He was born on 1 June 1977 in Akureyri, northern Iceland and has been singing for as long as he can remember.
Jonsi moved to the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik in 1997 to start his music career and soon got several opportunities to sing. In 1998, he joined a group of friends who had formed the band, “Í Svörtum Fötum” (Dressed in Black) and were looking for a singer.
Unsurprisingly, the band’s debut performance on 1 January 1999 saw them wearing black suits, white shirts and black ties.
Their single, 'Nakinn' (Naked), released in spring 2001 went to no. 2 in the Icelandic charts and the band landed a four album deal with Skifan Records in September that year.
The band is well known for their active live performances and busy tour schedules. In summer 2002 they finished their critically acclaimed second album, “Í Svörtum Fötum,” which went gold. The band’s popularity continued to rise and they spent 2003 working on new material. Their third album, “Tengsl,” was even more successful.
Jonsi was nominated 'Vocalist of the Year' at the 2003 Icelandic Music Awards. He has repeatedly won 'Male Vocalist of the Year' and 'Best Live Performer' as voted for by Icelandic radio listeners.
Over the past two years Jonsi has performed and recorded with some of Iceland's biggest names and in 2003 he landed the starring role of Danny Zuko in the musical, “Grease.” The show went on to become one of Iceland’s biggest theatre blockbusters, and has starred 2003's delectable Birgitta in the Ms Newton-John role.

The Icelandics didn't have a "super-dooper singer and dancing show". Instead they chose their singer internally.
 
A national final is, according to broadcaster RÚV, too expensive. Quite a surprise to hear from one of the richest countries in the world. It seems that the worldwide recession has also hit Iceland.