Kristel Verbeke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kristel Verbeke
Background information
Birth name	Kristel Philemon Charlotte Verbeke
Born	(1975-12-10) 10 December 1975 (age 49)
Origin	Hamme, Belgium
Genres	Pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, actress, host, musical actress
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Studio 100, Sony BMG
Associated acts	K3 (1998–2016)

Kristel Philemon Charlotte Verbeke, born on December 10, 1975, in Hamme, is a talented Flemish singer, actress, and TV host. She is most famous for being one of the original members of the popular music group K3. Kristel sang with K3 from 1998 until 2015. After leaving the stage, she became the manager for the new K3 group until 2017. Since then, Kristel has focused on creating TV shows and acting.

Kristel Verbeke: Her Life and Career

Kristel Verbeke has had an interesting journey in the entertainment world. From her early days to becoming a pop star and then a TV producer, she has always been busy.

Kristel's Early Life and Beginnings

When Kristel was 13, her parents divorced. She lived with her father but stayed close with her mother. She also had two sisters who sadly passed away when they were young. Her younger sister, Véronique, died at home at age 11. Her older sister, Isabelle, died in a car accident at age 21. Kristel's father passed away from lung cancer around the time K3 became very popular.

Before she joined K3, Kristel studied to become a teacher. She wanted to teach Dutch, history, and economics. She also sang as a backing vocalist for Niels William, who later helped create K3.

Kristel's Time with K3

Niels William introduced Kristel to Karen Damen and Kathleen Aerts in 1998. He suggested they form a group and try out for the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest. They entered the competition with their song "Heyah Mama." The idea was for K3 to be like a Flemish version of the British group "Spice Girls".

At first, K3 was meant for young women, and their early songs showed this. However, they soon became very popular with children, which was a big surprise!

K3's Rise to Fame

K3 became very successful after "Heyah Mama" was released. In 2002, Niels William sold the band to Studio 100. This company helped K3 become even bigger. They started releasing merchandise, movies, TV shows, and books.

In 2009, Kathleen Aerts left the band. Kristel and Karen continued with K3. They participated in a TV talent show on VTM to find a new member. This is how Josje Huisman joined the group.

Finding the New K3

Later, it was announced that Kristel and Karen would also leave K3. In 2015, K3's record label decided to look for new members. Kristel herself helped choose her successors in a TV competition. This show started in August 2015 in the Netherlands and Belgium. Finally, Klaasje Meijer, Hanne Verbruggen, and Marthe De Pillecyn were chosen as the new K3.

After this, Studio 100 asked Kristel to become the new manager for K3. She worked in this role for two years. In June 2017, she announced that she was stepping down as manager. She wanted to spend more time with her family and work on other projects.

Kristel's Career After K3

After leaving K3, Kristel started working as a TV producer and theater actress. In 2016, she hosted Generation K for Ketnet. This was an educational program broadcast by VRT.

In 2021, she hosted the TV program Zorgen voor mama. This was a documentary series about single parents who were struggling financially. Kristel herself grew up without much money, so she cares deeply about this topic. The first season of Zorgen voor mama was even nominated for an award! In the spring of 2021, she also performed in a theater comedy called Proper Lakens and started recording the second season of Zorgen voor mama.

Kristel's Personal Life

Kristel is married to singer Gene Thomas. They have two daughters named Lily and Nanou.

K3 Music Albums

Kristel was part of many successful K3 albums. Here are some of them:

• 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: Alice in Wonderland
• 2011: Eyo!
• 2012: Engeltjes
• 2013: Loko le

Kristel's Film and TV Appearances

Kristel has appeared in many movies and TV shows, often as herself or as her K3 character.

Movies Featuring Kristel

TV Shows Featuring Kristel