K3: Origin and history of the girl group

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: October 26, 2023

K3 is a Flemish girl group. The group consists of three singers: Karen Damen, Kristel Verbeke and Josje Huisman. 

In this article I will tell you all about how K3 originated and how they developed.

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K3: The Belgian pop group that goes around the world

K3 is a Belgian pop group aimed at a young audience, but adults also find it a nice band. The name of the group comes from the names of the three singers Karen Damen, Kathleen Aerts and Kristel Verbeke. The music is produced by the production company Studio 100.

Music

K3 started in 1999 with their first song “Wat Ik Wil”. This was followed by hits such as “I Love You Baby”, “Álle Colors”, “Blub, Ik Ben Een Vis!”, “Tele-Romeo”, “Toveren”, “Verliefd”, “The 3 Piggetjes”, “Oya Lélé” , “Heart Lost”, “Love Captain”, “Kuma He”, “Ya Ya Yippee” and “Doctor Doctor”. The music is written by Miguel Wiels, Alain Vande Putte and Peter Gillis.

Movies and Musicals

K3 also already has six films: “K3 and the Magic Medallion”, “K3 and the Ice Princess”, “K3 and the Cat Prince”, “K3 Bengeltjes”, “K3 and the Animal Hotel” and “K3 Love Cruise”. In addition, they have also played musicals such as “The Drie Biggetjes”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Alice in Wonderland”.

The Blonde from K3 (Departure)

In 2015 Karen, Kristel and Josje indicated that they wanted to stop with K3 and focus on other things, so a new quest came up called: K3 seeks K3. After many votes, Klaasje, Marthe and Hanne have become the new K3. In November 2015, the new K3 was chosen at K3 Searches for K3 on television on VTM and SBS. After 6 years, the blonde (Klaasje) stopped with K3. The new blonde became Julia Boschman.

CD's

K3 released many CDs, including:

• All Kleuren
• Tele Romeo
• Oya Lelé
• K3 5 Years
• Around the world
• Kuma Hey
• Ya Ya Yippie
• Mamase!
• Alice in Wonderland
• Angels
• The 60 Greatest Hits!
• Loco Le
• Ushuaia
• Love Cruise
• Roller Disco

K3: A Decade of Magic and Music

From Mascara to K3

Kristel, Karen and Kathleen started their journey as Mascara, but changed their name when Kelly Cobbaut left the group and was replaced by Kathleen Aerts. The name K3 was born!

Heyah Mama: The First Big Hit

K3's first single, Wat ik wil, had little success. But when they entered Heyah Mama for the preselections of the Eurovision Song Contest, the song became a big hit. It reached second place and remained in the Ultratop 25 for 50 weeks.

The World of K3

In 2003, K3 started their own television program for children, The wereld van K3. In 2004, the film K3 and the Magic Medallion followed, with the title song Superhero. Then followed a show tour called “The big K3 show the Tele-romeo tour”.

Kathleen Leaves K3

Kathleen decided to leave K2009 in 3. Karen and Kristel went looking for a new member. Eventually Josje Huisman was chosen as the new member of K3.

Renamed Success

In 2010, K3 got its own comic series titled Hallo K3! and released their first single MaMaSé! out. A new album was released on November 23, consisting of two CDs: one with old songs that have been re-recorded (now with Huisman) and one with 12 new songs. K3 has since celebrated many successes, including a show tour and a musical.

How K3 conquered the Flemish music world

The establishment of K3

In 1997, Flemish producer Niels William decided to set up a new girl group, inspired by the successful Spice Girls. The group was initially called 'Mascara', but was soon called 'K3' because the names of the first three singers all started with 'K': Karen Damen, Kristel Verbeke and Kelly Cobbaut.

The first female singers

Karen Damen, born on October 28, 1974 from Wilrijk, mainly worked in the hospitality industry in Antwerp. Kristel Verbeke, born on 10 December 1975 in Hamme, worked as a bank clerk in Laarne and sang in Niels William's backing choir. Although she was still young, Kristel had already had a lot to deal with: her parents had divorced, her sisters had died and her father had died shortly before K3 was founded. Kelly Cobbaut chose musicals for her studies and left the group in early 1998.

