Alexander Rybak and his role model, Jahn Teigen

Alexander Rybak and his role model, Jahn Teigen

Jahn Teigen was a Norwegian singer, musician and comedian, who represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest three times. He took part in the Norwegian national Eurovision final (Melodi Grand Prix), a record fourteen times.

He was recognised and beloved by Norwegian people.

Alexander has several times called Jahn Teigen his idol, role model, MGP-mentor.

Like in the Norwegian TV-show "Lindmo"

Translation (by alexanderrybaknews):

Host: What's the reason for that you thought: "Yes, one more round!"?
Alexander: Jahn Teigen, Jahn Teigen.

I have always been a fan of Jahn Teigen, but in recent years I have become more and more fond of him. He has become my biggest idol.

I took part in a TV-show where I made a tribute to him.

And I like Jahn Teigen's approach to MGP.

If you have something in your heart. If you have a strong song you want to share,MGP is a fantastic stage. It is Spektrum, and the whole of Norway are watching.

So if there is a message, for example, which I feel I have this year, then it's very nice if that message reach even more people through MGP.

H: Jahn has been very generous in giving himself.

It has gone bad, it has gone really bad. It has gone very well. Do you find that okay?

A: No, it's not only okay. That is the only way to do it.

In 2016, he took part in the TV-show "En hyllest til Jahn Teigen" (A tribute to Jahn Teigen) on TVNorge, and performed Teigen's two iconic songs "Adieu" (1982) and "Optimist" (1989) in his own interpretation. 

You can also hear these performances in this video, which was made right after Jahn Teigen's  death on 25th February  2020, as well as what Alexander said in interviews Jahn meant to him:

He was also interviewed by TV2, and paid tribute to him
both in front of the camera and in an article:
Here can you watch the video and ➡HERE the article

Of course, Alexander did not miss to say farewell to him, and attended his funeral (11.3.2020) and paid tribute to him again, while performing one of his songs (with English and Hungarian lyrics in subtitles)