Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 explained

Estonian: Eesti Laul 2024 was the sixteenth edition of the Estonian national selection Estonian: [[Eesti Laul]], which selected Estonia's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The competition was held between 20 January and 17 February 2024 and was hosted by and Grete Kuld.^{[3] [4]} Like in previous editions, Aleksandr Hobotov and Julia Kalenda provided Russian-language commentary in the live shows of Estonian: Eesti Laul on ETV+.^[5]

Format

In July 2023, ERR announced their intention to apply changes to the production team of the selection, with Tomi Rahula stepping down from his position as chief producer after five editions, as well as to the format of the competition.^[2] was later revealed as his successor.^[6]

On 15 September 2023, ERR specified the details of the new format. This included only one semi-final on 20 January 2024 and a final on 17 February 2024. 15 songs competed in the semi-final and the top five qualified for the final, joining five automatic qualifiers for a ten-song final. The results of the semi-final were determined by the combination of votes from a 35 (or more)-member jury and public televoting for the first qualifiers, and a second round of public televoting for the remaining qualifiers. The winning song in the final was also selected over two rounds of voting: the top songs selected via the combination of a 9-member international expert jury and public voting went through a second round of televoting to determine the winner.^{[3] [7]}

Competing entries

A submission window for interested artists was open from 15 September until 23 October 2023, with each applicant able to submit a maximum of five entries. At least 50% of the artists and/or songwriters for a submission were required to be nationals or residents of Estonia, with a lower fee imposed on Estonian-language songs compared to songs in other languages; both of the fees were doubled for entries submitted in the last two days before the deadline.^{[3] [7]} At the closing of the application period, 215 entries had been received – 88 in Estonian, 126 in English and one in Italian.^[8]

The 15 semi-finalist entries and 5 finalist entries (plus two backups) were selected by a 41-member jury composed both of professionals and non-specialist music listeners, who were not informed about the identity of the applicants until after the selection took place. The jury members, also revealed after the process, were Airi Liiva, Alice Aleksandrini, Andres Aljaste,,,, Anna-Aurelia Kangur, Bert Brikenfeldt,, Elina Nechayeva, Evert Poom, Gerd Eston Sepp,, Heini Vaikmaa, Ivi Rausi, Juhan Paadam, Jüri Nael,,, Magnus Müürsepp, Maian Kärmas, Margot Suur,, Martin Korjus,, Ott Lepland,,,, Raivo Oja,, Rein Fuks,,, Sten Heinoja, Sten Teppan, Tarmo Krimm, Ülar-Johannes Palm, Vaiko Eplik, Veronika Portsmuth and . Selected artists and entries were announced during the daily broadcasts of the ETV entertainment program Estonian: [[Ringvaade]] on 6 and 7 November 2023.^{[7] [9] [10] [11] [12]} Despite being set to be released on 8 December 2023, some were leaked the previous day.^[13]

Among the selected competing artists was Laura, who represented Estonia in 2005 as part of the group Suntribe and in 2017 alongside Koit Toome.

Shows

Semi-final

The semi-final took place on 20 January 2024 at the University of Tartu Sports Hall in Tartu.^{[9] [14]} The city, elected European Capital of Culture for 2024, featured in promotional segments aired during the show.^[15] The show also featured guest performances by dance crew Estonian: Põmaki!|i=no (directed by) and former Estonian: Eesti Laul participant with, who sung "Tattoo".^[16]

Final

The final took place on 17 February 2024 at the Tondiraba Ice Hall in Tallinn.^[17] The members of the international jury were William Lee Adams (founder of Wiwibloggs), Ole Tøpholm (DR Eurovision commentator), Anna Sahlene (Swedish singer who), Julian Gutierrez, Andrew Rogers, Annely Peebo (2002 Eurovision co-host), Henkka Remes, Liam Clark and .^[18] The show featured guest performances by Alika (2023 Estonian Eurovision representative) featuring Bedwetters,,,, Muteko Taiko, Dance Republic Estonian: Tantsukool|i=no and .^[19]

