This spring, we saw Siri Avlesen-Østli (38) steadily leading viewers through The Voice broadcasts Friday after Friday with her warm radiance and broad smile.
Over the New Year, the hammer woman steps back onto the stage, where she will continue to guide, praise and comfort singing talents – and perhaps put a mentor or two in place with a twinkle in her eye during the eighth season of the music competition.
NEW SEASON: Presenter Siri Avlesen-Østli will soon appear on the TV screen in her second season of The Voice. Good charisma and a winning spirit are keywords for Avlesen-Østli’s presenter personality. Photo: Thomas Andersen / TV 2
More comfortable
After one season behind him as The Voice presenter, the 38-year-old has felt warmer in his shirt during the recording of the audition rounds compared to last year.
– I really enjoy the role, and I did it last year as well, but I might enjoy it a little more now. The first time I was terrified that I wouldn’t make it, but I’ve become more confident and comfortable standing on that stage. I feel that I have a greater surplus to take care of the participants, and to guide them safely through the different phases, she tells TV 2, and continues:
– I put up notes all over the house to save as much as possible. I try to be as prepared as I can when I arrive on the day of the recording, so I can concentrate one hundred percent on being there for the participants.
The role of The Voice presenter has also had a positive impact on her as a person.
– I think that I dare to be myself to a greater extent. There is room for that in that role. I don’t have to be such a good girl all the time. It is not a crisis if you do not follow exactly what you have planned, because if you are present and listen, and connect with people, that is enough.
Bernhoft takes over from Matoma: – Bad conscience
Furthermore, Avlesen-Østli expresses that it is great to see how budding artists blossom through the programme.
– Seeing someone get one step closer to their dream is extremely rewarding, and then it feels like I get to join a small part of their journey. I feel very lucky to have such a great job, and I can hardly believe it’s my job. It couldn’t have been better. I am so pleased.
The bond between the program leader and the mentors has also become stronger along the way.
– We have gotten to know each other over the course of a year, so we have gained an even more solid friendship. We’re more confident with each other, so it’s a funnier tone. Then you can dare to report a little. I think it’s fun, she says.
– Had no desire to be in the limelight
Before The Voice, Avlesen-Østli was already an experienced TV face. She first got three into the role of anchor for TV4 GävleDalarna in Sweden. Later, she was a TV reporter during the 22 July trial, before taking on presenter jobs at TV 2 Sport and God morgen Norge.
There have also been reality participations in Kompani Lauritzen and Skal vi danse.
GOOD COLLEAGUES: Avlesen-Østli and the mentor group consisting of Jarle Bernhoft (tv), Yosef Wolde-Mariam, Ina Wroldsen and Espen Lind have developed a good friendship. Photo: Thomas Andersen / TV 2
But it was not a given that the 38-year-old would thrive in front of the camera lens, and have “everyone’s” eyes on him. As a child, the presenter was shy and cautious, but blossomed to be able to take his place in the world – and in the public eye.
– I certainly did not think that I would be in the limelight. I find it most comfortable to tell stories, and have had no desire to be in the limelight, she admits.
For Avlesen-Østli, it is the excitement and that there is something at stake, which is her inner engine, rather than basking in the lightning rain.
– I am driven by live broadcasts and the rush you get from it. I’m driven by adrenaline and the thought that: “Now you have to get it done, or you’ll tear down the broadcast”. I am very driven by the red button. That’s what drives me and I would have done it even if it wasn’t on TV. I think it’s just really fun to do something where you have to perform when it matters.
The shyness in the TV 2 profile is considerably less than before, but still lives in her.
– It’s probably still there a bit, I think. Many people think that I am the toastmaster at all weddings, but I do not want that role. I’m terrified of things like that. I thought it was scary to give a speech when my husband turned 40, she shares.
The Voice mentors are not happy with newcomer Jarle Bernhoft
When she can “hide” behind the role of presenter, she has no problems being a prominent personality who takes the floor.
– I go into the make-up, put on the clothes, and in a way I’m something else when I get to the H3 Arena (The Voice studio, jour. note). Then I go out of my way, quite simply. It’s a bit strange.
– How have you found security in yourself?
– I think it comes with experience and age. Volume training is worth its weight in gold. I have spent so many hours on the air. And then there’s just something about turning on the extra gear when you have to. There’s no point in stressing either. You just have to take it easy, and then the words will come eventually – but good preparation is important. It’s not about me. It’s about the story I’m going to convey. It has given me a sense of security.
– Has more to give
2023 is just around the corner, but Avlesen-Østli has no concrete New Year’s resolutions. Instead, she hopes that she will be able to continue with what she likes to do the most – namely being part of the music programme.
– I thought I was going to pass out
– I hope that I get to do The Voice for a few more years. I am grateful that I get to do it. I feel like I have more to give. It’s too much fun to miss.
Watch the premiere of The Voice on Friday 6 January at 8pm on TV 2 Direkte and TV 2 Play.
