Karen Silva, who was just 12 when she rose to fame on The Voice Kids, died this week after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. She was 17 years old.
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A post shared to Silva’s Instagram page on Thursday (April 24) confirmed her death at São João Batista Hospital, in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A post made four days earlier announced, “Singer Karen Silva is facing a health problem and, at this moment, relies on medical care, as well as support and love from her family and team. We ask for respect, empathy and prayers, as she recovers with peace of mind.” The post was originally written in Portuguese and translated via Google.
She is survived by her parents Manoella and Fernando.
Karen Silva Was a Finalist on ‘The Voice Kids’
Just 12 years old when she auditioned for The Voice Kids in her home country of Brazil, Karen Silva advanced to the semifinals during the show’s 2020 season. The precocious preteen “charmed Brazil with her powerful voice and striking presence even in her childhood,” the Instagram post reads.
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“Since then, she has followed a luminous path, uniting talent, charisma and representation at every step,” the post continued. “More than a promising artist, Karen was a symbol of empowerment, especially for Black girls who found inspiration and strength to dream. Her music, her message and her joy leave deep marks on all who met her and followed her on her journey.”
Determined to sing Edward Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day,” Silva began taking voice lessons at age 8. Her first vocal coach, Lana Netto, said she nailed the song after just a few lessons.
“From that day on, Karen never stopped singing and captivating people,” Netto told The Daily Mail.
She “Had Big Plans”
Fernando Sérgio da Silva told Brazilian media that his daughter had showed no signs of illness prior to her hospitalization.
“She left home to have lunch on Friday, and three hours later she was in a coma,” the grieving father said, according to reports.
Sérgio da Silva said his daughter had “big plans” for 2025, including a clothing brand and new music.
The singer’s younger cousin, Yandra Costa, says she will remember Karen Silva for her joy most of all.
“She will continue to be a star, she always was and always will be,” Costa said.
Featured image via X/Twitter
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