16-year-old sings Elvis classic, but no one expects him to sound just like The King himself. Watch the full video in the comments

16-year-old sings Elvis classic, but no one expects him to sound just like The King himself. Watch the full video in the comments

Benedikt Köstler stepped onto the stage looking every bit the modern teenager—fresh haircut, trendy clothes, and a confident stride. Naturally, the crowd expected a catchy pop number, maybe something by Bruno Mars or Justin Bieber. But the moment he opened his mouth to sing, everyone was stunned! If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley—or just great music in general—you’ll appreciate an unexpected, powerful take on a rock ‘n’ roll classic. Talent shows like this one are perfect for uncovering fresh voices that breathe new life into timeless songs.

You might think televised talent competitions are a recent trend, but they’ve actually been around for decades. Big-name stars like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé all got early exposure on the 1990s hit show Star Search. And over the years, many more iconic artists have made their names through these platforms. The X Factor UK gave rise to Leona Lewis, One Direction, Little Mix, and James Arthur. Meanwhile, Fifth Harmony was formed on The X Factor USA, and American Idol helped launch the careers of Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Lambert.

Though the biggest names often emerge from the UK and the US, talent knows no borders. Take Benedikt Köstler, for example. Just 16 years old when he auditioned for The Voice, he left both the judges and audience in awe with his unforgettable rendition. A true testament to global talent shining on the world stage.