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Angela Groothuizen
Angela Groothuizen
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Key Information

Angela Groothuizen (born 28 September 1959)[1][2] is a Dutch singer and television personality. Her initial fame came as a member of the Dolly Dots.

Biography

[edit]

Angela Groothuizen was born in Alkmaar, and has four brothers and sisters. She joined the band Howling Hurricane, of which one of her brothers was a member, and in 1978 they recorded a single, "Dreamt up Rock". That same year she was asked to join a newly formed girl group, and while she was more rock-oriented, she joined, and in 1979 the Dolly Dots were officially launched.

Musical career

[edit]

The pop girl group Dolly Dots achieved popularity inside and outside the Netherlands, scoring hits between 1979 and 1988. She is credited also with discovering Roberto Jacketti & The Scooters, a Dutch pop group that scored one big hit ("I Save the Day"),[3] and co-producing their first album in 1984.[citation needed]

After the split of the Dolly Dots in 1988, Groothuizen teamed up with Ruud Mulder, former guitarist of disco/funk-contemporaries Spargo, to record as Angela & the Rude. Additionally she wrote songs for, among others, Kinderen voor Kinderen and Carmen Gomes.[citation needed]

In 1998 the Dots reunited for a one-off concert, which gave rise to a Dolly Dots musical. Love Me Just a Little Bit More played at The Chassé Theatre in Breda and around the Netherlands during 2004, and closed in early 2005. As result of renewed interest in the group after the musical, Warner Bros. Records released a Dolly Dots Greatest Hits compilation of the group as well as a DVD. In May 2007, they sold out Rotterdam Ahoy three nights in a row, and toured the country again in 2008.

In March 2008, Groothuizen released a Dutch-language solo album titled Melk en Honing (Milk and Honey).

In July 2009, fellow-Dolly Dot Ria Brieffies died from lung cancer.[4] At this time Groothuizen and the other Dolly Dots indicated they would never perform together again. However, in 2016 they did come together to perform during a concert of De Toppers, and in 2020 they announced they would do a tour called Sisters on Tour through The Netherlands.[5]

In 2012, she published a children's book, Paula en Khalilo.[6] In April 2013 Groothuizen was awarded the Annie M.G. Schmidt-prijs for her song Vinkeveen, together with author Jan Beuvig and composer Nico Brandsen. In 2015 she recorded with Nico Brandsen 14 Sinterklaas holiday songs. It was accompanied by a sing-a-long book, which sold 175,000 copies, earning it four times platinum status.[citation needed]

Television career

[edit]
Groothuizen at AVRO Service Salon [nl]

Meanwhile, Groothuizen had begun a television career starting with an adaptation of Challenge Anneka for AVRO. Her contract expired in 2005 and was not renewed. Groothuizen has since moved to commercial television as a panel judge on talent show programs, particularly in Dutch X Factor since 2008. From 2010 until 2012 she was one of the judges on the Dutch version of The Voice, The Voice of Holland.[citation needed] In 2019 and 2020 she presented a television show for RTL, Obese, a weight loss program.[7] She is also active in musical theater; with her show Label (which includes, besides songs by Dutch writers, a number of songs by Leonard Cohen[8]) she toured throughout the Netherlands in 2010.[2]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
As Angela & the Rude (with Ruud Mulder)
  • 1990: Young Souls (reached #46)
  • 1992: Walking on Water (reached #71)
As J.A.M. (with Julya Lo'ko and Mildred Douglas)
  • 2001: Message in a Bottle
Solo
  • 1996: Groothuizen (reached #54)
  • 2008: Melk en honing (reached #46)

