same feelings in my heart as I get with Lara Fabian. And that's a wonderful thing. So very special!!

[@Watchamacallit000]

Your comments about young voices being forced to sing like older voices are very valid. I think the emotional maturity also plays a role. Dimash's teacher for instance rarely allows his young students to compete in competitions. Dimash was an exception to his rule because he was emotionally and vocally more mature.

[@TheJubess]

okay wow. thank you. I have heard so many analysts on this song but I am at awe by your information and by the way you present it. I almost feel like saying... how much do I owe you for the session doc?

[@bertbouwhuis]

Great review as usual, I wonder if you saw the introduction by André Rieu, it's her story as well as her performance that moved people to tears... ; and fyi, she actually has a voice coach guiding her.

[@vogel2280]

Most people will know the backstory by now. A girl that is marginalized all here life as 'but your sick, you cant have....' And here she she is, telling the world:'Look at me, here I am, listen to me' That is why people are emotional.

[@andreheemskerk2071]

I always like Julia's facial expressions..❤

[@pioter3124]

Thank you for reacting to this magnificent performance. Emma moves peopley because she really connects to the song. To see how deep she can go, you could have a look at Emma's one time performance on the Dutch yearly Memorial Day for the fallen WO II soldiers. She performs there a cover of "Father". You can see the emotions on her face, and the soundman breaks at the end. Not the sound quality of Voila but still very enjoyable and worth checking out.

[@robinakins4861]

You should review Emma’s rendition of Hallelujah! Breathtaking!

[@brendanpelly213]

Umm... I don't have a clue about anything you just said, but I loved your reaction 😬 There's an English subtitled version of this, and once you know Emma's story with the lyrics... omfg!!! 😳🥺😢😭🤧😭

[@user-gj7oq1el7w]

Starts soft and ends strong. Beautiful.

[@hollandduck79]

This is an interview for a Dutch (Engels subtitels) children's TV program in a moving car. PAY ATTENTION CAREFULLY FROM 3:27 in the video and be surprised what that girl can do with her voice WITHOUT (singing) audio amplification! video link : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaKcg2WNaLCkqtksi=J2zxLalBDGjnVcHI . she now also sings English Christmas songs with André Rieu in a video

[@nyseg99]

This was her first concert at that size of an audience. There are 13,500 people there. She has sung before much ,Much smaller crowds. Nothing this big before.

[@pickin4you]

Yes she has had experience before. She won the voice Kids Holland when she was just 11. She will be on world tour with Andre all next year. So everyone around the world will get to know her quickly.

[@alanjacobson6673]

I'm glad you explained about dynamics. Because a long time ago I saw another young singer. Jackie avanko singing in Sarasota, Florida when she was 12 years old and she had the excellent range, but her volume. Wasn't there yet and I saw her perform on KZbin. Probably well she's at least ten years older and the volume is definitely there now

[@motess5304]

Just some additional info to point out how incredibly brave this 15 years old Emma Kok is: - Two food pumps are connected - The pumps are connected to her 22 hours per day! - She was bullied at school The audience (12.000+) is mainly Dutch 🇳🇱, but also from Belgium 🇧🇪, Germany 🇩🇪, Luxembourg and France 🇫🇷. Part of the audience does speak French and knows exactly what Emma is singing. This makes it even more emotional. The lyrics translated to English 🇬🇧 "Listen to me Me, the wannabe singer Talk about me To your loves, to your friends Tell them about this girl with black eyes and her crazy dream Me, what I want is to write stories that reach you That’s all Here, here, here, here I am, Here I am even if stripped naked I am afraid, yes Here I am in the noise and in the silence Look at me, or at least what’s left Look at me, before I hate myself What to tell you, that another’s lips won’t tell you It’s not much but all that I have I drop it there, that’s it Here, here, here, here is who I am, Here I am even if stripped bare, it’s over It’s my mouth, it’s my cry, here I am too bad Here, here, here, here I am my dream, my desire, like I’m dying, like I laugh at it Here I am in the noise and in the silence Don’t go, I’m begging you, stay a long time, It may not save me, no But to do without you, I don’t know how Love me as we love a friend who goes away forever I want us to love me because I don’t know how to like my outlines Here, there, here, here I am, Here I am even if exposed, it is finished Here I am in the noise and in the fury too Look at me, finally, and my eyes and my hands All that I have is here, it’s my mouth, it’s my cry Here I am, here I am, here I am Here we are, here we are, here we are Here I am".

