On Saturday it's time for Estonia to pick their entry in Eurolaul (or Eesti laul). This national final is very close to my heart since I have visited Eurolaul several times and I have good friends in Estonia who have been working with the event in different ways. Last year I was really pissed off when the people voted for the awful "Leto svet" which still turns my stomach. This year they can't go that much wrong. My favourites are Laura and Rolf Junior but I could live with Urban Symphony, Traffic and Janne Saar too. Go to ETV to see preview videos of all 10 songs.
While we wait for the result let's watch (and listen to) some cracker songs from the last few years in Eurolaul.
Eurolaul 2008. Rolf Junior - "One on One"
Eurolaul 2007. Laura - "Sunflowers"
Eurolaul 2006. Ines - "Iseendale"
Eurolaul 2004. Maarja - "Homme"
Eurolaul 2004. Kerli - "Beautiful inside"
Unfortunately there were no videos of Meribel "Mr Right" (2006), Eha "Gotta go" (2005) or Koit Toome "Know how I feel" (2003) on YouTube so you'll just have to take my word for how good they are.
Tobias has promised a review of the Estonian finalists tonight but I can't keep my fingers away either. Just thought I'd point out that we are writing from different countries so if our reviews look the same then just blame our exquisite taste.
Just like hubby-dear explained before Eurolaul is very close to my heart too. I've been over to Tallinn for the show several times and through this wonderful world of Eurovision I have become great friends with a bunch of crazy Esti people. That's why it bugs me that they probably will choose their absolute worse entry yet next Saturday. Maybe it's time to go back to an international jury again?
(Click on the title to see the performance on ETV's website)
1. Kreisiraadio - Leto svet Oh. My. God. Estonian people have no taste so this will win and I will hate it forever. Embarrassing and shockingly bad!! 2. SKA Faktor - Real Big Money Fun with ska but the vocalist has to improve his English for me to be satisfied. And while you're at it, improve the song a tad too, please. 3. Rolf Junior - One On One Mika-wannabee with a GREAT song but a too over-the-top performance (love the big backing singer though!). A weak voice in places (nerves?) but normally Rolf is a good singer. Listen! 4. Taavi Peterson - Question Man Influences from David Bowie but what good is that when Taavi can't sing a single note in tune. And by God, learn how to pronounce your own damn title. It's QuesTion man. You fool! 5. Kristjan Kasearu & Paradise Crew - Üksinduses Much better on a second run through of the songs. Didn't rate it at all first but it grows. And 10 points to the duet partner. A new Ines? 6. Birgit Õigemeel - 365 Days Classy performance! The girl can sing. A good ballad but could be more bombastic. Still one of my favourites of the lot. 7. Luisa Värk ja Traffic - It’s Never Too Late Too nice and bland. Forgettable. Better suited at the local karaoke night. Oh, and shoot the lyricist will ya?! 8. Supernova - Stefani This is the kind of song and band you'd expect to see on the shabby Tallink ferry between Tallinn-Helsinki. Say no more. 9. Iiris Vesik - Ice-cold Story Cute and cool at the same time. The girl looks about 13 but has a strong special voice. I like the energy in the air. Amy Diamond meets Björk in a Bond party. Makes sense does it? 10. Luisa Värk ja Margus Vaher - God Inside Your Soul Again too bland and too much "God inside your soul gives back control" for my liking.
Personal favourites: Rolf, Birgit & Iiris. I would send Rolf Junior off to Belgrade. The stupid lovable Eesti people will vote: Kreisiraadio
On Saturday it's time for Estonia to pick their entry in Eurolaul (or Eesti laul). This national final is very close to my heart since I have visited Eurolaul several times and I have good friends in Estonia who have been working with the event in different ways. Last year I was really pissed off when the people voted for the awful "Leto svet" which still turns my stomach. This year they can't go that much wrong. My favourites are Laura and Rolf Junior but I could live with Urban Symphony, Traffic and Janne Saar too. Go to ETV to see preview videos of all 10 songs. 