Singles

[edit]
As Angela & the Rude (with Ruud Mulder)
  • 1990: "Pressure" (reached #21)
  • 1991: "Young Souls" (reached #32)
  • 1992: "Back to the Real World" (reached #11)
Solo
  • 2010: "Bier en Bitterballen" (reached #81)
As "The Voice of Holland"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Angela Groothuizen (born 28 September 1959) is a Dutch singer, television presenter, and actress known for her multifaceted career in entertainment spanning over four decades. She first rose to prominence as a member of the popular 1980s girl group Dolly Dots, with whom she recorded more than 30 hits and achieved success across Europe. After the group's disbandment in 1988, Groothuizen pursued a solo music career, releasing albums such as Eeuwige Jeugd (2015) and De Lage Landen (2019), while also collaborating on recent tracks like "Venus" with Danish artist Jeppe in 2025. In addition to music, she has appeared in films including Peter Bell (2002) and Peter Bell II: The Hunt for the Czar Crown (2003), and built a strong presence on Dutch television as a coach on talent competitions and host of shows like Wie is de Mol? (seasons 1–5, 2003–2007). Notable roles include judging on The Voice of Holland (2010–2012), The Voice Kids, X Factor Netherlands, and Holland's Got Talent, as well as more recent presenting duties on The Voice Senior and Ver van Huis (RTL 4). Beyond performing, Groothuizen serves as a Bijzondere Ambtenaar van de Burgerlijke Stand (civil registrar for weddings), motivational speaker, and theater producer, including past revivals like the Dolly Dots' "Sisters on Tour" (2021–2022).

Biography

Early life

Angela Groothuizen was born on September 28, 1959, in Alkmaar, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. She grew up in a family of five siblings, being the youngest with four older brothers and sisters, including a brother named Jos. Her parents were Theo Groothuizen (1911–1998) and Atie Groothuizen-Overtoom (died 2018); little is documented about their professions, but the family resided in Alkmaar during her childhood. Groothuizen attended a Roman Catholic girls' in before progressing to HAVO (a type of pre-university secondary education). She spent one year studying at a high school in , , during her teenage years, which broadened her experiences abroad. From an early age, she developed a strong interest in music and performance, participating in school bands where she sang and honed her skills, largely through self-taught efforts rather than formal training. As a teenager in the late 1970s, Groothuizen joined the local band Howling Hurricane, invited by her brother Jos who was already a member. The Noord-Hollandse group recorded a single titled "Dreamt Up Rock" in 1978, marking her initial foray into professional music recording. Seeking greater opportunities in the music scene, she relocated to in the late 1970s. This move positioned her to transition into more prominent roles, including her eventual involvement with the Dolly Dots.

Personal life

Groothuizen has maintained a long-term with her partner Rob Mooij since the early . In this arrangement, both partners are free to pursue other romantic interests, which they describe as contributing to the enduring strength of their bond. The couple briefly separated during the but reconciled in 2022, a decision they have called their best yet. Together, they have two daughters: Lola, born in 1995 and named after the song "Lola" by , and Nona Tijger, born in 1998 and named in reference to the Chinese Year of the Tiger. In 2012, Groothuizen published her debut children's book, Paula en Khalilo – Lekker schooieren, drawing from her childhood experiences with a Moroccan neighbor of the same name. The illustrated story, created with artwork by Mooij, follows the adventures of young friends Paula and Khalilo as they navigate humorous escapades, emphasizing themes of friendship, multicultural interactions, and personal growth. She followed it with a sequel, Paula en Khalilo geven een straatfeest, in 2014. Groothuizen has participated in Dutch family traditions through creative projects, including the 2015 release of Het Sinterklaas Meezingboek, a compilation of 14 classic songs designed for sing-alongs with children.

