Four decades after Dolly Parton famously declined to let Elvis Presley record her iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” a 13-year-old Austrian girl, Laura Kamhuber, stepped onto the stage of The Voice Kids and delivered a breathtaking performance of the legendary ballad. The song, which had already reached new heights thanks to Whitney Houston’s unforgettable rendition in 1992, found a fresh audience as Laura’s incredible audition captivated millions around the world.
The Story Behind “I Will Always Love You”
The history of this song is rich with fascinating moments. Written and originally performed by Dolly Parton in 1974, “I Will Always Love You” was inspired by her decision to part ways professionally with her longtime mentor and musical partner, Porter Wagoner. The song quickly became a country music classic, showcasing Parton’s signature heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery.
That same year, Elvis Presley expressed interest in recording the song. However, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted that Presley receive 50% of the publishing rights—a standard demand for any song Presley recorded. Despite her admiration for the King of Rock and Roll, Parton ultimately refused the deal, following her instincts and standing firm in her ownership of the song. In an interview with CMT, Parton recalled: “Something in my heart said, ‘Don’t do that.’ And I just didn’t do it.” She later joked that after Whitney Houston’s version became a global sensation in 1992, “I made enough money to buy Graceland.”
Whitney Houston’s Record-Breaking Success
In 1992, Whitney Houston recorded her own rendition of “I Will Always Love You” for the soundtrack of the hit film The Bodyguard, in which she starred alongside Kevin Costner. Houston’s version transformed the song into a powerhouse ballad, and it quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time by a female solo artist, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
To this day, Celine Dion is the only other female artist to have a song among the top 10 best-selling singles, thanks to “My Heart Will Go On” selling 18 million copies. When Houston tragically passed away in 2012, Parton was among the many artists who paid tribute, releasing a heartfelt statement: “I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song, and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’”
The Audition That Left Judges Speechless
Fast forward to 2013, when Laura Kamhuber took the stage for a blind audition on The Voice Kids Germany. The young Austrian decided to take on Houston’s monumental version of “I Will Always Love You,” a song widely considered to be one of the most challenging to perform due to its powerful vocal range and emotional intensity.
As soon as Laura began to sing, it became clear that she was delivering something truly special. Her pitch-perfect execution and emotional depth stunned the judges. One by one, all three judges turned their chairs, eager to coach the rising star. German pop star Tim Bendzko even referred to it as the “forbidden song,” humorously noting that “you’re not actually allowed to sing this song because it’s unsingable.” He went on to praise Laura’s performance, calling it “sensational” and “incredible.”
A Viral Sensation
Though Laura was eventually eliminated during the knockout rounds of the competition, her audition took on a life of its own online. The video of her performance went viral, amassing an astonishing 226 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched YouTube video by an Austrian artist.
Since her unforgettable audition, Laura Kamhuber, now performing under the stage name Laura Lun, has continued to pursue her musical career. She has released three albums, with her latest work in 2017 featuring a mix of pop, country, and ballads. Her success highlights the power of talent, dedication, and the magic of a well-loved song reaching new generations.
The Enduring Power of “I Will Always Love You”
Laura’s spine-tingling rendition of “I Will Always Love You” serves as a reminder of why this song remains one of the greatest ballads in music history. Whether performed by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, or a young talent like Laura Kamhuber, the song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
If you haven’t heard Laura Kamhuber’s unforgettable audition yet, take a listen and let us know what you think! Her journey proves that great music transcends generations and that raw talent will always find its way to the hearts of listeners everywhere.