[@ericmartel9244]

Biensur quelle nous fait agir émotionellement et tres profondément ,une chanson incroyable. merci pour la réaction

[@mrtonyo1965]

Another great review. Could you imagine Emma and Angelina Jordan toured on a concert circuit. You reviewed Angelina Jordan, and these 2 on top tier talents. That’s a ticket I would love to attend

[@williambotha5864]

The word, or essence, you're looking for, is 'authentic.'

[@StCreed]

She totally nailed that performance. Amazing. Someone to be quite proud of, in many ways.

[@dennisharnish9063]

She was on voice kids in Holland at the age of twelve and she won. There are who videos of that, Warrior and A Moment Like This.

[@cswerner63]

😅❤a

[@StreamHottieSuperSimp]

Can't wait to hear what she will sound like in about ten years from now.

[@gerrit9519]

Really recommend watching the introduction. You will know more of her performance history AND her personal history. There's a LOT more to her.

[@LDBHX]

Amazing 🔥❤🔥

[@user-lb5kc6ku3m]

Barbara Pravi - Voilà - LIVE - France 🇫🇷 - Grand Final - Eurovision 2021

[@astral7080]

A very old divine soul in a young body, an avatar on earth

[@Nightfighter82]

Part of why you might not be hearing any types of "voice changing" is that she has had some developmental delays due to her illness and that it wasn't treated properly at the beginning because of bad doctors. it stunted her growth. You can see in The Voice Kids that at 12, she was the smallest on the stage. So she may not have hit her change yet.

[@thomasrealist6181]

Love your reaction, not sure you are aware of the role of the conductor. He (but in reality) she was 'the leader', the orchestra was following her instead of what we normally see. She is/was great.

[@marcot7883]

Love this song... thanks

[@danielhackney7806]

Exceptional singing or working exceptionally hard? I can tell you with confidence I could work exceptionally hard and NEVER master the song Emma sings. In order to do that you have to have an exceptional gift for singing. Most people including myself could practice for 100 years and never sound like her. The thing that really got to me is not only her singing ability, but her PASSION! I could FEEL every note she sang! She was bullied at school for being attached to pumps and tubes in her stomach and intestines and for being exceptionally small for her age. She is an exceptional young women!

[@hexachloraphene]

She won Voice Kids Netherlands couple of years ago. Helpful exegesis. Love it. Arrangement is cool. I like solo violin at 'ne partez pas'. Coda works dramatically for me.

[@user-gj7oq1el7w]

Go on KZbin and see her sing and win Netherlands young voice.

[@PinnacleNL]

Interesting. I just watched like all of your Dimash stuff. And I've seen you do Lara Fabian. It was about time you got to Emma Kok. A singer bearing some similarity to Lara.

[@cellevangiel5973]

Yes, it has been an exceptional effort from Emma and the whole team, or family as they call it, to achieve this. One example, she sings in good French, which she does not speak. So she listened to Barbara over and over again. How many reversal did it take to get the orchestra so perfectly tuned to her voice. And you can see them all keeping an eye on her. She is talented but Andre lifted it to this height and we know he is a perfectionist.

[@2106ivo]

Una vez mas... La belleza de la armonía no respeta ideologías, solo esta la belleza y armonía en si, corresponde a la sensibilidad de cada quien de manera individual al que la escucha, y para mi... me hizo llorar de ese gran sentimiento que me trasmitió, aun sin entender en su totalidad el idioma interpretado. merecen mis aplausos.

