In 1999, Cortes won the lead role of Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End.

He has also performed various leading tenor roles in opera.

Having spent four years at his father’s school in Reykjavík, he then won a scholarship to the Hochschule, or University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna.

He left after six months to study privately with Professor Andrei Orlowitz  in Copenhagen.

Cortes was approached by Einar Bárðarson, manager of Icelandic girl band Nylon, who suggested that he make a record like Andrea Bocelli or Josh Groban.

The songs, including Lucio Dalla's "Caruso" and Ennio Morricone's "Nella Fantasia", Malavasi's "Romanza", David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager's "The Prayer" and some Icelandic numbers, were chosen by Cortes, Bárðarson and Björgvin Halldórsson

It was with his classical crossover album Cortes, released in Iceland in 2005, which Cortes came to prominence.

The record turned out to be the fastest-selling ever in that country, achieving double platinum status in three months.

He was also voted sexiest man in Iceland twice in one year in separate polls.

His debut album in the UK, also titled Cortes, was released on 16 April 2007 and entered the UK classical chart at number 1.

His ambition is to sing Otello at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.