Estonia Set to Choose its Eurovision 2026 Entry with Expanded Voting Access
Estonia is preparing to select its representative for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with a revamped voting system that now includes international audiences. The national selection, Eesti Laul, will commence at 18:30 on Saturday, February 14th, offering fans worldwide a chance to participate in the decision-making process.
A New Era for Eesti Laul: Global Participation
For the first time, Estonian broadcaster ERR has opened voting for Eesti Laul to international viewers, marking a significant expansion of the competition’s reach. Previously limited to phone and SMS voting within Estonia, fans can now cast their votes online via the platform eestilaul.vote, utilizing a system similar to that employed by the Eurovision Song Contest itself and other national finals. This move underscores a commitment to broader engagement and reflects the growing global fanbase of Estonian music.
The Road to Vienna: A Two-Stage Voting Process
Twelve songs will compete in Eesti Laul, initially judged by a combination of public and international jury votes, each contributing 50% to the overall score. This first round will determine a Top 3, which will then advance to a “Superfinal.” The ultimate winner, and Estonia’s entry for Vienna, will be decided solely by a public vote. This dual-stage process aims to balance expert opinion with the preferences of the listening public.
Meet the Contenders: The 12 Songs Battling for Victory
The competing entries, set to be performed in the following order on Saturday night, represent a diverse range of musical styles:
- Clicherik & Mäx – Jolly Roger
- Robert Linna – Metsik Roos
- Grete Paia – Taevas Jäi Üles
- Laura Prits – Warrior
- ULIANA – Rhythm of Nature
- OLLIE – Slave
- Marta Pikani – Kell Kuus
- NOËP – Days Like This
- Getter Jaani – The Game
- ANT x Minimal Wind – Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)
- Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
- Stockholm Cowboys / Stig Rästa & Victor Crone – Last Man Standing
Fans can preview all 12 songs on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/
Entertainment and Hosts for Saturday’s Show
Korea and Karl-Erik Taukar will host the event, guiding viewers through the competition from Unibet Arena in Tallinn. The evening will also feature performances by Nublu and Tief City 44, former Estonian Eurovision contestant Elina Born (who competed in Vienna in 2015), the group Singer Vinger, and the cast of the musical Romeo and Juliet, led by Jaagup Tuisu and Wanda-Helene Ollep.
Building on Past Success: Estonia’s Eurovision Momentum
Estonia is hoping to capitalize on the success of Tommy Cash, who achieved the nation’s best Eurovision result in over two decades with “Espresso Macchiato” at the 2025 contest in Basel. The song secured 356 points, landing Estonia in the Top 3 and demonstrating the country’s growing appeal on the international stage. This momentum is expected to fuel excitement and engagement for Eesti Laul 2026 and the selection of its next potential Eurovision star.
