Zoe Wees
“Mentally I wasn’t doing so well”
Zoe Wees released her single “Lonely” a few days ago.
© Megan Courtis
Zoe Wees is one of the most promising talents in Germany. But she is currently struggling with her health, says the singer.
Singer Zoe Wees (19) is one of the most promising singing talents in Germany. With her participation in the casting show “The Voice Kids” in 2017, the 19-year-old first attracted attention. Born in Hamburg, she released her debut single “Control” in 2020 and stormed the international charts with it. In the USA, too, attention has long been drawn to the up-and-coming star.
Wees has already been touring through various US talk shows and was the first German singer to take the stage at the American Music Awards (AMA) in 2021. “The AMAs are definitely as glamorous as you see on TV, it’s really great there,” enthuses the 19-year-old in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
But the young talent also has a lot to do in 2022: Wees’ new single “Lonely” was released on March 18th, and her first big European tour starts on March 29th. “I’m very happy that my single is finally out. I’ve been waiting for it since the beginning of the year,” Wees explains proudly. But in addition to the many successes, there are also downsides in the singer’s life. The newcomer has been struggling with her health lately: “Mentally, I wasn’t doing so well.”
Zoe Wees had to go to the hospital
Already in an Instagram post Wees recently indicated problems. She started writing the song “Lonely” “when I was going through a really hard time just before Christmas last year,” it said. In an interview, she now explains the background: “I came to the hospital at this time because I didn’t feel well. I’m currently struggling with anxiety disorders.” She’s doing a little better now. “Everything will be fine again,” emphasizes the newcomer.
What gives you strength in such difficult times? “When I was in the hospital, staring at that wall, I thought about the good times.” You know it will get better at some point. “You have to go through hell before you get better.”
Female empowerment is very important to Zoe Wees
One topic is particularly important to the 19-year-old: female empowerment. In her song “Girls Like Us” (2021), for example, she positioned herself against current ideals of beauty. “Female empowerment is very important to me. I want every girl to feel special,” says Wees. She wants to make all girls and women feel comfortable in their bodies. “That at some point they can say through my music: ‘I never thought my legs were beautiful, now I’ve heard these songs and now I love them.'” Wees is also about the “smaller” things.
In 2021, the Hamburg resident appeared as a show act in the finale of “Germany’s next top model”. “I like that there are now plus-size and curvy models on the show,” she admits. The format of Heidi Klum (48) has become more diverse and the 19-year-old thinks that’s good.
Whether Klum, US talk show host Jimmy Fallon (47) or comedian James Corden (43) – the young artist has already met some big stars. But that doesn’t throw Wees off track at all. “I’m never nervous when I meet other big stars because there’s no reason to be. They’re just normal people, like everyone else,” says the newcomer confidently.
Singer has written a new song
Zoe Wees is currently concerned with one topic in particular: the war in Ukraine. “The topic is very close to me. I wrote a song to better put my feelings into words.” She hopes he will help other people. She also performed at the “Sound of Peace” musical peace rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate last weekend. “To create awareness and get more people to take action.”
It is not yet clear when her first album will be released. “Hopefully as soon as possible,” hopes the singer. Finally, Wees has a good tip for young artists who want to get started: “Start with social media channels like TikTok. Publish your first song and promote it there.”