Estonia reveals its Eesti Laul 2026 finalists: familiar names, strategic returns and a contest that knows exactly what it’s doing
In Estonia, national finals exist to select a Eurovision entry, but then there’s Eesti Laul: a yearly reminder that Estonia sees music selection as a cultural strategy rather than just a quick talent show. ERR has confirmed the twelve finalists set to compete on February 14, and one thing is clear: Estonia is not winging it. They’re curating.
This year, 171 songs were submitted, which speaks volumes about the competition’s status in the country. Eesti Laul has become more than a stage where artists simply enter; it’s a platform they actively campaign for. Being shortlisted means something. Winning is a valuable asset.
A brief history of Eesti Laul
Eesti Laul didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Before it, Estonia used a colder, pre-YouTube format called Eurolaul (1993–2008). It got the job done, sure, but it wasn’t exactly memorable. While it brought Estonia its sole Eurovision win in 2001, it also gave us a slew of songs that aged poorly.
Things changed in 2009 when Eesti Laul emerged, bringing fresh rules: the songs had to sound like Estonia, not like someone’s leftovers. In just its first decade, it showcased hits like Urban Symphony’s “Rändajad,” Ott Lepland’s “Kuula,” Elina Born & Stig Rästa’s “Goodbye to Yesterday,” Elina Nechayeva’s stunning opera gown, and more recently, Alika’s jury-favored “Bridges.” This isn’t just luck; it’s a well-functioning system.
The real win? Eesti Laul has crafted a format that satisfies two audiences that usually don’t see eye to eye: Estonian music critics and Eurovision fans. One values authenticity, while the other wants catchy tunes. Eesti Laul gives both what they want, and yes, you have to pay to see it.
The 2026 finalists: twelve names, one ecosystem
ERR has rolled out this year’s finalists: Ant x Minimal Wind, Clicherik & Mäx, Getter Jaani, Grete Paia, Laura Prits, Marta Pikani, NOËP, Ollie, Robert Linna, Stockholm Cowboys (Stig Rästa & Victor Crone), Uliana Olhyna and Vanilla Ninja.
No semifinals. No unnecessary fluff. Just a straight shot at a final with twelve songs vying for one ticket to Vienna.
The lineup is telling about the competitive story being crafted, not just about who is in it, but what their presence signifies. Eesti Laul handpicks names to construct a competitive narrative.
The returnees: strategy, not nostalgia
If Eesti Laul invites you back, it’s because you still carry weight. Several artists on the 2026 list boast résumés that most national finals would envy.
Vanilla Ninja were ahead of the curve before “going viral” was a thing. These artists dominated German charts in the 2000s, came back to Eesti Laul in 2022, and are now returning with a title that challenges anyone to underestimate them. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a sign that Estonia’s pop-rock savants are still thriving—and still commercially viable.
Getter Jaani is back with unfinished business. Her 2011 entry Rockefeller Street became a phenomenon long after the contest, yet Getter has always been more than just a meme. Teaming up with Sven Lõhmus again is no accident—Estonia is revisiting a winning formula, but with 2026 in mind.
NOËP plays to the digital crowd, seeing streams rather than just votes. He’s one of Estonia’s top digital exports, someone juries take seriously because his numbers speak for themselves. His inclusion shows that Estonia isn’t just fishing for points; it’s working hard to stay relevant.
Ollie is the kind of comeback you expect when an artist finishes second and refuses to settle for a lackluster social media post. With his rock edge, loyal fanbase, and stage presence, he’s not just filling a slot.
Stig Rästa & Victor Crone, now known as Stockholm Cowboys, are Eurovision veterans who know the game better than most delegations. One penned Estonia’s 2015 Top 10 hit, while the other was on stage for Estonia in 2019. Together, they’re the most statistically qualified duo Estonia has seen since 2XL.
None of this is about nostalgia; it’s strategic. Eesti Laul doesn’t recycle talent; it invests in it.
And the rest?
These performers aren’t just backup acts. Marta Pikani, Grete Paia, Robert Linna, Laura Prits, Uliana Olhyna, Ant x Minimal Wind, Clicherik & Mäx—each one brings a unique flavor from different corners of Estonia’s music scene. Some hail from indie, some pop, and others from the alt scene. Eesti Laul has always recognized that a strong final comes from contrast, not just favorites.
A note on hosting—Estonia’s calm competence shines
This year’s show will be hosted by Korea and Karl-Erik Taukar, a duo who doesn’t need to shout to show they can handle a live broadcast. Taukar has promised that taxpayers will get “a stylish and high-quality hosting service,” which might just be the most Estonian statement ever made about national TV.
What this lineup truly signifies
Estonia isn’t looking to send a filler entry to Eurovision 2026. The mix of returning artists, industry favorites, and new talent shows a country that aims to qualify, do well, and be taken seriously by both juries and playlists. Eesti Laul doesn’t chase trends; it shapes identity.
And if Europe thinks of Estonia as the quiet, efficient participant that slips into the Top 10 unnoticed, the 2026 lineup is here to send a clear message: quiet doesn’t equal passive. Quiet means ready.
Source: ERR
