Estonia first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994. In the preceding year of 1993, there was an international pre-selection event held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, aimed at selecting three songs for the available slots in the contest in Millstreet, Ireland. Despite Janika’s performance of the Estonian entry “Muretut meelt ja südametuld,” it didn’t qualify. Consequently, Estonia officially debuted one year later in 1994 with Silvi Vrait and the song “Nagu Merelaine,” which unfortunately landed a disappointing 24th place with only 2 points. Nonetheless, the trajectory swiftly changed thereafter.

Estonia clinched its inaugural victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001 with the song “Everybody,” delivered by Tanel Padar and Dave Benton, alongside 2XL. This triumph marked a significant milestone not only for Estonia but also for Eastern Europe, marking the first occasion an Eastern European nation secured victory in the competition.

Tanel and Dave’s victory came as a surprise to many viewers and bookmakers since Estonia wasn’t initially considered one of the favorites to win. However, the infectious and lively soul anthem “Everybody” managed to captivate both the jury and the public, earning Estonia an unforgettable spot in Eurovision history.

Following Estonia’s triumph in the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest, the Estonian broadcaster ETV introduced a national competition titled “Eesti Laul” to determine their entry for the subsequent year’s contest. This competition has since evolved into a beloved event in Estonia, serving as a platform for showcasing various contemporary and experimental music styles.

After Estonia’s victory in the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest, the Estonian broadcaster ETV launched a national competition called “Eesti Laul” to select their entry for the following year’s contest. The competition has since become a popular event in Estonia and has showcased many contemporary and experimental music styles.

Estonia, despite its modest size, boasts a vibrant music scene, with the Eesti Laul competition playing a significant role in showcasing the country’s creative and forward-looking ethos. Renowned for its excellence, the competition consistently produces music of exceptional quality, mirroring the diversity and ingenuity of Estonian culture. By nurturing emerging talent and fostering originality, Eesti Laul has firmly established Estonia as a focal point for musical innovation in the region, solidifying its reputation as a hub of musical prowess and creativity.

The passion and ingenuity displayed by Estonian artists and songwriters consistently serve as a source of inspiration for other participating countries in the Eurovision Song Contest. Estonia’s unwavering dedication to the competition remains steadfast, with this year marking its 29th entry. While the Baltic nation hasn’t always secured a spot in the Grand Finals, notable achievements have been made.

Despite occasional challenges, Estonia has consistently delivered numerous strong and memorable songs that have earned commendable placings in the Eurovision Song Contest. In fact, Estonian entries have frequently succeeded in qualifying for the Grand Final, with a notable statistical chance of 62% for making it through. Impressively, Estonia has reached the Grand Final on 18 occasions, and among those, they have achieved a Top 10 position an impressive 11 times! Such achievements underscore Estonia’s resilience and prowess in the Eurovision arena.

Just last year, Alika delivered an impressive performance, securing an admirable 8th place in the Grand Final held in Liverpool.