Ratings

Preparation and promotion

In accordance with Eurovision regulations, which prohibit any reference to trademarks, mention of Lay's chips was removed from a verse of "Estonian: (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi|i=no" ahead of the contest.^[20] As part of their participation in the contest, Estonian: 5miinust|i=no and Estonian: Puuluup|i=no attended the Barcelona Eurovision Party on 6 April 2024,^[21] the London Eurovision Party on 7 April 2024^[22] and the Nordic Eurovision Party in Stockholm on 14 April 2024.^[23]

At Eurovision

According to Eurovision rules, all nations with the exceptions of the host country and the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals in order to compete for the final; the top ten countries from each semi-final progress to the final. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) split up the competing countries into six different pots based on voting patterns from previous contests, with countries with favourable voting histories put into the same pot. On 30 January 2024, an allocation draw was held which placed each country into one of the two semi-finals, as well as which half of the show they would perform in. Estonia was placed into the second semi-final, to be held on 9 May 2024, and was scheduled to perform in the second half of the show.^{[24] [25]}

Once all the competing songs for the 2024 contest had been released, the running order for the semi-finals was decided by the shows' producers rather than through another draw, so that similar songs were not placed next to each other. Estonia was set to perform in position 13, following the entry from and before the entry from .^[26]

In Estonia, all shows were aired on ETV with Estonian-language commentary by Marko Reikop, on ETV+ with Russian-language commentary by Aleksandr Hobotov and Julia Kalenda, as well as on ETV2 with Estonian Sign Language interpreters.^[27]

In addition, ahead of the contest, ERR again organised and broadcast the Eurovision preview show Estonian: {{ill|Eurovisiooni laulud|et between 31 March and 5 May 2024; hosted by Estonian: Eesti laul presenters Grete Kuld and Tõnis Niinemets, each episode featured a panel composed of television personalities and members from the public who discussed and evaluated the competing entries,^[28] ultimately decreeing a number of favouritesnamely,,,, and .^[29] As part of the Eurovision programming, ERR also cooperated with DR and SVT alongside other EBU member broadcastersnamely ARD/WDR, the BBC, ČT, ERR, French: [[France Télévisions]]|i=no, NRK, NTR, RÚV, VRT and Yleto produce and air a documentary titled ABBAAgainst the Odds, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of with "Waterloo" by ABBA.^[30]

In late March 2024, the Estonian postcard, to be shown before the country's performance in each show, was filmed. Filming took place in the same industrial area in Estonia where the music video for "Estonian: (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi|i=no" was set.^[31]

Semi-final

Estonian: 5miinust|i=no and Estonian: Puuluup|i=no took part in technical rehearsals on 30 April and 3 May, followed by dress rehearsals on 8 and 9 May.^[32] For their performance of "Estonian: (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi|i=no" at the contest, they were all dressed in black.^[33]

At the end of the show, Estonia was announced as having finished in the top 10 and subsequently qualifying for the grand final. It was later revealed that Estonia placed sixth in the semi-final, receiving a total of 79 points.^[34]

Final

Following the semi-final, Estonia drew "producer's choice" for the final, meaning that the country performed in the half decided by the contest's producers.^[35] It was later revealed that Estonia would perform in position 9, following the entry from and before the entry from .^[36]

Estonia once again took part in dress rehearsals on 10 and 11 May before the final, including the jury final where the professional juries cast their final votes before the live show. 5miinust and Puuluup performed a repeat of their semi-final performance during the final on 11 May. Estonia placed twentieth in the final, scoring 37 points: 33 points from the televoting and 4 points from the juries.^[37]

Voting

See also: Voting at the Eurovision Song Contest. Below is a breakdown of points awarded to Estonia in the second semi-final and in the final. Voting during the three shows involved each country awarding sets of points from 1-8, 10 and 12: one from their professional jury and the other from televoting in the final vote, while the semi-final vote was based entirely on the vote of the public.^[38] The Estonian jury consisted of Alice Aleksandridi, Olavi Pihlamägi, Rolf Roosalu, Sten Teppan, and Kaire Vilgats.^[39] In the second semi-final, Estonia placed sixth with 79 points, receiving maximum twelve points from . In the final, Estonia placed 20th with 37 points, receiving twelve points from Latvia in the televote. Over the course of the contest, Estonia awarded its 12 points to Latvia in the second semi-final, and to (jury) and (televote) in the final.^{[40] [41]}

