Estonia: 171 Songs Submitted For “Eesti Laul 2026”

“Eesti Laul 2026” will be the Estonian selection process for Eurovision 2026.

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ERR has closed the submission window and revealed the following information:

1. A total of 171 songs were submitted, a similar number to the last edition (175).
2. Artists, composers, and songwriters from 20 different countries applied, including Australia, Brazil, and European countries.
3. 77 of the songs are in the Estonian language, and the rest (94) are in foreign languages (including English).

“Eesti Laul 2026” – Known Details

1. The final will take place on Saturday, February 14th, 2026.
2. 12 artists will be shortlisted to participate in the final. The results will be based on public votes and jury votes.
   • In the first round, the results will be based on a 50% public vote and a 50% international jury vote.
   • The top 3 acts will progress to the super-final, where the winner will be selected by public vote only.
3. The shortlisted songs will be released on December 4th, 2025. The artists can’t release them before.
4. Songs can be performed/created by Estonian citizens, Estonians living outside of Estonia, or foreign citizens, as long as at least one of the songwriters/composers is Estonian.
5. A national jury panel of at least 25 members will listen to the submitted songs and select the finalists. They will listen to the music without knowing who is behind them. The panel will include professional musicians, performers, composers, singers, producers, as well as music journalists, DJs, teachers, and ordinary people of different ages who are music listeners

Karmel Killandi, Editor in Chief, commented:

I am glad that Tommy Cash did not scare the artists away with his great success, but instead spurred them on.

Riin Vann, “Eesti Laul 2026” producer, added:

Based on communication with our musicians, we know that Eesti Laul is an important platform.
The upcoming season promises to be full of excitement and surprises.
The line-up of artists and composers who submitted songs to the competition is impressive, and considering that there are only 12 places in the final, we can expect exceptionally tight competition.

Tommy Cash represented Estonia in Eurovision 2025
He performed “Espresso Macchiat” and finished 3rd in the final.

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.