Kelly's successor

Deborah Ostrega briefly took Kelly's place, but she also dropped out a short time later. Eventually Kathleen Aerts took her place. It was purely coincidental that this singer's first name also started with 'K', but it was then decided to permanently change the name of the group to 'K3'. And so began the musical journey of K3!

K3: The occupation over the years

The current occupation

The current K3 members are Marthe, Hanne and Julia, who all have their own unique talents to strengthen the group. Marthe is the youngest of the bunch, Hanne has red locks and Julia has a beautiful blond haircut. Diede van den Heuvel temporarily replaces Hanne during her pregnancy.

The former members

Karen, Kristel and Josje were the original members of K3 when the group started in 1997. In 1998 Kelly Cobbaut left the group and was replaced by Deborah Ostrega. Before the group entered the studios, Ostrega already left the group. Shortly afterwards, Kathleen Aerts joined the group in 1998. In 2009 Aerts left the group and was succeeded by Josje Huisman.

In 2015 Karen, Kristel and Josje passed the baton to Klaasje Meijer, Hanne Verbruggen and Marthe The Pillecyn through the program K3 seeks K3. They officially left the group in May 2016 after the end of the joint tour.

The members in detail

• Marthe The Pillecyn: Born in 1996, comes from Duffel, Belgium. She stopped her childcare studies at the Sint-Norbertusinstituut in Duffel in order to fully focus on K3. She was also part of the Young Artist Academy and participated in Belgium's Got Talent.
• Klaas Meijer: Born in 1995, comes from 's-Gravenzande, the Netherlands. She studied at the conservatory in Amsterdam and formed the Meijer Quintet with her mother and sisters.
• Hanne Verbruggen: Born in 1994, comes from Mechelen, Belgium. She studied communication management and was active in scouting.
• Karen Damen: Born in 1974, comes from Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium. She studied humanities (modern languages) and worked in the hospitality industry in Antwerp.
• Crystal Verbeke: Born in 1975, comes from Hamme, Belgium. After secondary education, Verbeke trained as a regent of Dutch, history and economics. Before K3 she worked in a bank in Laarne as a bank clerk.
• Kathleen Aerts: Born in 1978, comes from Geel, Belgium. She attended normal school in languages ​​and mathematics and graduated as a teacher in the late XNUMXs. She participated in the Belgian Soundmixshow.

K3 is a Belgian-Dutch girl group that has been conquering the hearts of many fans for years. The group has been a fixture in the music industry for many years and has known many members over the years. From original members Karen, Kristel and Josje to current members Marthe, Hanne and Julia, K3 has always had a diverse team. Each member has their own unique talents and qualities that strengthen the group. We can't wait to see what the future holds for K3!

K3 variants abroad

X4 (2002–2005)

X4 was a South African girl group founded by Niels William. The group consisted of four girls with a combination of blond, red and dark hair. They released songs such as Pêrels/Diamonds, Ouma Jy Is Tops'/Grandma At The Top and Ouens Is Gek/Boys Are Nuts. The first single released by X4 was Heyah mama, K3's first big hit. Sadly, the group quietly disbanded in 2005.

Wir 3 (2007-2010)

Wir 3 was a German girl group founded in 2007 by Studio 100. The girls resembled their Flemish colleagues in appearance. They released two albums called Wir 3 and Regenbogenbunt (All colours). Sadly, the group broke up in 2010.

My3 (2017-2020)

My3 was a music band from Poland, founded in October 2017 by the production agency Tako Media. They published original songs rather than translated versions of K3. Mammajé's first music video was very similar to the 10.00 Hot Air Balloons and All Colors video clips. Unfortunately, the group broke up in 2020.

UK3 (2008)

UK3 was a UK version of K3 launched in 2008. A first video clip of Heyah mama appeared on YouTube, in the same translation as that of X4. Unfortunately, nothing more has been heard from the group.

K3: A Decade Full Of Adventure

K3 and the Magic Medallion

In 2004, the first K3 movie, K3 and the Magic Medallion, premiered. Paul de Leeuw played the ghost and Indra Siera directed it.

K3 and the Ice Princess

In 2006 K3 and the Ice Princess came out. Carry Tefsen, Peter Faber and Urbanus co-starred and Siera again directed.