Musical career

Dolly Dots

The Dolly Dots were formed in 1979 by producers Peter van Asten, Richard de Bois, and talent scout Cees van Leeuwen, who assembled six young women from the ballet ensemble of the TROS Top 50 music program. The original lineup included Angela Groothuizen, Angéla Kramers, Anita Heilker, Esther Oosterbeek, Patty Zomer, and Brieffies, blending two primary vocalists with four dancers who also contributed harmonies. Groothuizen served as a alongside Brieffies, helping define the group's signature upbeat sound that drew from and emerging influences. The group achieved rapid success in the and across during the , releasing their self-titled debut in , which featured early singles like "(Tell It All About) Boys" and "Radio." Follow-up albums such as (1983) and Display (1983) produced key hits including "Love Me Just a Little Bit More," their sole Dutch number-one single, and "Don't Give Up," alongside covers like "." With 25 singles reaching the between and 1987, the Dolly Dots became the ' most successful of the era, selling hundreds of thousands of records domestically and earning international recognition, particularly in where "Radio" exceeded 100,000 copies. They expanded into television with their own series Dolly Dots (1981–1983) and starred in the 1987 film Dutch Treat, cementing their cultural prominence in the Dutch pop scene. Despite their achievements, the group faced growing internal tensions over creative direction and individual aspirations, leading to their disbandment in 1988 after a at the Escape club in . The members pursued solo endeavors, though the bond persisted through occasional collaborations. Reunions included a one-off full in 1998 to promote a greatest hits compilation, a medley performance at the 2016 Toppers in Concert event, and a major theater tour announced in early 2020 as Sisters on Tour, which was postponed due to the and ran from 2021 to 2022, concluding with a final show at . In recognition of their enduring legacy, the surviving members received the TrosKompas Oeuvre Award in 2023 for their contributions to Dutch pop music and empowerment of female artists.

Solo career

Following the disbandment of the Dolly Dots in 1988, Angela Groothuizen launched her solo career by forming the duo Angela & the Rude in 1989 with guitarist Ruud Mulder, formerly of the band Spargo. The project blended pop and R&B influences, yielding the debut single "Think," a cover performed at the 1989 Uitmarkt festival in under the accompaniment of the . Their only album, Young Souls (1990), featured the single "Pressure" which peaked at number 19 on the , while the title track reached number 20. The duo disbanded in 1993 after releasing Walking on Water (1992), marking Groothuizen's transition to more independent pop explorations. Groothuizen continued her solo endeavors with the self-titled album Groothuizen in 1996, produced in collaboration with Nico Brandsen, which debuted at number 41 on the and stayed on the chart for eight weeks. This release shifted toward a more personal pop sound, reflecting her growing artistic autonomy. In 2001, she formed the vocal trio Project J.A.M. with Julya Lo'ko and Mildred Douglas, releasing the album Message in a Bottle, a collection of reinterpreted and Sting classics that emphasized harmonious R&B arrangements during their inaugural tour. Her subsequent solo albums demonstrated an evolution from upbeat pop-R&B roots to introspective, mature themes. Melk en Honing (2008) entered the at number 46, exploring folk-infused reflections on life and relationships. Ik Verdedig (2011), peaking at number 34 and charting for 18 weeks, delved into advocacy and personal resilience through poetic lyrics. The 2015 release Eeuwige Jeugd, which reached number 31, further embraced nostalgic yet forward-looking themes of youth and aging, accompanied by a theater tour of the same name, followed by De Lage Landen (2019), which continued these reflective themes with original songs and covers. Earlier in her career, Groothuizen discovered Roberto Jacketti & the Scooters in 1983 and served as a on their albums, including Time (1984), contributing to their Dutch pop success with tracks like "I Save the Day." In recent years, her music has incorporated collaborations and contemporary updates; the 2025 single "," a house of Shocking Blue's classic with artist Jeppe, was released on September 26, highlighting her adaptability to modern electronic pop. This body of work underscores Groothuizen's stylistic progression toward reflective, genre-blending maturity while maintaining her pop foundation.

