1997-2003: Soap opera, music and film
Verbaan joined the cast of soap opera Goede tijden, slechte tijden in 1997, at the age of 16. She played the recurring role of Hedwig Harmsen from 1997 to 2000, growing increasingly popular and famous during her tenure on the show.
Verbaan left the show in 2000, seeking to pursue an acting career. She appeared in the Dutch film Costa! in 2001. Costa! was a nationwide commercial success, attracting over 200,000 visitors. Verbaan sang the film's theme song.
Verbaan had a cameo in English-language, Dutch film Soul Assassin in 2001. She made a major appearance in Dutch film Volle maan in 2002, but the film was a commercial and critical failure. Verbaan had the lead role in 2003 film Adrenaline.
In 2002, she released her debut studio album Sugar Spider that resulted in a number of radio hits including "Ritmo", "Yo quiero bailar" a cover of Sonia & Selena and "Denis" a cover of Blondie.
Verbaan received a Golden Onion (Dutch: Gouden Ui), the Dutch equivalent to a Golden Raspberry, for her performance in the 2005 film Joyride.