Today, ERR has become the latest broadcaster to confirm their participation in the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Israel. This, of course, means that Estonia will be amongst next year’s list of participating nations! Furthermore, ERR has confirmed that preparations are firmly underway for their national selection process Eesti Laul 2019.
More details on Wednesday
In a post on the official Eesti Laul Facebook page earlier today, ERR confirmed that preparations for the competition that will select Estonia’s next Eurovision entry are underway. Furthermore, it is stated that further details will be revealed on Estonian television show Ringvaade on Wednesday. Also, the official rules for the competition will also be published on Wednesday.
Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest
Estonia first attempted to make their debut at the 1993 contest but due to an influx of new nations, as a result of the break up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, they had to take part in a special qualification competition: Kvalifikacija za Millstreet. With Estonia not able to secure one of the three places at the 1993 contest, the Baltic nation’s debut had to wait until 1994.
The most northern Baltic has since become the most successful of the three Baltic nations, securing ten top-ten finishes in their 24 Eurovision appearances. This included a victory in 2001 courtesy of Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL and their track Everybody.
A struggle to adapt to the semi-finals
Unfortunately for Estonia, they initially struggled to adapt to the enlarged contest once semi-finals were introduced in 2004. After five consecutive non-qualifications and rumours that the nation was to withdraw from the contest in 2009, ERR chose to send an entry after all and Urban Symphony secured a superb sixth place with Rändajad.
Since 2009, Estonia has reached the final on six out of ten occasions, four of which resulting in a top-ten finish. Indeed, the most recent of which occurred last year when Elina Nechayeva placed eighth with La
Are you pleased Estonia have confirmed their participation in next year’s contest? Let us know in the comments below!