When it comes to Eurovision wins, Norway doesn’t exactly have an impressive track record. Despite three wins in the contest’s history, the country has limped in at the bottom of the league table more times than any other country. With ten last place entries at the bottom of the rankings between 1963 and 2004, their songs at the contest were more likely to raise a snigger than a cheer.

However, that all changed in 2009 with Alexander Rybak’s winning entry "Fairytale." An up-tempo, toe-tapping number, it combined elements of folk and rock and swept the board at the contest allowing Norway to finally step out of the shadow of its past failures and catapulting the then 23-year-old Rybak to international stardom.

Two years on from his Eurovision win in Moscow, and Rybak is performing again at Eurovision, although this time in a more low-key way. At a recent party thrown by the Russian camp to celebrate their entry "Get You" by Alexey Vorobyov being selected for the finale, Rybak and his violin took to the stage of one of Düsseldorf's clubs for a short concert.

After his gig he spoke briefly (and breathlessly) to Deutsche Welle's Gavin Blackburn and Lavinia Pitu.

Deutsche Welle: What have you been doing since your Eurovision win two years ago?

Alexander Rybak: Well, I've been touring a lot, which has been great because it's given me a chance to meet some really cool artists in Europe. And I've had a chance to meet some artists I've admired for a long time like Will Smith and Wyclef Jean. It's been great. I'm very happy.

You were supposed to play a show in Berlin last year which was cancelled. Are you going to come back again sometime soon?

I'm not sure. I don't really think Germany gets my kind of music. It seems to be a bit stricter here in terms of taste, and I like things to be free and open. Having said that, there are a lot of Russian people in Germany, and Russia is one of my strongest fan bases so, who knows? Maybe.



What did winning Eurovision mean to you and your career?

It's meant many things for my career. But it doesn't necessarily mean anything about the quality of my music. Oh, it meant I got to kiss Lena! (laughs)

Yes, we know about that! What do you think about Lena being chosen to represent Germany for a second year?

It's good as long as people understand that she probably won't win a second time. I think she understands that as well. It's just a party for her this time. Very smart.

What are your impressions of Eurovision in Germany so far?

It's been very good although there were a few technical problems the other day during the first semi-final. Come on, you're supposed to be Germans. Everything should work well! (laughs)

Interview: Gavin Blackburn, Lavinia Pitu
Editor: Rick Fulker

Alexander Rybak recorded a special message exclusively for Deutsche Welle listeners. Check it out at the link below!