K3 and the Cat Prince

In 2007 K3 and the Cat Prince came out. Irene Moors and Terence Schreurs co-starred and Matthias Temmermans directed.

K3 and the Wish Game

At the end of 2010 a DVD was released, K3 en het Wensspel, with songs from the album MaMaSé.

K3 and the Dream Bed

At the end of 2011 a new K3 music special was released, K3 en het Droombed. Five songs from the album Eyo! were sung, including the music video of Eyo! yourself.

K3 Dangles

In 2012 K3 Bengeltjes came out. Chris Van den Durpel, Michel Van Dousselaere, Camilia Blereau, Bianca Vanhaverbeke, Jill Peeters, Sam Gooris, Laurine Verbruggen, Tove Tielemans and Fleur Mertens played and Bart Van Leemputten directed.

K3 Fashion Girls

At the beginning of 2013, the DVD K3 Modemeiden was released, with five video clips from the album Engeltjes.

K3 Animal hotel

K2014 Dierenhotel was released in 3. Philippe Geubels played along and the regular cast of Hallo K3! also played along.

K3 Love Cruise

In December 2017, K3 Love Cruise was released, the first feature film with the current cast.

The World of K3

K3 has had its own children's program since 2003, The Wereld van K3. The program is broadcast on Nederland 3 and contains performances, guests, magicians, cooks and fragments of Kabouter Plop, Piet Piraat and Bumba. In Belgium, the program was shown on VTM from 2004 to 2007.

Hello K3!

Since 2010 (2011 in the Netherlands) there is a comedy television series about the group, Hallo K3! The girls try to find a balance between being a star and ordinary life in the series.

K3 Can Do It!

Since 2014, K3 also has its own wish program, K3 Kan Het! Children aged 7 to 12 can send in their wishes and K3 will try to fulfill them.

This is K3

In the Christmas period of 2015, the series Dit is K3 ran on Studio 100 TV. Klaasje, Marthe and Hanne were followed behind the scenes during their rehearsals and recordings for video clips.

Welcome to K3

In December 2015, Studio 100 TV also broadcast the series Welcome to K3. Klaasje, Hanne and Marthe found all the former stuff of "the old K3" in an apartment.

We are K3! The dream continues

Since 2016, the group also has its own series on VTM, We are K3! The dream continues. The girls are followed backstage as they perform and shoot video clips.

K3's Discography: An Overview of All Albums and Singles

Albums with hits in the Dutch Album Top 20/50/75/100

K3 has built up an impressive discography with some great albums and singles. Below you will find a list of all albums and singles K3 has released, including the date of release, the date of entry, the highest position, the number of weeks and any comments.

• All Kleuren – Collection album (2009)
• Tele Romeo – Compilation album (2011) – 2x Platinum
• The three piglets – Collection album (2013)
• Oya Lelé – Compilation album (2015) – Platinum
• 5 Years – Their Greatest Hits! – Compilation album (2016) – Platinum
• Around the world – Collection album (2017)
• Kuma Hey – Compilation album (2018) – 5x Platinum
• Ya Ya Yippee – Compilation album (2019) – Platinum
• Mamase! – Compilation album (2020) – 3x Platinum
• Alice in Wonderland – Platinum (2021)
• Angels – Platinum (2022)
• 15 Years – The 60 Greatest Hits! – Collection album (2023)
• Loco Le – 5x Platinum (2024)
• Ushuaia – 4x Platinum (2025)
• Love Cruise – 2x Platinum (2026)

Albums with hits in the Flemish Ultratop 50/100

K3 has also released some great albums and singles in Flanders. Below you will find a list of all albums and singles K3 has released, including the date of release, the date of entry, the highest position, the number of weeks and any comments.

