Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

Summary

Estonia is set to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, with "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" performed by 5miinust and Puuluup. The Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) organised the national final Eesti Laul 2024 in order to select the Estonian entry for the 2024 contest.

Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Country Estonia
National selection
Selection processEesti Laul 2024
Selection date(s)
  • Semi-final:
  • 20 January 2024
  • Final:
  • 17 February 2024
Selected entrant5miinust and Puuluup
Selected song"(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi"
Selected songwriter(s)
  • Karl "Põhja Korea" Kivastik
  • Kim Wennerström
  • Kristjan "Kohver" Jakobson
  • Marko Veisson
  • Mihkel "Päevakoer" Tamm
  • Priit "Lancelot" Tomson
  • Ramo Teder
Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest
◄2023 2024

Background edit

Prior to the 2024 contest, Estonia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest twenty-eight times since its first entry in 1994, winning the contest in 2001 with the song "Everybody" performed by Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL. Following the introduction of semi-finals in 2004, Estonia has, to this point, managed to qualify to the final on nine occasions, including in 2023, when "Bridges" performed by Alika placed eighth in the final.[1]

The Estonian national broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR), broadcasts the event within Estonia and organises the selection process for the nation's entry. Since their debut, the Estonian broadcaster has organised national finals that feature a competition among multiple artists and songs in order to select Estonia's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. The Eesti Laul competition has been organised since 2009, and on 5 July 2023, ERR announced that it would organise the 2024 edition of the competition, thus confirming its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[2]

Before Eurovision edit

Eesti Laul 2024 edit

Eesti Laul 2024 was the sixteenth edition of the Estonian national selection Eesti Laul, which selected Estonia's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The competition was held between 20 January and 17 February 2024 and was hosted by Tõnis Niinemets [et] and Grete Kuld.[3][4] Like in previous editions, Aleksandr Hobotov and Julia Kalenda provided Russian-language commentary in the live shows of Eesti Laul on ETV+.[5]

Format edit

In July 2023, ERR announced their intention to apply changes to the production team of the selection, with Tomi Rahula stepping down from his position as chief producer after five editions, as well as to the format of the competition.[2] Karmel Killandi [et] was later revealed as his successor.[6]

On 15 September 2023, ERR specified the details of the new format. This included only one semi-final on 20 January 2024 and a final on 17 February 2024. 15 songs competed in the semi-final and the top five qualified for the final, joining five automatic qualifiers for a ten-song final. The results of the semi-final were determined by the combination of votes from a 35 (or more)-member jury and public televoting for the first qualifiers, and a second round of public televoting for the remaining qualifiers. The winning song in the final was also selected over two rounds of voting: the top songs selected via the combination of a 9-member international expert jury and public voting went through a second round of televoting to determine the winner.[3][7]

Competing entries edit

A submission window for interested artists was open from 15 September until 23 October 2023, with each applicant able to submit a maximum of five entries. At least 50% of the artists and/or songwriters for a submission were required to be nationals or residents of Estonia, with a lower fee imposed on Estonian-language songs compared to songs in other languages; both of the fees were doubled for entries submitted in the last two days before the deadline.[3][7] At the closing of the application period, 215 entries had been received – 88 in Estonian, 126 in English and one in Italian.[8]

The 15 semi-finalist entries and 5 finalist entries (plus two backups) were selected by a 41-member jury composed both of professionals and non-specialist music listeners, who were not informed about the identity of the applicants until after the selection took place. The jury members, also revealed after the process, were Airi Liiva, Alice Aleksandrini, Andres Aljaste, Andres Oja [et], Andres Panksepp [et], Anett Kulbin [et], Anna-Aurelia Kangur, Bert Brikenfeldt, Danel Pandre [et], Elina Nechayeva, Evert Poom, Gerd Eston Sepp, Hanna-Liina Võsa [et], Heini Vaikmaa, Ivi Rausi, Juhan Paadam, Jüri Nael, Koit Raudsepp [et], Lauri Liiv [et], Magnus Müürsepp, Maian Kärmas, Margot Suur, Maria Listra [et], Martin Korjus, Martin Trudnikov [et], Ott Lepland, Owe Petersell [et], Pille Minev [et], Priit Pajusaar [et], Raivo Oja, Rauno Märks [et], Rein Fuks, Riivo Kallasmaa [et], Robert Kõrvits [et], Sten Heinoja, Sten Teppan, Tarmo Krimm, Ülar-Johannes Palm, Vaiko Eplik, Veronika Portsmuth and Yasmyn [et]. Selected artists and entries were announced during the daily broadcasts of the ETV entertainment program Ringvaade on 6 and 7 November 2023.[7][9][10][11][12] Despite being set to be released on 8 December 2023, some were leaked the previous day.[13]

Among the selected competing artists was Laura, who represented Estonia in 2005 as part of the group Suntribe and in 2017 alongside Koit Toome.

