This year, Estonia is represented by rapper and experimental artist Tommy Cash, who is confident in his chances of winning. In the meantime, let's revisit some of Estonia's previous Eurovision finalists:
“Everybody” – Tanel Padar, Dave Benton, & 2XL
In 2001, Tanel Padar and Dave Benton, along with backing vocals by 2XL (Lauri Pihlap, Kaido Põldma, Sergei Morgun, and Indrek Soom), performed their song “Everybody” at Eurovision in Copenhagen. Eurovision World reported that the song received 198 points, including maximum 12-point scores from nine countries, securing the victory against twenty-two other competitors.
This win was historic. It became the first former Eastern Bloc country to win first place in the final. In addition, Dave Benton, originally from Aruba, made history as the first Black contestant to win the contest, according to Eurovision.
“Runaway” – Sahlene
The following year, Swedish singer Sahlene replaced Estonian artist Ines' spot in performing the song “Runaway” at Estonia's Eurovision qualifying competition, which was then called Eurolaul. Despite the change, Sahlene won Eurolaul and went on to place third in the Eurovision finals, supported by a diverse backing ensemble that included vocalists Jelena Juzvik and Lena Olsson-Björkén, drummer Jüri Mazurtšak, and two guitarists, Sahlene's brother, Joel Sahlin, and Charlotte Berg. Ultimately, “Runaway” received 111 points, tying for third place with the United Kingdom's entry, “Come Back” by Jessica Garlick, in a pool of twenty-four contestants, writes Eurovision World.
“Rändajad” – Urban Symphony
In 2009, the band Urban Symphony, which consisted of then-twenty-year-old Sandra Nurmsalu, then-eighteen-year-old Johanna Mängel, then-sixteen-year-old Mari Möldre, and then-twenty-one-year-old Mann Helstein, represented Estonia at Eurovision in Moscow. The band combined modern electronic music with acoustic instruments, playing violin, cello, and the viola, to find new and sometimes surprising resonance and colour, creating a distinct ethereal sound, according to Eurovision's website. Even though the group was formed just two years prior to competing, their distinctive style won them third place in the semi-finals and secured sixth place in the grand finale.
“Goodbye to Yesterday” – Elina Born & Stig Rästa
In 2015, Estonian artists Elina Born & Stig Rästa placed third in the semi-final round, and seventh in the grand finale. According to Eurovision, the pair first connected when Stig discovered a YouTube video of Elina singing Christina Aguilera's “Cruz.” “I was completely charmed by her musicality,” he told Eurovision. “Goodbye to Yesterday” was Stig's fifth attempt to get to Eurovision with one of his own songs, having previously been a runner-up twice. Despite typically writing songs for others or playing guitar in his band, Stig took the stage alongside Elina for this entry, says the same site.
What are your favourite Estonian Eurovision entries? Do you think Cash has what it takes to win the competition? Let Eesti Elu know by reaching out, we'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions!
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
