Estonia: Record number of songs submitted for Eesti Laul 2016!

Estonia was really successful in the Eurovision Song Contest from 1996 until 2002, finishing every year in the top 10 except for 1998 when they finished 12th. They got their first and only, so far, victory in 2001. After last year’s success with Elina Born & Stig Rästa who finished 7th, ERR received a record number of songs!

A total of 238 songs were submitted and 20 of them will compete in the semi finals of Eesti Laul 2016! “Having 238 songs submitted is truly a sign of recognition for the work we have done in the past years. It’s also concrete evidence that we are growing. Without a doubt moving the contest from the Nordea Concert Hall to Saku Suurhall was the only right decision,” says Eesti Laul 2016 producer Mart Normet.

“Elina and Stig have raised the bar greatly in both a local and international level. We are hoping that this year we will also have strong and timeless songs in the selection,” added Normet. “Luckily we don’t have to wait for long- the 20 semi-finalists will be revealed on Thursday night!”

The songs will once again be revealed on the the TV-show “Ringvaade”. The selection panel consists of 11 music professionals. On Wednesday and Thursday they will meet up to listen and choose the 20 best songs. The semi-finalists will then be revealed this Thursday the 5th of November. “Ringvaade” starts at 18:00 CET.

This year the final of Eesti Laul will be held in the Saku Suurhall- the same venue as the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest.

Schedule for Eesti Laul 2016
Semi-final 1 – 13th of February 2016
Semi-final 2 – 20th of February 2016
Final – 5th of March 2016

Stay tuned for more news regarding Estonia! Only a couple of days before we get to know the contestants!