14 February 2025

As the Estonians like to do, Eesti Laul 2025 will use a different format to previous years. No semi finals at all; just a single show with 16 entries. We can only speculate that it’s to entice higher profile artists to enter so they don’t need to risk losing in the semi finals. Last year was a transition point anyway, with one semi final of 15 entries where 5 progressed to the final to join 5 others automatically qualified. This year the Estonians have just put 15 straight to the final and added an online wildcard show for the remaining spot. The winner of Eesti Laul will represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, in May.

The online wildcard show was conducted on 6 January 2025 and featured 20 entries. Among them were notable Eesti Laul and Eurovision alumni, including Laura Põldvere, Gerli Padar, Mick Pedaja and Synne Valtri. Marta Lotta won with her song, Tantsin veel, ahead of AG and Laura Põldvere (presenting Pimepäev). So, with a single show of 16 entries, while obviously a longer show than the finals of previous years, the process overall is a far more streamlined affair.

Playlist of My Top 16 Here

My Top 16

16 Andrei Zevakin ft. Karita – Ma ei tea sing
15 Gem98 – Psycho
14 Räpina Jack ft. Kaisa Ling – Tule
13 Tuuli Rand – Rem
12 An-Marlen – Külm
11 Frants Tikerpuu – Trouble

10 Ant – Tomorrow Never Comes

Born in Turkey, Ant Nurhan won the ninth edition of Estonia’s Superstar “Idol” show.

09 Marta Lotta – Tantsin veel

The winner of the online wildcard show, there’s some nice elements to this.

08 Johanna Elise – Eyes Don’t Lie

Previously competed in 2020 and 2020 as part of Little Mess (a female trio), this is solid solo effort for Johanna.

07 Janek – Frozen

As expected when one of the writers is Kjetil Mørland (represented Norway at Eurovision 2015 with Debrah Scarlett), this one oozes quality and is an excellent follow up to House Of Glass in 2023. Perhaps it’s a bit formulaic to excel.

06 Stereo Terror – Prty Till The End Of The World

No, “Prty” is not a typo! The band’s name and the song’s title says enough about the style of this entry.

05 Minimal Wind – Armageddon

A quality, moody ballad. Minimal Wind previously competed in 2022.

04 Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato

Instantly catchy and quirky. As I write, the video includes “Eurovision 2025 Winner” in the title. Is that possible or is it just Tommy just being Tommy?

03 Anna Sahlene – Love Me Low

Estonia’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest on home soil in 2002, where she finished equal third with Runaway. A very “Swedish” entry given her heritage and the songwriting team. Anna competed in Melodifestivalen three times (2003, 2006 and 2009), and came fourth with Champion at Eesti Laul 2022.

02 Felin – Solo Anthem

Estonia’s Pink! Felin, real name Elin Blom, is actually a Swedish Finn and previously performed way back in 2010 at Finland’s national final as part of Sister Twister. For Eesti Laul, she brings a classic mix of pop and rock.

01 Elysa – The Last To Know

Elysa’s fourth attempt to win Eesti Laul (previous attempts were 2015, 2022 and 2023), this starts off slower than expected before developing into an epic pop classic!

Running Order

01 Ant – Tomorrow Never Comes
02 Stereo Terror – Prty Till The End Of The World
03 Janek – Frozen
04 Räpina Jack ft. Kaisa Ling – Tule
05 Johanna Elise – Eyes Don’t Lie
06 Felin – Solo Anthem
07 Elysa – The Last To Know
08 Gem98 – Psycho
09 An-Marlen – Külm
10 Frants Tikerpuu – Trouble
11 Anna Sahlene – Love Me Low
12 Tuuli Rand – Rem
13 Minimal Wind – Armageddon
14 Andrei Zevakin ft. Karita – Ma ei tea sing
15 Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
16 Marta Lotta – Tantsin veel

Prediction

Tommy Cash is the big favourite in the betting market, and given the unique nature of the song and the artist himself, it’s difficult to disagree. He’s been given a great spot in the running order and just needs to perform on the night. Ant is at a distant second place, with Minimal Wind next. Andrei Zevakin, which I rate last because it’s just nauseating hip-hop gibberish and repeatedly yelling one line in the chorus, is next. That’s mostly because he does appeal to younger people and 2025 will be his fourth participation at Eesti Laul with various ensembles. While the likes of Elysa, Felin and Anna Sahlene rate almost a negligible chance, we must remember that no one has seen any performances yet. There could be some surprises!

Eesti Laul 2025 takes place on 15 February 2025 at 19:15 local time.

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