Alexander Igorevich Rybak is a Norwegian musician of Belarusian origin — a singer, violinist, composer and musical theatre performer who became one of the most striking winners in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest.
People really started talking about him “out of nowhere”: his triumphant performance with the song “Fairytale” in 2009 brought him a record-breaking score and made his name known all over Europe. But this rapid success was not accidental — behind it stood a long story of deep immersion in music from an early age.
Early years and musical family
Alexander was born on 13 May 1986 in Vitebsk into a creative family:
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his father is a professional violinist,
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his mother is a pianist and music editor.
His first music lessons came from his grandmother, who taught at a music college. By the age of five, Sasha was already playing two instruments — piano and violin — and also sang and danced. From an early age he was interested in Belarusian folklore, singing folk songs and inventing his own melodies.
In 1990, the family moved to Norway at the invitation of his father, who had received a musical engagement. Settling in a suburb of Oslo, Alexander continued his education in Norwegian music schools and later entered the Oslo Conservatory, where he quickly stood out as one of the most promising students.
Musical growth and first projects
Rybak’s professional path did not happen overnight — he tried his hand in different genres and formats:
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touring as part of a musical theatre troupe and performing together with his father,
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working in musical theatre productions,
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touring across Europe, China and the United States,
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taking part in national contests for young performers.
One of his first major successes was winning a Norwegian young talents competition in 2006 with his own song. He was noticed both as a songwriter and as a performer — an artist capable of combining classical technical mastery with a distinct personal style.
Rybak considers his performance with legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman a special source of pride — an opportunity given to far from every young musician.
The road to Eurovision and the triumph of “Fairytale”
In 2009, Rybak entered the Norwegian national selection with the song “Fairytale”, which he wrote himself. He dedicated it to a girl he had been in love with in his youth. The lyrics, the melody and the motifs of Scandinavian folk music captivated Norway — Alexander received a record number of votes.
At the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Rybak won convincingly, scoring a previously unseen number of points. His performance became one of the calling cards of the contest, and “Fairytale” spread across radio stations and charts all over Europe.
From that moment, a new stage in his career began — broad international interest, tours and numerous collaboration offers.
After the contest: music, film and new projects
Following his victory, Alexander Rybak became an extremely in-demand artist:
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he performed at major concert venues,
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served as a jury member at the Slavianski Bazaar festival in Vitebsk,
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wrote the soundtrack for the film “Black Lightning”,
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created the musical theme for a Norwegian animated film,
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appeared in numerous TV shows and concert broadcasts,
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released his own studio album.
He was repeatedly invited to perform at prestigious ceremonies, including the formal presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize — one of the most important cultural events in Norway.
Continuing to explore different creative avenues, Rybak worked as a journalist at Eurovision 2011 and later returned to the contest stage as a guest performer and presenting participant.
Alexander Rybak’s discography
Alexander Rybak’s body of work includes studio albums, compilations, EPs, official soundtracks, singles and unique projects created for theatre, cinema and international music shows. His catalogue is marked by a wide variety of styles — from pop-folk and Scandinavian ethnic influences to classical interpretations, jazz elements and original instrumental compositions.
Studio albums
1. Fairytales (2009)
Debut album released shortly after his victory at Eurovision 2009.
Highlights:
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includes the hit “Fairytale” — one of Europe’s main tracks of 2009,
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features instrumental interludes composed by Rybak himself,
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went platinum in Norway and was successful in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
A distinctive detail: several tracks were initially recorded by Rybak at home on his own equipment, before he had access to a professional studio.
2. No Boundaries (2010)
His second studio album, showcasing more complex musical structures, richer arrangements and a more diverse vocal delivery.
Style: a blend of pop, classical violin and Scandinavian folk elements.
Interesting fact:
Musicians from the NRK orchestra took part in the recordings, giving many tracks a cinematic depth.
3. Christmas Tales (2012)
A Christmas album featuring Norwegian and European classic holiday melodies.
Highlights:
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Rybak recorded not only the vocal parts but also most of the violin lines,
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the album includes both traditional and original compositions,
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it became one of the most successful seasonal releases in Norway.
Lesser-known detail:
Several songs were later re-released as bonus tracks on winter compilations in different countries.
4. Trolle og den magiske fela (2015)
(“Trolle and the Magic Fiddle”)
A soundtrack album for the musical theatre production based on Rybak’s own book.
Highlights:
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all the music was composed by Alexander,
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actors from the National Theatre of Norway took part in the recordings,
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some pieces exist only in their stage versions and were never released as separate singles.
This album is a rare example of a Eurovision winner creating a full-scale theatre musical as a composer.
EPs and special releases
5. Into a Fantasy (EP, 2014)
Soundtrack for the Nordic version of the animated film How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Notes:
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Rybak became one of the first Scandinavian artists to record an official track for a DreamWorks franchise,
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the song entered a number of European charts.
Compilations
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Greatest Fairytales (unofficial European compilations featuring Rybak’s hits).
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15 Years on Stage (a concert programme often accompanied by a collection of rare studio recordings).
Singles — key milestones in his career
Fairytale (2009)
The global hit that set a new Eurovision voting record.
Funny Little World (2009)
Debuted at number one in Norway — a rare case where the same artist simultaneously holds the top two chart positions (together with “Fairytale”).
Oah (2010)
A light-hearted, ironic song that became popular on YouTube, especially in Eastern Europe.
Roll with the Wind (2009)
Performed with orchestra — one of fans’ favourite live pieces.
Europe’s Skies (2010)
Further strengthened Rybak’s international status and became a calling card at his shows in Eastern Europe.
Leave Me Alone (2012)
A chart-topper in Ukraine and Russia, later released in an extended English–Norwegian version.
Kotik (2013)
A Russian-language track that instantly turned into an internet meme and inspired dozens of fan covers.
Into a Fantasy (2014)
The official song for How to Train Your Dragon 2.
My Whole World (2018)
One of Rybak’s most touching ballads.
That’s How You Write a Song (2018)
The track with which Rybak returned to Eurovision, once again representing Norway.
Music for film, TV and theatre
Beyond his albums, Rybak has created dozens of works for visual media.
Films and animated features
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“Black Lightning” — soundtrack contributions and appearance in the music video.
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“How to Train Your Dragon 2” — soundtrack for the Nordic version.
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“Trolle” — full score for the theatre production.
Television
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music idents and themes for Norwegian TV shows,
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appearances in Christmas specials,
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performances in major national TV concert programmes.
International projects
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performances at the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony,
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participation in the gala show “Eurovision’s Greatest Hits”,
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collaborations with European and Scandinavian orchestras,
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touring productions in the USA, China, Eastern Europe and the CIS countries.
Rare and little-known facts
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As a child, Rybak could reproduce complex classical pieces by ear, surprising his teachers.
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He speaks several languages fluently: Norwegian, English, Russian and Belarusian.
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In his youth, Alexander dreamed of becoming an animator, but chose music instead.
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He actively advocates for the rights of child migrants in Scandinavia, remembering his own experience of adapting to a new country.
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Rybak arranges almost all of his compositions himself and often records the violin parts in a single take.
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One of his hobbies is creating animated shorts and hand-drawn videos for his own songs.
Conclusion
Today, Alexander Rybak remains one of the most recognizable artists in Norwegian pop music and one of the most memorable winners in Eurovision history. He combines classical training with onstage charisma, moving easily from classical music to pop, from folk to soundtracks, while staying true to his unique style. His story is a vivid example of how talent, hard work and the courage to be yourself can turn a boy from Vitebsk into an artist of international stature. Judging by his ongoing activity, Alexander is still far from having said his final word in music.
