Lars A. Fredriksen

Lars A. Fredriksen (born 8 February 1971) is a Norwegian singer and blogger from Skien, Norway. He first became well-known as a member of the Oslo Gospel Choir, performing as a soloist on several of their songs. Fredriksen reached a broad audience when he represented Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 with the song “Alltid sommer”, which earned an eighth-place finish in the final. Although Eurovision gave him international exposure, his career spans far beyond that one event. Over the years, he has balanced music with new ventures and public roles. He remains active in music and also shares his passion for cooking through a popular food blog, showcasing a diverse and evolving career.

Early Musical Beginnings in Gospel Choir

Lars Fredriksen’s musical journey began in his hometown of Skien. He developed his talent singing in church and soon joined the acclaimed Oslo Gospel Choir in the early 1990s. As a young vocalist, he quickly became a prominent member of the choir. In fact, he was featured as a soloist on many Oslo Gospel Choir recordings, including performing the second verse of the original version of the famous Norwegian carol “En stjerne skinner i natt” (known in English as “A Star Shines Tonight”). This experience gave him valuable exposure and training. It also helped him build confidence on stage. His powerful voice and gospel technique gained recognition, and it was not long before he was ready to step into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Eurovision 1998 and National Breakthrough

In 1998, Lars A. Fredriksen entered Melodi Grand Prix, Norway’s national selection for Eurovision. He competed with the upbeat pop song “All I Ever Wanted (Was You)” and won the competition, beating notable performers like Elisabeth Andreassen in the final. For the international contest in Birmingham, he performed the song in Norwegian as “Alltid sommer”, meaning “Always Summer”. At Eurovision 1998, Fredriksen delivered a strong performance and achieved a respectable 8th place among 25 countries. The Eurovision appearance became a springboard for his solo career. However, Lars did not let this moment define him entirely. He treated it as one highlight in a much broader musical path, and he continued to focus on music projects at home after the contest.

Solo Album and Pop Career

Following his Eurovision stint, Fredriksen launched his pop career. In 1999, he debuted as a solo artist with the album Pleased to Meet You. This album featured melodic pop songs and included singles like a cover of “I Promised Myself” and the track “You”. It showcased Fredriksen’s smooth vocals outside the gospel genre. The release of Pleased to Meet You allowed him to tour as a solo act and appear on Norwegian television and radio. While the album did moderately well, it did not turn Fredriksen into a permanent pop chart fixture. However, it proved his versatility beyond choir music.

After this period, he did not release further solo albums, but he remained a visible figure in Norway’s music scene. Lars continued to perform live, often appearing at concerts and events. He also contributed as a backing vocalist and studio singer for other artists’ projects. For example, he lent his voice to recordings by well-known Norwegian singers such as Sissel Kyrkjebø in the early 1990s. Fredriksen’s pop career phase demonstrated his ability to cross over from gospel to mainstream music, even if he ultimately returned to his roots in choir and live performances.

Continued Musical Work and Gospel Involvement

Even after his foray into pop, Lars A. Fredriksen stayed deeply involved in music. He never left the Oslo Gospel Choir, and in fact he has been one of its lead soloists for decades. He recorded numerous albums with the choir and toured extensively, performing in Norway and internationally. In addition, Fredriksen became known for performing at special occasions. He has often been invited to sing at weddings, memorials, and holiday concerts thanks to his soulful voice. Over the years, he has amassed countless recording credits and live appearances through the choir’s projects.

His long commitment to the Oslo Gospel Choir also meant working with a variety of artists and participating in large concerts (including Christmas shows and televised events) which kept him in the public eye. By balancing these ensemble performances with occasional solo spots, Lars maintained a respected presence in the Norwegian music community. He modestly describes his music activity as “something I do on the side,” but this is an understatement. Fredriksen has had a rich career on stage, with many tours and recordings under his belt. His enduring dedication to gospel music and live singing has solidified his reputation as a seasoned performer, long after his pop spotlight moment.

Transition to Food Blogging and Recent Activities

Besides music, Lars A. Fredriksen explored a very different passion: food. In the 2010s he started a food blog called “Lars spiser” (“Lars eats”), where he shares recipes, cooking tips, and gastronomic adventures. This unusual shift from music to food turned out to be a successful one. Fredriksen’s blog gained popularity for its approachable recipes featuring seasonal ingredients. He writes in an enthusiastic and personal style, which helped him connect with readers. Over time, he even began contributing food articles to newspapers and magazines, establishing himself as a culinary writer. Norwegian media took note of this career twist, highlighting the “unusual combination of being a singer and a food blogger”. Fredriksen himself finds parallels between cooking and music, both allow him to be creative and bring joy to others. Furthermore, running a blog led him to develop skills in food photography and social media, showing his ability to adapt and learn new crafts.

Today, Lars A. Fredriksen continues to wear multiple hats. He remains active with the Oslo Gospel Choir and still performs at musical events, especially during the Christmas season and other celebrations. At the same time, he actively maintains his food blog and engages with the foodie community.