The spokesperson for the Estonian jury during the final, was Birgit Sarrap, who represented, also held in Malmö.^[42]

Detailed voting results

Each nation's jury consisted of five music industry professionals who are citizens of the country they represent. Each jury, and individual jury member, is required to meet a strict set of criteria regarding professional background, as well as diversity in gender and age. No member of a national jury was permitted to be related in any way to any of the competing acts in such a way that they cannot vote impartially and independently.^[43] The individual rankings of each jury member as well as the nation's televoting results were released shortly after the grand final.

The following members comprised the Estonian jury:^[39]

• Alice Aleksandridi
  • Rolf Roosalu
• Sten Teppan
• Kaire Vilgats

Notes and References

1. Web site: Estonia. Eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 2023-08-09.
2. Web site: Kaldoja . Kerttu . 2023-07-05 . Eesti Laul läbib uuenduskuuri . Eesti Laul is undergoing a renewal . 2023-07-05 . err.ee . ERR . et.
3. Web site: Carabaña Menéndez . Hugo . 15 September 2023 . Estonia arranca la búsqueda para Malmö: presentado el Eesti Laul 2024 con una sola semifinal y la final el 17 de febrero . Estonia starts the search for Malmö: Eesti Laul 2024 has been presented, with a single semi-final and the final on February 17 . 15 September 2023 . ESCPlus España . es-ES .
4. Web site: Granger . Anthony . 2 November 2023 . Estonia: Tõnis Niinemets and Grete Kuld to Host Eesti Laul 2024 . 3 November 2023 . Eurovoix.
5. Web site: Eesti Laul 2024 ETV+ ERR . ru-EE . err.ee . ERR . 2024-01-05.
6. Web site: Granger . Anthony . 2023-10-15 . Estonia: 12 Songs Submitted for Eesti Laul 2024 to Date . 2023-11-06 . Eurovoix . en-GB.
7. Web site: In English. err.ee. ERR. 2023-09-15. 2023-09-17.
8. Web site: Farren. Neil. Estonia: 215 Songs Submitted for Eesti Laul 2024. Eurovoix. 2023-10-23. 2023-10-23.
9. Web site: Adams. William Lee. Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 slashes second semi-final and will include 'ordinary people' on selection jury. Wiwibloggs. 2023-09-16. 2023-09-16.
10. Web site: Granger . Anthony . 2 November 2023 . Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Participants to be Announced on November 6 & 7 . 3 November 2023 . Eurovoix.
11. Web site: Heap . Steven . 5 November 2023 . Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Pre-selection Jurors Revealed . 5 November 2023 . Eurovoix.
12. Web site: 2023-11-07 . Estonia's 20 acts for Eesti Laul 2024 announced . 2023-11-07 . Eurovision.tv . EBU . en.
13. Web site: Contreras Real . Carlos . 2023-12-07 . Desveladas antes de tiempo algunas de las canciones participantes en el Eesti Laul 2024, preselección estonia para Eurovisión . Some of the songs participating in Eesti Laul 2024, the Estonian preselection for Eurovision, have been revealed ahead of time . 2023-12-07 . ESCplus España . es-ES.
14. Web site: Grace. Emily. Estonia: Eesti Laul 2024 Rehearsals Underway. Eurovoix. 2024-01-18. 2024-01-18.
15. Web site: Maldonado. Yesaac. Estonia: Red Carpet Rolled Out For Eesti Laul 2024 Semi-Final. Eurovoix. 2024-01-04. 2024-01-04.
16. Web site: Avelino. Gerry. Estonia: Guest Acts Announced for Eesti Laul 2024 Semi-Final. Eurovoix. 2024-01-17. 2024-01-18.
17. Web site: Everything you need to know about Estonia's 'Eesti Laul' final . eurovision.tv . 19 February 2024 . 15 February 2024.
18. Web site: 2024-02-17 . Eesti Laulu finaliste hindab üheksaliikmeline rahvusvaheline žürii . The Eesti Laul finalists will be judged by a nine-member international jury . 2024-02-17 . err.ee . ERR . et.
