Alexander Rybak achieved a historic milestone in 2009 by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with a record-breaking 387 points for his self-composed entry, Fairytale. This victory, secured at age 23, established him as a significant presence in the European music industry and remains the highest tally achieved under the voting system active at that time.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1986 in Minsk, Belarus, Rybak moved to Norway at a young age after his parents, both musicians, settled in Nesodden. He began formal musical training at five, initially focusing on piano before adopting the violin as his primary instrument. He later enrolled at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo, where he completed a Bachelor of Music in violin performance in 2012, alongside studies at Columbia College Chicago.
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Before his international recognition, Rybak gained experience through the Norwegian talent show Kjempesjansen in 2006 and a role in the Oslo Nye Teater production of Fiddler on the Roof, for which he received a Hedda Award. Following his 2009 Eurovision win, he released the album Fairytales, which charted in the top 20 across nine European countries. He later transitioned toward classical and children’s music, frequently collaborating with youth orchestras.
Television and Additional Ventures
Rybak has maintained a persistent involvement with the Eurovision Song Contest, returning as a competitor in 2018 with That's How You Write a Song and serving as a judge for Belgian national finals in 2016 and 2023. His acting career includes roles such as Levi in the 2010 film Yohan, and he has contributed musical themes to various projects, including the Russian action production Black Lightning.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Minsk
- Primary Instruments: Violin, Piano
- Education: Barratt Due Institute of Music; Columbia College Chicago
- Eurovision 2009 Score: 387 points
- Citizenship: Norway
- Languages: English, Russian, Norwegian, Belarusian
Questions readers ask
What is Alexander Rybak's background in music?
He is a classically trained violinist who graduated from the Barratt Due Institute of Music and also studied at Columbia College Chicago.
How many times did he participate in Eurovision?
He won the contest in 2009 and represented Norway again in 2018, while also serving as an interval act and commentator in various other years.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, musician and singer
