Kristel Verbeke

Kristel Philemon Charlotte Verbeke (born 10 December 1975 in Hamme) is a Flemish singer. She is known for being a member of the first K3 group, from 1998 until 2015. In 2015, she became the manager of the new K3, remaining in this position until 2017. Since then, Verbeke focused on TV producing and acting.

Life and career Early life When Verbeke was 13, her parents divorced. She lived with her father but kept in touch with her mother. Her two sisters died in their youth. Her younger sister, Véronique died at home at age 11 due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and her older sister Isabelle died in a car accident at age 21. Her father died of lung cancer at the beginning of the K3 breakthrough. After completing secondary education, she studied to be a teacher (regent) for Dutch, history and economics.

Before meeting the other two K3 members Karen Damen and Kathleen Aerts in 1998, she worked as a bank clerk in Laarne and performed in an homage to Ann Christy together with Robert Mosuse, Andrea Croonenberghs and Pascale Michiels. She also sang as a backing vocalist for Niels William, who later became the discoverer and very first manager of K3.

K3 William introduced Verbeke to Damen and Aerts, and suggested they participate in the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest. They then entered the preselection's with the song "Heyah Mama". Verbeke herself helped to choose her successor in a televised competition to determine the new K3.

Verbeke was then appointed as the new manager of K3 by Studio 100. After two years in this position, in June 2017, she announced that she was stepping down as manager of K3 to make more time for her family and focus on other projects. In 2016, she presented Generation K for Ketnet, an educational program broadcast by VRT. In 2021, she presented the TV program Zorgen voor mama, a docuseries about single parents in poverty. Verbeke grew up poor herself and has been putting this topic on the agenda. The first season of Zorgen voor mama was nominated for the Prix d'Europe in the best documentary category. In the spring of 2021, she rejoined Sven De Ridder in the theater comedy Proper Lakens, while also starting to record the second season of Zorgen voor mama.

Personal life She married singer Gene Thomas and has two daughters, Lily and Nanou.

Discography

Studio albums 1999: Parels 2000: Alle Kleuren 2001: Tele Romeo 2002: Verliefd 2003: Oya Lele 2004: De Wereld Rond 2005: Kuma He 2006: Ya Ya Yippee 2007: Kusjes 2009: MaMaSé! 2011: Eyo! 2012: Engeltjes 2013: Loko le

Filmography