19. Web site: 2024-02-16 . Eesti Laulu finaalis astuvad üles Alika, Bedwetters ja kitarrivirtuoosid . Alika, Bedwetters and guitar virtuosos will perform in the Eesti Laul final . 2024-02-17 . err.ee . ERR . et.
20. Web site: Granger. Anthony. Estonia: '(Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi' Lyric Change Revealed. Eurovoix. 2024-03-14. 2024-03-14.
21. bcneurovision. C5BUPQTtJNk. La fiesta está asegurada por @5miinust x @puuluupband. Desde Estonia a Barcelona para actuar el 6 de abril en el Sant Jordi Club junto a otros participantes de 2024. The party is guaranteed by @5miinust x @puuluupband. From Estonia to Barcelona to perform on 6 April at the Sant Jordi Club along with other 2024 participants. es-ES,en,ca. 27 March 2024. 27 March 2024.
22. Web site: Percy. Lucy. Estonia's 5Miinust x Puuluup are the final act confirmed for the London Eurovision Party. Wiwibloggs. 2024-04-01. 2024-04-01.
23. nordiceurovision. C5lC9kUiqAD. More 2024 participants join the Nordic Eurovision Party. @5miinust x @puuluupband from Estonia join the Nordic Eurovision Party this Sunday in Stockholm. en. 10 April 2024. 10 March 2024.
24. Web site: Van Dijk. Sem Anne. Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Allocation Draw on January 30. Eurovoix. 2023-12-13. 2023-12-13.
25. Web site: 2024-01-30 . Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Draw results . 2024-01-30 . Eurovision.tv . EBU . en.
26. Web site: 2024-03-26 . Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Running Orders revealed! . 2024-04-16 . Eurovision.tv . EBU . en-gb .
27. Web site: Conte. Davide. Estonia: Estonian and Russian Commentators for Eurovision 2024 Announced. Eurovoix. 2024-04-27. 2024-04-27.
28. Web site: Granger. Anthony. Estonia: Eurovisiooni laulud Returns for 2024. Eurovoix. 2024-03-26. 2024-03-26.
29. Web site: Granger. Anthony. Estonia: Eurovisiooni laulud 2024’s Favourites Revealed. Eurovoix. 2024-05-06. 2024-05-06.
30. Web site: Record number of EBU Members unite for new ABBA documentary. ebu.ch. EBU. 2024-03-15. 2024-03-18.
31. Web site: Stephenson. James. Estonia: 5miinust and Puuluup Film Postcard for Eurovision 2024. Eurovoix. 2024-03-29. 2024-03-29.
32. Web site: Eurovision 2024: Rehearsal Schedule . Eurovisionworld . 25 April 2024 . 25 April 2024.
33. Web site: Grace . Emily . Estonia: All the Details About 5Miinust and Puuluup's Second Rehearsal . Eurovoix . 3 May 2024 . 3 May 2024.
34. Web site: Second Semi-Final of Malmö 2024 . Eurovision.tv . European Broadcasting Union.
35. Web site: Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Two Qualifiers Final Running Order Allocation . Eurovoix . 9 May 2024.
36. Web site: Eurovision 2024: The Grand Final running order. Eurovoix . 9 May 2024.
37. Web site: Eurovision 2024 Results: Voting & Points . 12 May 2024 . eurovisionworld.com.
38. Web site: Voting Procedures 2024 . . 22 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240520034246/https://eurovision.tv/about/voting-malmo-2024 . 20 May 2024 . live.
39. Web site: Grand Final of Malmö 2024 – Jurors. eurovision.tv. European Broadcasting Union. 12 May 2024.
40. Web site: Results of the Second Semi-Final of Malmö 2024 – Estonia. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 12 May 2024.
41. Web site: Results of the Final of Malmö 2024 – Estonia. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 12 May 2024.
42. News: Estonia: Birgit Announced as Spokesperson for Eurovision 2024. Avelino. Gerry. 9 May 2024. Eurovoix. 9 May 2024.
43. Web site: How the Eurovision Song Contest works . . 22 May 2024.