Television career

Judging and coaching

Angela Groothuizen entered the realm of talent show judging as a panelist on the Dutch version of The X Factor, serving from 2009 to 2013. In this role, she provided guidance to contestants across various categories, drawing on her extensive musical background to offer insights into performance and artistry. Her mentorship contributed to the success of emerging artists, including the season 3 winner Jaap van Reesema in the Boys category and season 5 winner Haris Alagic, also in the Boys category, both of whom secured recording contracts following their victories. From 2010 to 2012, Groothuizen transitioned to coaching on for its inaugural three seasons, where she selected and developed teams during blind auditions, battles, and live performances. Although none of her contestants claimed the overall title, she nurtured promising talents who reached the later stages, such as Laura Estévez and Rodney Elzer in season 2, helping them refine their vocal techniques and stage presence. Her approach focused on building confidence and emotional delivery, often highlighting the need for authentic expression in coaching sessions. Groothuizen also coached on The Voice Kids Netherlands for its first four seasons (2012–2015), mentoring young talents and securing the season 1 win with Fabiënne Bergmans. She joined the judging panel of in 2016 (season 8) and continued in subsequent seasons, including 2019, evaluating diverse acts and influencing career trajectories for winners and finalists. Groothuizen's judging style across these programs emphasized constructive criticism balanced with encouragement, fostering emotional connections between coaches and participants to enhance performances. Highlights included memorable feedback moments that went viral, showcasing her humorous yet empathetic demeanor, while occasional controversies arose from the high-stakes environment, such as debates over eliminations. Post-2020, Groothuizen maintained her involvement in talent development through ongoing judging on Holland's Got Talent, new coaching opportunities including The Talent Scouts in 2023, and as coach on The Voice Senior for its first three seasons (2018–2021), focusing on contestants aged 60 and over. She has reflected on the evolving industry standards, noting that stricter protocols following the 2022 The Voice of Holland misconduct scandal—unrelated to her tenure—complicated personal interactions with contestants but were essential for safety. In response to the scandal, she proactively contacted former mentees to ensure their well-being and advocated for broader cultural changes to prevent misconduct. These efforts underscore her commitment to supportive mentorship amid heightened scrutiny.

Presenting and acting

Groothuizen began her television presenting career in the 1990s with De Uitdaging, an adaptation of the British series Challenge Anneka, which aired on AVRO from 1990 to 1998. In the program, she led teams on time-sensitive missions to complete charitable projects, emphasizing community support and quick problem-solving. From 2003 to 2007, she hosted the first five seasons of the reality game show Wie is de Mol? on AVRO, guiding unknown contestants through challenges abroad to uncover a 'mole' saboteur. Her acting portfolio includes roles in both film and television drama. In the 2003 family adventure film Peter Bell II: The Hunt for the Czar Crown, directed by Maria Peters, Groothuizen portrayed Moeder Bell, the supportive mother of the in this of the classic Dutch children's stories. She also appeared as Sylvia van Bommel, a , in 37 episodes of the youth drama series .nl, which aired on from 2005 to 2006 and followed a group of teenage journalists uncovering mysteries. Additional drama series roles include Cobie Slokker in an episode of Van God Los (2011), a exploring real-life cases, and Trudy Braams in 't Spaanse Schaep (2009), a comedy-drama about rural life. On stage, Groothuizen has performed in musical theater productions that blend and . She took the lead role in the 2010-2011 theater show , a musical exploring themes of identity and fame through scripted scenes and songs. Earlier, in 1993, she shared the stage with for a live of "" at the Grand Gala du Disc awards ceremony in , delivering a dramatic narrative that highlighted her vocal and acting synergy. In 2019, Groothuizen became the host of Obese on , succeeding , and presented the program through 2020. The series documents participants' intensive weight-loss journeys under medical supervision, with Groothuizen providing on-camera guidance and emotional support to highlight personal transformations. Since 2019, including a 2025 season, Groothuizen has presented Ver van Huis on , accompanying Dutch families on transformative trips abroad to address relational issues. More recently, from 2021 to 2025, Groothuizen has made cameo appearances and hosted festive specials, including contributions to Het Grote Sinterklaasfeest events, where she combined presenting duties with light acting in holiday-themed sketches for family audiences.

