Laura Tesoro Rushed to Hospital, Voice Finale in Jeopardy

Belgian singer and television personality Laura Tesoro (29) was rushed to hospital overnight on 28-29 May 2026 and underwent emergency appendix surgery, casting serious doubt on whether she will be able to attend the live finale of The Voice van Vlaanderen later today. The hospitalization comes on what was meant to be a career-defining day, as Tesoro’s new single “Plastic Paradise” also releases on Friday.

A Day of Extremes

Tesoro, who rose to fame as the runner-up on Season 3 of The Voice van Vlaanderen in 2014 and later represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the gold-certified hit “What’s the Pressure,” is serving as a main coach on the show for the first time this season. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, she experienced acute abdominal pain late Thursday night and was taken to hospital, where doctors performed an emergency appendectomy.

The surgery was successful, and Tesoro is reported to be recovering well under the circumstances. However, the timeline is extraordinarily tight: the Season 10 finale of The Voice van Vlaanderen is scheduled to air at 20:35 CET on VTM, just hours after her operation.

Medical Decision Pending

Tesoro’s manager, Stijn Peeters, told HLN that the singer is determined to be present. “We know Laura as a true workhorse, so she herself wants to do everything to be there,” Peeters said. “But it must of course be responsible. In consultation with VTM, we are waiting to see if the doctors give permission to attend the finale. That decision will be made later today.”

Broadcaster VTM has emphasized that Tesoro’s health remains the absolute priority. “We are currently awaiting the doctors’ advice,” a VTM spokesperson told Redactie24. “Laura’s health is obviously the most important thing.”

What’s at Stake

Tesoro’s finalist, Joris from Amsterdam, is one of four contestants competing for the Season 10 title. The winner receives €25,000 and a single release. Joris will perform “All By Myself” by Céline Dion and “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley in the finale, according to TVvisie.

The other finalists are Bas (Team Koen Wauters), Maëlle (Team Joost Klein), and Finn (Team Maarten & Dorothee). The finale format sees each contestant perform up to five times, with the top two advancing for one final song before the winner is crowned.

Full Circle Moment

Tesoro’s journey with The Voice has come full circle in 2026. After placing second as a contestant in 2014, she served as a “Comeback Stage” coach from 2021 to 2024—becoming the winning coach in 2024 when she mentored Christophe Verholle to victory—before joining the main coaching panel for Season 10. Missing the live finale would be a bitter blow on what should have been a triumphant milestone.

What Happens Next

A final decision on Tesoro’s attendance is expected later today. If doctors do not clear her to attend, VTM has not yet disclosed contingency plans. Options could include a remote or virtual appearance from the hospital, or a co-host filling in on stage. For Joris, the uncertainty adds an emotional layer to what is already the most important performance of his life.

Regardless of the outcome, the story has already generated significant public sympathy and media attention, making this one of the most talked-about finales in the show’s history. Tesoro’s health, however, remains the overriding concern—and as VTM has made clear, no risk will be taken.