Hera Björk

Hera Björk Þórhallsdóttir, born on 29 March 1972, is an Icelandic vocalist celebrated for her significant contributions to music both in her home country and internationally. 

Hera started performing at a young age – she had already recorded some children’s songs and appeared in television commercials before her twelfth birthday. She won her first singing competition in 1988 aged just sixteen.

Hera’s debut album in 1999 was “Litla Hryllingsbúðin (Little Shop of Horror)”, “Alltaf í Boltanum – Áfram Ísland”, and “Principium -Schola Cantorum”. The year 2000 saw the release of “Ilmur af Jólum / The Scent of Christmas” and “Disneylögin”, marking her ability to blend traditional Icelandic music with international themes.

Her subsequent albums include “Landslag Bylgjunnar – Engum nema þér” and “Audi Creator Coeli” in 2001, followed by “Svarta Platan” and “Á Jólunum” in 2002. The years 2003 to 2009 were particularly productive for Hera Björk, with releases such as “Í faðmi þínum”, “Við gefum von”, and her solo album in 2006, demonstrating her growth as an artist. Collaborations with other artists, such as “Montagne Azzurre – Leone Tinganelli” in 2007 and various projects with The Frostroses in 2008 and 2009, highlight her versatility and ability to work across different musical landscapes.

Also in 2009, Hera Björk took part in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the Danish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. She was the runner up with “Someday”.

Her journey on the international stage took a notable turn in 2010 when she represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Je ne sais quoi”. Despite finishing 19th, her participation marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent to a broader European audience. Hera Björk’s international acclaim further solidified in 2013 when she competed in the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. Her entry, “Because You Can”, won the Best Song category, underscoring her prowess as a singer and performer on the global stage.

The years 2010 and 2013 were significant for her career, with the release of her Eurovision song “Je Ne Sais Quoi” and the award-winning “Because You Can”. Additionally, the release of “Ilmur af jólum 2” in 2013 showcased her continued appeal and talent.

Hera Björk decided to participate in Söngvakeppnin again in 2019, when she reached a 4th place with the song “Moving on”. In 2015, she was a backing vocal in the Icelandic team at the Eurovision Song Contest.

In addition to her successful international outings, Hera Björk has been a constant presence in Iceland’s music scene. Her versatility and range have allowed her to explore various genres and themes throughout her career. In 2024, she was chosen to represent Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time, this time with the song “Scared of Heights”. Unfortunately, this time she didn’t manage to reach the final.