Last month, ERR the national broadcaster of Estonia confirmed their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to be held in the United Kingdom next May. This week ERR announced the return of Eesti Laul to select the entry, as well as changes to the format.
Submission window for Eesti Laul 2023 opens
This week, the Estonian broadcaster ERR confirmed the return of Eesti Laul as the selection format to choose the act to represent the Baltic nation in the United Kingdom next May. Already potential candidates can submit their songs to ERR. The submission window closes at noon on October 20. Up to five songs per act can be submitted. This can include songs in Estonian or other languages. However, the fee for Estonian songs is 50 euros and for foreign language songs the fee is doubled to 100 euros. Late submission between 17th-20th October will see this fee upped to 100 euros and 200 euros respectively.
Songwriters and groups of songwriters, as well as performers, can consist of native Estonians, foreign residents of Estonia or non-residents. A song can have one non-resident songwriter in addition to citizens and residents.
Artists, composers and song titles will be released by ERR no later than November 4. Meanwhile the complete entries taking part in the Semi-Finals will be premiered to the public no later than December 3. Twenty entries will be selected by a pre-jury who will remain anonymous until after selection and will listen to the songs blind, with no knowledge of names involved or song titles. In the event that a competing entry does not comply with the regulations, two back-up songs will be selected in reserve.
Eesti Laul 2023 format and dates
Since 2009 Estonia has used the Eesti Laul national final to select its representatives. Last year saw the biggest edition yet, as 40 acts took part with the addition of a Quarter-Final stage. This year the format reverts back to its usual two Semi-Finals and one Grand Final schedule.
During the Semi-Finals, five songs will advance from each show. Both Semi-Finals will have two rounds: winners of the first round will be decided by the jury vote and TV viewers’ phone votes, and winners of the second round will be decided only by the viewers’ phone votes.
In the Grand Final, the usual two rounds will return. The first round will determine the acts in the ‘Super Final’ and is decided by 50% jury voting and 50% public vote. During the Super Final, the Estonian representative is chosen by 100% televoting.
Every year, Eesti Laul has enriched the domestic music scene with many new songs and introduced fresh artists to a wider audience. We are looking forward to seeing really active participation again this year.
Tomi Rahula, Executive Producer
Eesti Laul 2023 live show dates:
- Semi-Final 1 – January 12
- Semi-Final 2 – January 14
- Grand Final – February 11
In addition, ERR are planning an additional show called ‘Eesti Laulu’, featuring performances from the Super Finalists. There is no date for this show yet, but it will take place between April and May.
Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Back in 1994 Estonia made their Eurovision debut in Dublin with Silvi Vrait and the entry, ‘Nagu merelaine‘. During the contest the Baltic nation placed 24th with just 2 points. Despite the early setback, Estonia have achieved ten top ten results in total. Their best result came with Estonia’s only win in 2001. In Copenhagen the collective of Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL scored victory with 198 points for ‘Everybody‘.
Last year the Estonian public chose Stefan and ‘Hope’ through Eesti Laul 2022. During the Turin contest he qualified for the Grand Final and placed 13th with 141 points.
Who should represent Estonia in Eurovision 2023? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the new Eurovision season.