Competing entries[14][15]
Artist Song Songwriter(s)
5miinust and Puuluup "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi"
  • Karl "Põhja Korea" Kivastik
  • Kim Wennerström
  • Kristjan "Kohver" Jakobson
  • Marko Veisson [et]
  • Mihkel "Päevakoer" Tamm
  • Priit "Lancelot" Tomson
  • Ramo Teder [et]
Anet Vaikmaa [et] "Serotoniin" Sven Lõhmus
Antsud "Vetevaim"
  • Aile Alveus
  • Antsud
Brother Apollo "Bad Boy"
  • Erkki Sippel
  • Joseph Miettinen
Carlos Ukareda [et] "Never Growing Up" Carlos Ukareda
Cartoon and Ewert Sundja [et] "Oblivion"
  • Ewert Sundja
  • Hugo Martin Maasikas [et]
  • Joosep Järvesaar [et]
Cecilia "FOMO"
  • Cecilia-Martina Mägi
  • Liis Hainla
  • Sander Sadam
Daniel Levi [et] "Over the Moon"
Ewert and The Two Dragons "Hold Me Now"
  • Erki Pärnoja [et]
  • Ewert Sundja
  • Ivo Etti [et]
  • Kristjan Kallas
Inga [et] "No Dog on a Leash"
  • Inga Tislar
  • Markus Palo
Ingmar [et] "Dreaming" Ingmar Erik Kiviloo
Laura "Here's Where I Draw the Line"
  • Johannes Lõhmus
  • Laura Põldvere
Nele-Liis Vaiksoo "Käte ümber jää"
  • Allan Kasuk [et]
  • Marek Sadam [et]
  • Nele-Liis Vaiksoo
  • Peter Põder
Ollie "My Friend" Oliver Mazurtšak
Peter Põder [et] "Korra veel" Peter Põder
Silver Jusilo "Lately"
  • Silver Jusilo
  • Markus Palo
Sofia Rubina [et] "Be Good"
  • Jason Hunter
  • Renae Rain
  • Robert Stanley Montes
Traffic "Wunderbar"
Uudo Sepp and Sarah Murray "Still Love"
  • Aleksi Wiklund
  • Joel Sundkvist
  • Liis Hainla
  • Uudo Sepp
Yonna "I Don't Know About You"
  • Johanna Eendra
  • Jakob Kaarma
  • Semjon Greef

Shows edit

Semi-final edit

The semi-final took place on 20 January 2024 at the University of Tartu Sports Hall in Tartu.[9][16] The city, elected European Capital of Culture for 2024, featured in promotional segments aired during the show.[17] The show also featured guest performances by dance crew Põmaki! (directed by Ingmar Jõela [et]) and former Eesti Laul participant Anett Kulbin [et] with Angus [et], who sung "Tattoo".[18]

  First round (jury and televote) qualifier   Second round (televote-only) qualifier

Semi-final (first round) – 20 January 2024[19][20][21]
Draw Artist Song Jury Televote Total Place
Votes Points Votes Points
1 5miinust and Puuluup "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" 218 4 6,794 12 16 2
2 Inga "No Dog on a Leash" 269 8 640 2 10 7
3 Ollie "My Friend" 242 7 3,242 10 17 1
4 Yonna "I Don't Know About You" 151 0 343 0 0 13
5 Peter Põder "Korra veel" 117 0 323 0 0 14
6 Cartoon and Ewert Sundja "Oblivion" 286 10 640 1 11 6
7 Traffic "Wunderbar" 242 6 983 6 12 4
8 Ingmar "Dreaming" 195 3 1,868 8 11 5
9 Anet Vaikmaa "Serotoniin" 170 0 892 5 5 9
10 Laura "Here's Where I Draw the Line" 174 1 1,321 7 8 8
11 Sofia Rubina "Be Good" 236 5 188 0 5 11
12 Antsud "Vetevaim" 121 0 394 0 0 12
13 Silver Jusilo "Lately" 99 0 305 0 0 15
14 Cecilia "FOMO" 185 2 720 3 5 10
15 Ewert and The Two Dragons "Hold Me Now" 295 12 802 4 16 3
Semi-final (second round) – 20 January 2024[20][21]
Artist Song Televote Place
Anet Vaikmaa "Serotoniin" 1,864 1
Antsud "Vetevaim" 199 10
Cartoon and Ewert Sundja "Oblivion" 850 5
Cecilia "FOMO" 515 6
Inga "No Dog on a Leash" 435 7
Ingmar "Dreaming" 1,078 4
Laura "Here's Where I Draw the Line" 349 8
Peter Põder "Korra veel" 1,413 2
Silver Jusilo "Lately" 109 11
Sofia Rubina "Be Good" 102 12
Traffic "Wunderbar" 1,278 3
Yonna "I Don't Know About You" 213 9
Final edit

