Eesti Laul raises age limit and adds Eurovision commitment

Estonia’s Eesti Laul Eurovision selection contest will require participants to be at least 18, while its winner must confirm they are ready to represent Estonia at Eurovision, ERR reported.

Entries opened at noon on Friday and can be submitted through noon on October 8. Speaking on the “Terevisioon” programme, Eesti Laul producer Riin Vann said the contest rules had been clarified in two respects.

Vann said the minimum age requirement follows Eurovision rules. She added that the organisers wanted participants to understand from the outset what winning the contest would involve.

After winning Eesti Laul, an artist must confirm that they are prepared to represent Estonia at Eurovision. If the winner cannot or does not want to do so, the organisers may offer the opportunity to the next participant in the ranking.

Vann said a Eurovision campaign requires the winner to rearrange their plans for four months, take part in numerous interviews, adapt the stage concept for the Eurovision stage, assemble a team and make significant financial investments.

A jury will select 12 finalists. The final concert will take place at Unibet Arena on January 30.

The Estonian Authors’ Society, the Estonian Performers’ Association and the Estonian Phonogram Producers’ Association will again provide prizes. The Estonian Authors’ Society has also announced a €10,000 cash prize for the winner.