• What I want - (2009)
• hey mom – No. 2 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2011) – Gold
• Yeke Yeke – No. 4 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2012)
• I love you baby – No. 11 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2013)
• On Each Other (Remix 2000) - (2014)
• All Kleuren – No. 2 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2015)
• Yippee Yippee – No. 13 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2016)
• Grandmas At The Top – No. 4 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2017)
• Hippy Shake – No. 3 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2018)
• Tele-Romeo/Blub, I Am A Fish! – No. 1 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2019)
• Mamas And Papas – No. 13 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2020)
• You have a friend – No. 11 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2021)
• Sleeping Beauty – No. 2 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2022) – Platinum
• The 3 Little Pigs – No. 4 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2023) – Title song The 3 Biggetjes
• Oya Lelé – No. 1 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2024) – Platinum
• Heart Lost – No. 21 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2025)
• Could There Be Someone On Mars? – No. 8 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2026)
• Kuma Hey – No. 1 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2027) – Gold
• Ya Ya Yippee – No. 2 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2028) – Gold
• Kiss day – No. 13 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2029)
• Your Mama Loves You – No. 49 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2030)
• The revolution! – No. 48 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2031)
• Mamase! – No. 1 in the Radio 2 Top 30 (2032) – Platinum
• 
  K3's Renowned Filmography
  
  First Occupation
  • K3 and the magic locket: Karen played the role of the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Kathleen was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the ice princess: Karen was the princess, Kristel was the ice fairy and Kathleen was the snow fairy.
  • Piet Pirate and the flying ship: Karen was the captain, Kristel was the first mate and Kathleen was the second mate.
  • Red Carnivorous Plant: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil plant, and Kathleen was the good plant.
  • Blue Carnivorous Plant: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil plant, and Kathleen was the good plant.
  • Yellow Carnivorous Plant: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil plant, and Kathleen was the good plant.
  • Voices Only: Karen, Kristel, and Kathleen were all voice actors.
  • K3 and the cat prince: Karen was the princess, Kristel was the cat and Kathleen was the queen.
  
  
  Second Occupation
  • K3 Bengeltjes: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 Dierenhotel: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the wishing game: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the dream bed: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 – Fashion Girls: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 in the Netherlands: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 – MaMaSé!: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the Wondermachine: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 in Ahoy/Het Sportpaleis (2005): Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the witch exam: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • K3 and the magic heart: Karen was the heroine, Kristel was the evil fairy and Josje was the good fairy.
  • Good Fairy Karamella: Karen was the good fairy.
  • Good Fairy Kristella: Kristel was the good fairy.
  • Good Fairy Kathalenia: Kathleen was the good fairy.
  • The 3 Little Pigs: Karen, Kristel and Kathleen all played a little pig.
  • Knirri: Karen, Kristel and Kathleen all played roles.
  • Samson and Gert: Karen, Kristel and Kathleen guest-starred in two episodes.
  
  
  Third Occupation
  • K3 Love Cruise: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 Loves You: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 in space: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 Butterfly show: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • This is K3!: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • The World Of K3: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Hello K3!: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Comedy series: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 Kan Het!: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Wish program: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Alice in Wonderland: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • The Adventures of K3: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Everyone K3: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 dance studio: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • K3 Roller Disco: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • Welcome to K3!: Marthe was the heroine, Klaasje was the evil fairy.
  • The Diary Conclusion
    
    
    K3 is a girl group from Belgium, founded in 1999 by Niels William. The name K3 comes from the names of the three original singers: Karen Damen, Kathleen Aerts and Kristel Verbeke. The group has undergone many changes over the years, so it now consists of Marthe, Hanne and Julia Boschman.
    
    The music of K3 is produced by the production company Studio 100 and written by Miguel Wiels, Alain Vande Putte and Peter Gillis. K3 has had many hits, including 'Heyah Mama', 'I Love You Baby', 'Alle Colors' and 'Toveren'.
    
    K3 has also made six movies, including 'K3 and the Magic Locket', 'K3 and the Ice Princess' and 'K3 Love Cruise'. In addition, they have also played several musicals, including 'The Drie Biggetjes', 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Alice in Wonderland'.
    
    K3 has undergone many changes over the years. For example, Kathleen Aerts was replaced in 2009 by Josje Huisman and in 2015 Karen, Kristel and Josje indicated that they wanted to stop with K3. A search was then held for new members, which Klaasje, Marthe and Hanne came up with. In 2020 Klaasje indicated that she would quit K3 and Julia Boschman has been the new singer ever since.
    
    K3 is a unique girl group that has been around for over twenty years. They have undergone many changes, but are still popular with young

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.