[@JohnWSElek58]

A young Lara Fabian, she doesn't just sing the song, she lives it.

[@pngilsing]

Thank you very much for your insight, knowledge and wisdom. She is joining André Rieu on a world tour. She deserves that all the way. I'm wondering what your opinion is on how many performances are healthy for her and the development of her instrument in regard of her medcal condition and age. She is leading the orchestra and conductor. So wonderfull but also frail and let's hope she will be protected enough. I put my trust in André

[@jvoxfox]

I hope many people hear this beautiful singer on the tour! What is 'healthy' for someone with a medical condition will fluctuate. I do know that touring is tough mentally and physically for musicians without further things to consider for their health, so can only say that I hope her team are looking after her and keeping a very close eye on her from start to finish.

[@lindafish2789]

She has to work exceptionally hard just to sing. She is overcoming a huge handicap. In spite of this, she has a beautiful voice.

[@rodayl]

Talking about young voices, I would love to hear your take on Lucy Thomas. Take a look at her versions of Whiter Shade of Pale, Evergreen, Bridge over troubled water, and Hallelujah.😅

[@pglover64]

Lyrics: Here are the lyrics should anyone care! Emma the singer has a medical condition where she has to be fed through a feeding tube directly into her stomach. She is hooked up to this machine 22 hours a day and has been since she was born. Her stomach is paralyzed and not only does this affect her digestion it affects the development of her abdominal muscles as well as her breathing. Here are the lyrics and I would advise everyone to go listen to the entire performance. Listen to me, me, the half singer Talk about me, to your loved ones, to your friends Tell them about this little girl with black eyes and crazy dreams What I want is to write stories that you will hear about That's all [Chorus] Voilà, voilà, voilà, here is who I am Here I am, even if I'm scared as I'm naked, yes Here I am in the noise Verse 2] Look at me, or at least what's left of it Look at me, before I hate myself What can I say that another hasn't already said? I don't have much, but I place here what I do have Voilà [Chorus] Voilà, voilà, voilà, here is who I am Here I am, even if it's the end as I'm naked That's my face, that's my scream, here I am, never mind Voilà, voilà, voilà, voilà right here Me, my dream, my will, how I'm dying from it, how I'm laughing at it Here I am in the noise and in silence [Verse 3] Do not leave, I'm begging you to stay for a long time It might not save me, no But I don't know how to live without you Love me how you would love a friend who's leaving forever I want to be loved, because I don't know myself how to like the shape of me [Chorus] Voilà, voilà, voilà, here is who I am Here I am, even if it's the end as I'm naked Here I am in the noise and in rage too Finally, look at me and my eyes and my hands All I have is here, it's my face, it's my scream Here I am, here I am, here I am Voilà, voilà Voilà, voilà

[@stanjames9920]

Please don't bypass the intro, it's vitally important to better appreciate this amazing performance ❤

[@johenkay1129]

Just by the tempo of this song, it reminds me of Anastasia. A lot of Russian influence here.

[@krazzygranny7032]

especially since she doesn't speak French, or English when she sings some pop songs. Not sure if you heard the first part of the vid where it talks about her, at the age of 12, winning the Voice Holland for Kids, here she's singing in front of 12500 people and not sure which night this was filmed but she did 12 shows. Your also looking at someone who's probably being stunted in her growth by her disease and the fact she needs to be on her feeding tubes 22-24 hrs per day.

[@HyPnOsS1933]

I see what you say 18:00 18:48 it’s accent Dutch She is not French so it’s even more great Her French is actually great sometimes you here Dutch accent

[@Plasmastorm73_n5evv]

So you skipped her introduction which is a big part of why she has captured our hearts. A young woman fighting for a normal life living with a rare disease makes her a REMARKABLE young woman.