The final took place on 17 February 2024 at the Tondiraba Ice Hall in Tallinn.[22] The members of the international jury were William Lee Adams (founder of Wiwibloggs), Ole Tøpholm (DR Eurovision commentator), Anna Sahlene (Swedish singer who represented Estonia in 2002), Julian Gutierrez, Andrew Rogers, Annely Peebo (2002 Eurovision co-host), Henkka Remes, Liam Clark and Þórunn Lárusdóttir [is].[23] The show featured guest performances by Alika (2023 Estonian Eurovision representative) featuring Bedwetters, HND [et], Gameboy Tetris [et], Eleryn Tiit [et], Muteko Taiko, Dance Republic Tantsukool and Arop [et].[24]

Final – 17 February 2024[25][26][21]
Draw Artist Song Jury Televote Total Place
Votes Points Votes Points
1 Brother Apollo "Bad Boy" 43 3 413 1 4 10
2 Carlos Ukareda "Never Growing Up" 54 6 634 2 8 6
3 Ewert and The Two Dragons "Hold Me Now" 43 4 806 3 7 7
4 Anet Vaikmaa "Serotoniin" 63 7 2,945 6 13 5
5 Ollie "My Friend" 74 12 7,384 10 22 1
6 Daniel Levi "Over the Moon" 43 5 4,040 8 13 4
7 Uudo Sepp and Sarah Murray "Still Love" 33 1 1,179 5 6 8
8 Peter Põder "Korra veel" 33 2 1,092 4 6 9
9 5miinust and Puuluup "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" 67 8 16,740 12 20 2
10 Nele-Liis Vaiksoo "Käte ümber jää" 69 10 3,152 7 17 3
Detailed jury votes[citation needed]
Draw Song L. Clark W.L. Adams A. Peebo H. Remes J. Gutierrez O. Tøpholm T. Lárusdóttir A. Rogers A. Sahlene Total
1 "Bad Boy" 5 7 4 8 1 3 1 8 6 43
2 "Never Growing Up" 12 6 6 4 3 6 4 5 8 54
3 "Hold Me Now" 3 3 2 3 8 2 5 10 7 43
4 "Serotoniin" 8 8 7 5 6 10 10 7 2 63
5 "My Friend" 7 10 8 10 10 12 3 4 10 74
6 "Over the Moon" 2 5 12 6 7 4 2 1 4 43
7 "Still Love" 6 1 3 1 4 7 6 2 3 33
8 "Korra veel" 1 2 1 7 2 5 7 3 5 33
9 "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" 10 12 5 12 12 1 8 6 1 67
10 "Käte ümber jää" 4 4 10 2 5 8 12 12 12 69
Superfinal – 17 February 2024[21]
Artist Song Televote Place
5miinust and Puuluup "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" 26,422 1
Nele-Liis Vaiksoo "Käte ümber jää" 5,014 3
Ollie "My Friend" 12,494 2

Ratings edit

Viewing figures by show[27]
Show Air date Average
viewership
Share
(%)
Average rating
(%)
Total
viewership
Total rating
(%)
Semi-final 20 January 2024 155,000 36.7% 13.6% 255,000 22.4%
Final 17 February 2024 191,000 41.5% 16.6% 297,000 25.9%

