Music News • In Memoriam
Karina Zeviani Dies at 51: Brazilian Singer and Former The Voice Brasil Contestant Passes After Cancer Battle
The talented vocalist known for her international collaborations and powerful voice leaves a lasting mark on Brazilian and global music
Brazilian singer and songwriter Karina Stefania Zeviani passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of 51. The artist, who gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice Brasil in 2020, had been battling cancer for approximately two years. She died while receiving treatment in São José do Rio Preto, in the interior of São Paulo state. Her funeral and burial took place the following day in her hometown of Jaboticabal.
A Career That Crossed Borders
Long before appearing on Brazilian television, Karina Zeviani built an impressive international career. Born and raised in Jaboticabal, she began her musical journey early, including time as a young bandleader in a local fanfare directed by her father. As a teenager she left Brazil and lived in Europe, spending time in Germany and France, where she started performing professionally, often interpreting the music of Brazilian icon Elis Regina.
Her path later took her to New York, where she performed at the Nublu club in the East Village. In 2005 she joined the American electronic collective Thievery Corporation, and in 2008 she became a vocalist for the French project Nouvelle Vague. These collaborations introduced her distinctive voice to audiences across Europe and the United States. In 2012 she released her first solo album, recorded between Paris, New York, São Paulo, and Salvador, drawing inspiration from her childhood roots in the Brazilian interior.
National Recognition on The Voice Brasil
In 2020, Karina returned to the national spotlight when she competed in the ninth season of The Voice Brasil. During the blind auditions she performed the classic “Sonhos” by Peninha and earned praise from the coaches. She joined Team Carlinhos Brown, who described her performance as “brilliant.” Although her time on the show was relatively short, it introduced her powerful voice and international experience to a much wider Brazilian audience.
🖤😢 Morreu na quinta-feira (1°/10) a cantora Karina Zeviani, aos 51 anos, no Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa, em São José do Rio Preto, municÃpio de São Paulo. A informação foi confirmada pela prefeitura de Jaboticabal. A artista enfrentava um câncer, diagnosticado há dois anos… pic.twitter.com/KGk0BIgwyW
— Metrópoles (@Metropoles) October 2, 2026
Even after the program, she continued performing. In 2024 she appeared onstage with Nouvelle Vague at Circo Voador in Rio de Janeiro, where she spoke openly about her ongoing battle with cancer, showing both vulnerability and resilience.
The Battle Against Cancer
Karina was diagnosed with breast cancer around 2024. Over the following two years she underwent multiple treatments, including different chemotherapy protocols. In early 2026 the disease progressed to her liver and later to her bones, leading to serious complications such as infections, severe anemia requiring blood transfusions, and periods in intensive care.
She remained transparent with her followers, regularly sharing updates about her health on social media. In one of her final posts in September 2026, she announced that she would begin a new round of intravenous chemotherapy and expressed sadness about losing her hair again. Friends and family organized support campaigns to help cover medical costs as her condition became more challenging.
Final Farewell in Jaboticabal
Karina leaves behind her parents, Natal Zeviani and Durvalina Reis Zeviani, and her husband, Heitor Rossi Cardoso. The wake was held on Friday, October 2, at the Complexo Funerário Terra Nossa in Jaboticabal, with the burial scheduled for the same afternoon at the Municipal Cemetery.
The news of her passing prompted tributes from friends and fellow artists. Model Luciana Curtis shared a heartfelt message, writing that her beloved friend had found rest but would leave a deep sense of longing. Actress Luana Piovani was also among those who publicly mourned her loss.
A Lasting Musical Legacy
Karina Zeviani’s career was marked by versatility and a genuine connection to music that transcended borders. From small-town beginnings in the interior of São Paulo to stages in New York, Paris, and major Brazilian cities, she carried her voice with elegance and authenticity. Her participation in internationally respected projects and her memorable appearance on The Voice Brasil ensured that her talent reached diverse audiences.
Those who followed her journey remember not only her artistic achievements but also her courage during her final years. Even while facing a difficult illness, she continued to share her experiences and maintain connection with her community.
Karina Zeviani’s passing at 51 is a significant loss for Brazilian music. Her story reflects both the beauty of a life dedicated to art and the quiet strength required to face illness with dignity. As tributes continue in Jaboticabal and across the country, her voice and spirit remain part of the musical landscape she helped enrich.
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