Published28. October 2024, 4:19 p.m
16-year-old singer: Emma Kok: “Music is medicine for my incurable illness”
The Dutchwoman was unwillingly seen in a pro-Trump video by Elon Musk. She is now distancing herself from the video. The 16-year-old convinces fans with her voice and her fate.
von
-
Emma’s performance video was included in his Trump promo without Elon Musk’s permission; she distances herself from the clip and the message.
-
The 16-year-old won two casting shows and has already sung on stage with Helene Fischer.
-
Emma suffers from the incurable disease gastroparesis – music is her medicine.
Mega-entrepreneur Elon Musk (53) posted a pro-Trump video on his X account today. Among other things, the singing Dutchwoman Emma Kok is shown in the first few seconds. She wrote via Instagram post: “A video in which I can briefly be seen was posted by Elon Musk without my knowledge or consent. Since I am only 16 years old and not involved in American politics, I want to make it clear that I distance myself from the clip and the message behind it.
The 16-year-old has a large fan community on social media – almost two million people follow her on Instagram alone. Last year she thrilled people online with her performance alongside star conductor André Rieu (75) and moved thousands to tears. Her fans are also touched by her sad fate, as the young musician suffers from an incurable stomach disease.
She already sang with Helene Fischer
Emma Kok won the talent show “The Voice Kids” in the Netherlands at the age of 13. Two years after this victory, she took first place in the show called “Ministars” with her interpretation of the song “Voilá” by Barbara Pravi. The cover version attracted great international attention.
Emma also made it onto German television with her voice. Pop star Helene Fischer sang together with the now 16-year-old in the “Helene Fischer Show” 2023. Fischer was moved by the young artist’s performance and said to Emma: “There is something very special surrounding you – your aura, your beautiful voice! You notice it yourself, you touch people in such a special way. I’m just impressed by your whole personality.”
Emma is terminally ill
The singer has suffered from gastroparesis, a paralysis of the stomach, since birth. She is therefore dependent on a diet with liquid food and receives the nutrients she needs through a gastric tube for 22 hours a day. Sometimes she eats a small piece of rice cake, but she doesn’t feel hungry or thirsty. She is only carefree when she sings. “Then I can turn off the pump for two hours. Then I am free and can be myself.”
On Tiktok she speaks openly about her illness and even makes ironic videos about her handicap. She invested the money from the competitions she won in the “Gastrostars” foundation. She wants to help other people suffering from the disease and be a role model for them.
Do you or does someone you know have a seriously ill child?
For the CloakAccompanying families with seriously ill children and young adults
Intensive KidsParents Association
Offered handWorry Hotline, Tel. 143
Have you been following on Whatsapp for 20 minutes?
A news overview in the morning and at the end of the day, surprising stories and breaking news: Subscribe to the 20 Minutes WhatsApp channel and you will receive regular updates with our best stories directly to your cell phone.
