Your guide to 'Eesti Laul' 2026 in Estonia

Estonia is poised to select its entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest during Eesti Laul on Saturday, February 14th. The competition, broadcast via ERR in Estonia and the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel internationally, will feature 12 competing songs and a newly expanded voting system.

A New Era for Eesti Laul Voting

For the first time, Eesti Laul is opening its voting to international audiences. Fans worldwide can now participate alongside Estonian voters, utilizing a three-tiered system: phone calls (within Estonia only), SMS, and online voting through the platform eestilaul.vote. This online platform mirrors the voting processes used in the Eurovision Song Contest itself and in numerous other national finals.

Did You Know? In 2025, Estonia achieved its best Eurovision result in over two decades with Tommy Cash’s Espresso Macchiato, securing a Top 3 finish with 356 points.

The Competition Heats Up

The initial round of voting will combine public and international jury votes, each carrying a 50% weight. This will determine a Top 3, advancing to a ‘Superfinal’. The ultimate decision on which song represents Estonia in Vienna will then rest solely with the public vote.

Meet the Contenders

The 12 songs vying for the top spot are:

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

Expert Insight: Expanding voting eligibility to international audiences represents a strategic move by ERR to broaden engagement and potentially increase the visibility of Estonia’s Eurovision entry. This could lead to a more diverse range of support and a stronger showing at the contest.

Beyond the Music

The show, hosted by Korea and Karl-Erik Taukar from Unibet Arena in Tallinn, will also feature performances by Nublu, Tief City 44, Elina Born (a former Estonian Eurovision performer from 2015), Singer Vinger, and the cast of the musical Romeo and Juliet, led by Jaagup Tuisu and Wanda-Helene Ollep.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Eesti Laul 2026 begin?

Eesti Laul 2026 will begin at 18:30 on Saturday, February 14th.

How can international viewers watch the show?

International viewers can stream Eesti Laul 2026 on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.

What is the voting process for Eesti Laul 2026?

The first round of voting combines public and jury votes (50% each) to determine a Top 3. The final decision will be made solely by the public vote.

With a diverse lineup and a newly inclusive voting system, which song will ultimately represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna?

Your guide to ‘Eesti Laul’ 2026 in Estonia