Preparation and promotion edit

In accordance with Eurovision regulations, which prohibit any reference to trademarks, mention of Lay's chips was removed from a verse of "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" ahead of the contest.[28] As part of their participation in the contest, 5miinust and Puuluup confirmed attended the Barcelona Eurovision Party on 6 April 2024,[29] the London Eurovision Party on 7 April 2024[30] and the Nordic Eurovision Party in Stockholm on 14 April 2024.[31]

At Eurovision edit

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will take place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö, Sweden, and consist of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 7 and 9 May and the final on 11 May 2024. All nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top ten countries from each semi-final will progress to the final. On 30 January 2024, an allocation draw was held to determine which of the two semi-finals, as well as which half of the show, each country will perform in; the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot.[32] Estonia was scheduled for the second half of the second semi-final.[33] The shows' producers then decided the running order for the semi-finals; Estonia was set to perform in position 13, following the entry from Belgium and before the entry from Israel.[34]

Ahead of the contest, ERR is again organising and broadcasting the Eurovision preview show Eurovisiooni laulud [et], starting on 31 March 2024; hosted by Eesti laul presenters Grete Kuld and Tõnis Niinemets, each weekly episode features a panel composed of television personalities and members from the public who discuss and evaluate the competing entries.[35] In addition, as part of the Eurovision programming, ERR cooperated with DR and SVT alongside other EBU member broadcasters – namely ARD/WDR, the BBC, ČT, ERR, France Télévisions, NRK, NTR, RÚV, VRT and Yle – to produce and air a documentary titled ABBA – Against the Odds, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sweden's first victory at the contest with "Waterloo" by ABBA.[36]

In late March 2024, the Estonian postcard, to be shown before the country's performance in each show, was filmed. Filming took place in the same industrial area in Estonia where the music video for "(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi" was set.[37]

Semi-final edit

5miinust and Puuluup will take part in technical rehearsals on 30 April and 3 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 8 and 9 May.[38]