Discography

Albums

Angela Groothuizen's solo career began with collaborative efforts under the name Angela & The Rude, releasing two English-language rock albums in the early . Her debut solo album, Young Souls (1990), was issued by and featured a mix of pop-rock tracks emphasizing energetic, upbeat themes. It peaked at number 37 on the Dutch Albums Chart, spending 11 weeks in the top 100. Key tracks included "," "," "," and the title song "Young Souls," with production credited to the band members themselves. Her second album with Angela & The Rude, Walking on Water (1992), also on , continued in a similar pop-rock vein and reached number 69 on the Dutch Albums Chart, charting for 5 weeks. Recorded at Bullet Sound Studios in the , it highlighted tracks such as "Guilty Hearted," "Foolish Heart," "Wild Life," and the title track "Walking on Water." The album received mixed user reviews, averaging 2.7 out of 5 on MusicMeter. Transitioning to Dutch-language material, Groothuizen released her first true solo album, Groothuizen (1996), under . Produced by Nico Brandsen, it peaked at number 41 on the Dutch Albums Chart and stayed on the chart for 8 weeks. Standout tracks were "Rozegeur," "Nooit Meer Wetten (Laat Me Leven)," "Overblijf," and "Hou Vol (Iedereen Voelt Pijn)." In 2001, Groothuizen collaborated with Julya Lo'ko and Mildred Douglas as J.A.M. for Message in a Bottle, a covers album of Sting and The Police songs released by Coast to Coast. It did not chart prominently but featured reinterpreted tracks like the title song "Message in a Bottle" and other classics from the band's catalog. Melk en Honing (2008), her second solo album on AGP Records, marked a return to Dutch pop after a 12-year gap and reached number 46 on the Dutch Albums Chart for 3 weeks. Highlights included "Voorbij," the title track "Melk en Honing," "Klein," "Bier en Bitterballen," and a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." The album earned a 3.3 out of 5 rating on MusicMeter. Ik Verdedig (2011), released by Universal Music, performed strongly at number 34 on the Dutch Albums Chart, holding for 18 weeks. Notable songs were "Ik Verdedig," "Ik Hou Van Dit Land," "Thuis," "Telkens Als Ik Je Zie," and "." Her 2015 album Eeuwige Jeugd on AGP Records peaked at number 31 on the Dutch Albums Chart for 6 weeks and tied into her theater production exploring youth and aging. Key tracks included the title song "Eeuwige Jeugd," "Onderweg (Naar Nergens)" featuring Marsman, "Bestemming Onbekend," "Dwaal," and "Mooi." Later in 2015, Groothuizen released Alle Liedjes Van Het Sinterklaasmezingboek, a children's album featuring traditional Dutch Sinterklaas songs for sing-along, on Universal Music. It did not chart but included tracks such as "Zie Ginds Komt De Stoomboot" and "Sinterklaas Kapoentje." De Lage Landen (2019), released by AGP Records Powered by AOE, is a Dutch pop album with 11 tracks evoking national pride and reflection. It did not chart prominently. Key tracks included the title song "De Lage Landen," "Weemoed," "Bucketlist," and "Pek en Veren."

