
Meet Jannine Parawie Weigel. Like any 13-year-old girl, she enjoys lemonade, pizza, the color pink, and Hunger Games (the movie not, you know, actual hunger games). She also speaks five languages, plans to get a bachelor’s degree by the time she’s 16 and was already signed to GMM Grammy, Thailand’s largest media company.
And if you don’t feel like you’re underachieving enough yet, she also has the face and voice of an angel, and by all accounts seems like a genuinely well-mannered young woman. Now before you pick up that revolver, enjoy the song-stylings of this up-and-coming Thai-German wunderkind.
First, here’s a self-introduction by Miss Weigel who sings under the name Jannina W. In this video she sends her regards to fans in Thai, English, German, Chinese, and Vietnamese. She boasts native-level Thai and German, proficient English ability, and “shaky” Chinese and Vietnamese skills, but she’s working on it.
In 2010, Jannina W started out as a model, but at age 11 turned her attention to singing. After only three months of study and training she entered a national televised singing contest for children called Singing Kids and got third place.
From there she was signed to GMM Grammy. Her first official music video was with the Thai group Getsunova using her nickname Ploychompoo (Pink Sapphire)
Although she’s a signed artist, Jannina W still realizes that she needs more training and is working hard on her craft. Meanwhile, she is also simultaneously taking two Distance education courses to obtain her high school certificate by next year and a fast-track University degree in 2016.
Although extremely busy, Miss Weigel is also aware of keeping one’s image out there, so she’s been steadily releasing cover songs on YouTube, such as this hit for Rihanna.
Despite being a work-in-progress, Jannina W has already amassed a legion of fans on YouTube. As of this writing she has 165,000 subscribers and each song’s comment section is filled with praises from across Asia of “your voice is so addictive,” “You’re my new role model,” and “You’re so cute that you are appointed by every single boy.” I didn’t quite get that last, one but it sure was high praise.
However, comments were also at times critical with reviews of “the voice lacks strength, and the high notes are limited”. However, Jannina admits that she has room for improvement and, as that very same critic points out, “How could we ask for more from a teenage singer? Especially when her charm is enough to cover all possible gaps and holes.” Indeed, if she puts the same level of work into her singing career that she’s put into everything else, who knows what heights Jannina W can reach on the Asian scene and beyond?
Source: YouTube – Jannina W, Jannina W Official Site
Getsunova Video: YouTube – GMM GRAMMY OFFICIAL
▼ Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus cover by Jannina W)
▼ Zombie (Cranberries cover by Jannina W [age 12])
▼ Roar (Katy Perry cover by Jannina W)
▼She also does Thai covers and says that she’s working on a Vietnamese song.


Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro futon bedding to its anime store in Japan
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]
Japanese Sakuranbo Mochi goes viral online with millions of views, but is it worth the hype?
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor