31 January – We were made to laugh and sing

A win. It’s a remarkable thing. Only one of them comes along each year, so it’s precious. Especially if it’s your first one. And if it comes less than ten years after your first participation, even better.

Back in 2001, we witnessed the first country, that used to be part of another certain bigger country, to win. We knew one of them would win eventually, but it fell to Estonia. In a nation jam-packed full of singers, it’s ironic that today’s birthday boy Dave Benton (né Efrén Eugene Benita) was actually born in Aruba. But his renown doesn’t end there. When he won with Tanel Padar and 2XL, he was the oldest ever winner of our favourite TV show. They got nine maxima out of 22. That’s some achievement in what was a strong field. Still, nowhere could be prouder with a first ever win.

Dave is 69 today.

Palju õnne sünnipäevaks/Gefeliciteerd/Felis hasimentu, Dave!