Estonia’s ‘Eesti Laul’ 2026: A Recent Era of Eurovision National Selection
Estonia is gearing up to select its representative for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with the latest edition of Eesti Laul, taking place on Saturday, February 14th. This year’s competition marks a significant shift with the introduction of international voting, expanding the reach of the beloved national final.
International Voting: Democratizing the Selection Process
For the first time, fans worldwide will have a voice in determining Estonia’s Eurovision entry. ERR, the Estonian broadcaster, has opened voting to international audiences, allowing participation regardless of location. Voting options include phone calls (within Estonia), SMS, and online voting via eestilaul.vote, a platform mirroring the systems used by Eurovision and other national finals.
This move aligns with a broader trend in Eurovision national selections, where broadcasters are increasingly seeking to engage diaspora communities and international fans. Previously, Estonia achieved its best Eurovision result in over two decades at Basel 2025, with Tommy Cash and “Espresso Macchiato” scoring 356 points and finishing in the Top 3.
The ‘Superfinal’ Format: A Two-Stage Voting System
The competition unfolds in two stages. Initially, a public vote and an international jury, each contributing 50% of the scores, will determine a Top 3. These finalists will then proceed to a ‘Superfinal,’ where the ultimate winner – and Estonia’s representative for Vienna – will be chosen solely by public vote.
This hybrid voting system aims to balance expert opinion with popular appeal. The final public vote ensures the chosen song resonates with a wider audience, potentially increasing its chances of success on the Eurovision stage.
A Diverse Line-Up of Competitors
Twelve songs are competing for the coveted spot. The lineup includes familiar faces in the Eurovision world, such as Vanilla Ninja, who previously represented Switzerland in 2005, and Getter Jaani, Estonia’s 2011 representative. The Stockholm Cowboys duo features Stig Rästa (2015) and Victor Crone (2019), both former Eurovision participants.
Here’s a look at the competing entries:
- Clicherik & Mäx – Jolly Roger
- Robert Linna – Metsik Roos
- Grete Paia – Taevas Jäi Üles
- Laura Prits – Warrior
- ULIANA – Rhythm of Nature
- OLLIE – Slave
- Marta Pikani – Kell Kuus
- NOËP – Days Like This
- Getter Jaani – The Game
- ANT x Minimal Wind – Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)
- Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
- Stockholm Cowboys / Stig Rästa & Victor Crone – Last Man Standing
Beyond the Competition: Entertainment and Hosts
The show, hosted by Korea and Karl-Erik Taukar, will too feature performances by Nublu, Tief City 44, Elina Born (Estonia’s 2015 Eurovision performer), Singer Vinger, and the cast of the musical Romeo and Juliet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Eesti Laul 2026?
A: Saturday, February 14th, starting at 18:30 EET.
Q: How can I watch Eesti Laul 2026?
A: Viewers in Estonia can watch on ERR, while international viewers can stream it on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
Q: How can I vote if I’m outside of Estonia?
A: You can vote online via eestilaul.vote.
Q: What is the ‘Superfinal’?
A: The ‘Superfinal’ is the final stage of the competition, featuring the Top 3 songs determined by the first round of voting. The winner of the Superfinal is chosen solely by public vote.
Don’t miss the excitement! Tune in to Eesti Laul 2026 to witness the selection of Estonia’s next Eurovision hopeful. Explore more Eurovision news and updates on the official Eurovision website.
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