As Eesti Laul 2023 approaches, Estonian broadcaster ERR has confirmed which songs will perform in which semi-final of the show. These semi-finals will take place in mid-January ahead of the final in February.
What are the splits for this year’s selection?
Both semi-finals of Eesti Laul 2023 will take place in the Viimsi Atrium just outside of Tallinn. These shows will be broadcast on January 12th and 14th respectively. Following these, the Tondiraba Ice Hall will play host to the final of the show on February 11th, 2023.
The songs competing in the first semi-final on January 12th are:
| Artist | Song Title |
| Andreas Poom | “Why Do You Love Me” |
| Annett X Fredi | “You Need To Move On” |
| Bedwetters | “Monsters” |
| Ellip | “Pretty Girl” |
| Janek | “Heart of Glass” |
| Kaw | “Valik” |
| Merlyn | “Unicorn Vibes” |
| Mia | “Üks samm korraga” |
| Neon Letters & Maiko | “Tokimeki” |
| Ollie | “Venom” |
As a result, the remaining artists will take part in the second semi-final on January 14th, 2023.
| Artist | Song Title |
| Alika | “Bridges” |
| Carlos Ukareda | “Whiskey Won’t Forget” |
| Elysa | “Bad Philosophy” |
| INGER | “Awaiting You” |
| Linalakk & Bonzo | “Aeg” |
| M Els | “So Good (At What You Do)” |
| Meelik | “Tuju” |
| Robin Juhkentahl | “Kurbuse Matused” |
| Sissi | “Lighthouse” |
| Wiiralt | “Salalik” |
Splitting songs for an excellent Eesti Laul
In a statement at the publication of the semi-final allocation, Eesti Laul’s Chief Producer Tomi Rahula said that interest in the semi-finals of the competition had increased. He added the best way to immerse yourself is to buy a ticket and support your favourite act:
There has been a lot of interest in the semi-finals. The audience plays an important role on the spot, because the Artium concert hall is transformed into a special concert venue by the placement of the stage, where the performers are surrounded by the audience at 360 degrees.
Tomi Rahula, Chief Producer of Eesti Laul 2023
Estonia’s Eurovision journey
Estonia has appeared at almost every Eurovision since their debut in 1994. They have won the contest once with Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL in 2001, singing Everybody. Other notable Estonian entrants include 3rd placer Sahlene with “Runaway” in 2002 and Ines with Once In A Lifetime in 2000, who placed 4th. More recently, their highest-placing entries have been Urban Symphony with “Rändajad” in 2009 and Ott Lepland with “Kuula” in 2012, both of whom finished in 6th place. In 2022, they elected to send STEFAN through Eesti Laul to the contest with “Hope”. He successfully qualified for the final and finshed in 13th place with 141 points.
Estonia has used Eesti Laul to decide their competing entry every year since 2009. Before then, they used another national final format, Eurolaul, dating back to their first attempt at participation in 1993, where they failed to make it through the pre-qualifying round.
What do you think of the semi-final split in Eesti Laul this year? Do you think your favourite will qualify? Has Estonia got a Eurovision winner in its selection this year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2023!
News Source: ERR
Photo Credit: EBU / Andres Putting
Tim J