Singles

Angela Groothuizen launched her solo recording career in 1989 with the project Angela & the Rude, alongside Ruud Mulder, releasing "Think" as the debut single, a cover performed live at events like the Uitmarkt in . The following year, "Pressure" marked her first charting success, peaking at number 19 on the Dutch Top 100 and spending 10 weeks on the chart. This upbeat pop-rock track featured a and established her post-Dolly Dots sound, blending R&B influences with energetic production. Subsequent releases with Angela & the Rude included "Young Souls" in 1990, which climbed to number 20 on the Dutch Top 100 and remained on the chart for 17 weeks, showcasing Groothuizen's vocal range in a soulful ballad style. In 1992, "Back to the Real World" entered at number 60, lasting 5 weeks; the single included a live B-side recording and highlighted themes of resilience, with a remix version gaining radio play. After a period focused on television and albums, Groothuizen returned to singles in 2010 with "Bier en Bitterballen," a humorous Dutch-language track that briefly charted at number 81 for one week, capturing lighthearted cultural nostalgia. Later that year, "Niets Blijft" achieved greater commercial impact, reaching number 13 on the Dutch Top 100 over 7 weeks; the introspective song, accompanied by a poignant music video, resonated during her judging role on The Voice of Holland and became a fan favorite for its emotional depth. In 2011, "Ik Verdedig" was issued as a standalone single, emphasizing themes outside her album cycles. Groothuizen ventured into holiday music in 2015 with multiple tracks from the project Alle Liedjes Van Het Sinterklaasmezingboek, including "Zie Ginds Komt De Stoomboot" and "Sinterklaas Kapoentje," released as promotional singles to accompany the sing-along book and . Her later independent releases shifted toward patriotic and reflective Dutch pop. "De Lage Landen" (2019) served as the title track single from her of the same name, evoking national pride with orchestral elements. This was followed by "Pek en Veren" in 2020, a bold critique of public scrutiny, released amid personal challenges and featuring a for digital platforms. Most recently, in September 2025, Groothuizen collaborated with Danish artist Jeppe on "Venus," a vibrant pop blending retro vibes with modern production, marking her return to international features.
TitleYearPeak (Dutch Top 100)Weeks on ChartNotes
Think (with Angela & the Rude)1989--Debut single; live performance at Uitmarkt.
Pressure (with Angela & the Rude)19901910Music video; R&B-pop fusion.
Young Souls (with Angela & the Rude)19902017Soul ballad; radio hit.
Back to the Real World (with Angela & the Rude)1992605Includes live B-side; resilience theme.
Bier en Bitterballen2010811Humorous cultural track.
Niets Blijft2010137Emotional single with video; tied to TV career.
Ik Verdedig2011--Empowerment anthem.
Sinterklaas Kapoentje (from Sinterklaas project)2015--Holiday promotional single.
De Lage Landen2019--Patriotic title track.
Pek en Veren2020--Critique of criticism; digital remix.
Venus (with Jeppe)2025--Disco-pop collaboration.

Awards and nominations

Music awards

Angela Groothuizen received the Annie M.G. Schmidt-prijs in 2013 for the song "," co-written with Jan Beuving and composed by Nico Brandsen, recognizing it as the best Dutch theater song of the previous year. The award, presented during a live broadcast of the television program De Wereld Draait Door, highlighted the song's witty lyrics and musical arrangement, which had premiered in Groothuizen's 2012 show Dit Ben Ik. This honor underscored her contributions to Dutch songwriting beyond , blending humor and personal narrative in a theatrical context. As a founding member of the Dolly Dots, Groothuizen shared in the group's TrosKompas Oeuvre Award in 2023, a lifetime achievement recognition for their pioneering role in Dutch during the . The award, presented at the Muziekfeest van het Jaar 2023 in , , celebrated the band's string of hits and influence on girl groups, attributing the honor collectively to surviving members including Groothuizen. This accolade affirmed the enduring impact of the Dolly Dots' upbeat style on the Dutch music scene.

Other awards

In recognition of her contributions to television, Angela Groothuizen was nominated for the Silver TeleVizier-Star in 2001 as Female TV-Star of the Year, highlighting her prominence as a presenter and performer on Dutch screens. The following year, the show Wie is de Mol?, presented by Groothuizen, was nominated for the Golden TeleVizier-Ring at the 2002 Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala, underscoring its impact on interactive and engaging television formats. Groothuizen's broader societal efforts were honored in 2025 with the Amsterdam Dinner Award, presented by Mayor at the benefit gala organized by the Amsterdam Dinner Foundation; the accolade celebrated her long-standing advocacy for and AIDS awareness, including support for affected communities through and public education initiatives.

References

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