References edit

  1. ^ "Estonia". Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b Kaldoja, Kerttu (5 July 2023). "Eesti Laul läbib uuenduskuuri" [Eesti Laul is undergoing a renewal]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Carabaña Menéndez, Hugo (15 September 2023). "Estonia arranca la búsqueda para Malmö: presentado el Eesti Laul 2024 con una sola semifinal y la final el 17 de febrero" [Estonia starts the search for Malmö: Eesti Laul 2024 has been presented, with a single semi-final and the final on February 17]. ESCPlus España (in European Spanish). Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  4. ^ Granger, Anthony (2 November 2023). "Estonia: Tõnis Niinemets and Grete Kuld to Host Eesti Laul 2024". Eurovoix. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  5. ^ "Eesti Laul 2024 | ETV+ | ERR". err.ee (in Russian). ERR. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  6. ^ Granger, Anthony (15 October 2023). "Estonia: 12 Songs Submitted for Eesti Laul 2024 to Date". Eurovoix. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "In English". err.ee. ERR. 15 September 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  8. ^ Farren, Neil (23 October 2023). "Estonia: 215 Songs Submitted for Eesti Laul 2024". Eurovoix. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  9. ^ a b Adams, William Lee (16 September 2023). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 slashes second semi-final and will include 'ordinary people' on selection jury". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  10. ^ Granger, Anthony (2 November 2023). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Participants to be Announced on November 6 & 7". Eurovoix. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  11. ^ Heap, Steven (5 November 2023). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Pre-selection Jurors Revealed". Eurovoix. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  12. ^ "Estonia's 20 acts for Eesti Laul 2024 announced". Eurovision.tv. EBU. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  13. ^ Contreras Real, Carlos (7 December 2023). "Desveladas antes de tiempo algunas de las canciones participantes en el Eesti Laul 2024, preselección estonia para Eurovisión" [Some of the songs participating in Eesti Laul 2024, the Estonian preselection for Eurovision, have been revealed ahead of time]. ESCplus España (in European Spanish). Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Selgusid Eesti Laul 2024 poolfinalistid" [The semi-finalists of Eesti Laul 2024 have been announced]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  15. ^ "Selgusid Eesti Laul 2024 viis finalisti" [The five finalists of Eesti Laul 2024 have been announced]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  16. ^ Grace, Emily (18 January 2024). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Rehearsals Underway". Eurovoix. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  17. ^ Maldonado, Yesaac (4 January 2024). "Estonia: Red Carpet Rolled Out For Eesti Laul 2024 Semi-Final". Eurovoix. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  18. ^ Avelino, Gerry (17 January 2024). "Estonia: Guest Acts Announced for Eesti Laul 2024 Semi-Final". Eurovoix. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Eesti Laul 2024 poolfinaali esinemisjärjekord on selgunud" [The running order for the semi-finals of Eesti Laul 2024 has been announced]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 6 January 2024. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  20. ^ a b Carabaña Menéndez, Hugo (20 January 2024). "Eesti Laul 2024: Ewert And The Two Dragons, OLLIE y 5MIINUST x Puuluup, Peter Põder y Anet Vaikmaa clasificados para la gran final de la preselección estonia" [Eesti Laul 2024: Ewert And The Two Dragons, OLLIE and 5MIINUST x Puuluup, Peter Põder and Anet Vaikmaa qualified for the grand final of the Estonian preselection]. ESCplus España (in European Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d "5miinust ja Puuluup võitsid ülekaalukalt kõik Eesti Laulu hääletusvoorud" [5minus and Puuluup overwhelmingly won all voting rounds of Eesti Laul]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Everything you need to know about Estonia's 'Eesti Laul' final". eurovision.tv. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  23. ^ "Eesti Laulu finaliste hindab üheksaliikmeline rahvusvaheline žürii" [The Eesti Laul finalists will be judged by a nine-member international jury]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Eesti Laulu finaalis astuvad üles Alika, Bedwetters ja kitarrivirtuoosid" [Alika, Bedwetters and guitar virtuosos will perform in the Eesti Laul final]. err.ee (in Estonian). ERR. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  25. ^ Granger, Anthony (5 February 2024). "Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Final Running Order Released". Eurovoix. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  26. ^ Contreras Real, Carlos (17 February 2024). "5MIINUST x Puuluup ganan la final de Eesti Laul 2024 y representarán a Estonia en el próximo Festival de Eurovisión" [5MIINUST x Puuluup win the grand final of Eesti Laul 2024 and will represent Estonia in the next Eurovision Song Contest]. ESCplus España (in European Spanish). Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  27. ^ Carabaña Menéndez, Hugo (22 February 2024). "Audiencias de preselecciones: El DMGP arrasa (67,3%), el Eesti Laul despunta (41,5%), el Supernova mejora (28,22%) y Das Deutsche Finale marca el mejor dato desde 2010 (14,7%)" [Ratings of preselections: DMGP sweeps (67.3%), Eesti Laul stands out (41.5%), Supernova gets better (28.22%) and Das Deutsche Finale marks its best value since 2010 (14.7%)]. ESCplus España (in European Spanish). Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  28. ^ Granger, Anthony (14 March 2024). "Estonia: '(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi' Lyric Change Revealed". Eurovoix. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  29. ^ @bcneurovision (27 March 2024). "La fiesta está asegurada por @5miinust x @puuluupband. Desde Estonia a Barcelona para actuar el 6 de abril en el Sant Jordi Club junto a otros participantes de 2024" [The party is guaranteed by @5miinust x @puuluupband. From Estonia to Barcelona to perform on 6 April at the Sant Jordi Club along with other 2024 participants] (in European Spanish, English, and Catalan). Retrieved 27 March 2024 – via Instagram.
  30. ^ Percy, Lucy (1 April 2024). "Estonia's 5Miinust x Puuluup are the final act confirmed for the London Eurovision Party". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  31. ^ @nordiceurovision (10 April 2024). "More 2024 participants join the Nordic Eurovision Party. @5miinust x @puuluupband from Estonia join the Nordic Eurovision Party this Sunday in Stockholm". Retrieved 10 March 2024 – via Instagram.
  32. ^ Van Dijk, Sem Anne (13 December 2023). "Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Allocation Draw on January 30". Eurovoix. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  33. ^ "Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Draw results". Eurovision.tv. EBU. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  34. ^ "Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Running Orders revealed!". Eurovision.tv. EBU. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  35. ^ Granger, Anthony (26 March 2024). "Estonia: Eurovisiooni laulud Returns for 2024". Eurovoix. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  36. ^ "Record number of EBU Members unite for new ABBA documentary". ebu.ch. EBU. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  37. ^ Stephenson, James (29 March 2024). "Estonia: 5miinust and Puuluup Film Postcard for Eurovision 2024". Eurovoix. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  38. ^ "Eurovision 2024: Rehearsal Schedule". Eurovisionworld. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.

External links edit

  • Official site of Eesti Laul