Earlier today, ERR the Estonian national broadcaster, announced that Eesti Laul 2025 will return in the new year to select the act that will represent the Baltic nation in Basel, Switzerland for the Eurovision Song Contest 20254. Along with the opening of the submission window, ERR confirmed changes to the format which will see a stand-alone national final take place on February 15.
Submission window for Eesti Laul 2025 opens
The Estonian broadcaster ERR has confirmed the return of Eesti Laul as the selection format to choose the act that will perform on the Eurovision 2025 stage next May. Already potential candidates can submit their songs to ERR. The submission window closes at noon on October 21. 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/multi language songs, the fee is doubled to 100 euros. Late submissions in the days leading up to the deadline, 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. However, at least one resident or citizen of Estonia must be involved.
“We see that Estonian authors are actively working with musicians from other countries and have also provided a better opportunity for such joint projects in Estonia.”
Riin Vann (Eesti Laul Producer, Head of Delegation for Estonia)
Artists, composers and song titles will be released by ERR in November. The chosen songs will be officially released on December 6. Artists are forbidden from revealing their entries before this date. Fifteen 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. In a twist, one ‘popular vote’ wildcard will be added to the selection. This will be chosen no later than January 6 2025 to round off a sixteen song Grand Final taking place February 15 2025.
Eesti Laul 2025 format
Since 2009 Estonia has used the Eesti Laul national final to select its representatives. Following a series of changes in recent years, including the introduction of quarter-finals and last years’ Automatic Qualifiers. This year, the competition takes a back-to-basics approach. It is out with the Semi-Finals and instead ERR are keeping it simple with a traditional one-show, winner takes all, Grand Final that will feature 15 pre-selected entries and 1 ‘popular vote’ wildcard for a total of 16 songs.
“Our biggest goal with Eesti Laul has always been to support the creation of new music and give artists and songwriters the opportunity to showcase their work not only in Estonia, but also throughout Europe. This year, as everyone is tightening their purse strings, we will do the same and limit ourselves to only having a concert for the Final. Unfortunately, that means, the Semi-Finals will not take place this year. However, we will give more artists the chance to perform during the Grand Final.”
Karmel Killandi, (Head of Entertainment Programming, ERR)
The Grand Final will take place on February 15 2025 and will retain the usual structure. During the live Final there will be two rounds of voting. The first round will determine the acts in the ‘Super Final’ and is decided by the combination of 50% jury voting and 50% public voting. During the Super Final, the winner of Eesti Laul 2025 and Estonian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is chosen by 100% televoting.
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 5Miinust and Puuluup through Eesti Laul 2024. During the Malmö contest, they scored a total of 37 points, resulting in 20th place. Thus, extending Estonia to their joint record three qualifications in a row in the Semi-Final era of the contest.
Who should represent Estonia at Eurovision 2025? 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.
