Estonia debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and has established itself as one of the most successful Baltic nations in the competition. Its greatest triumph came in 2001 when Tanel Padar, Dave Benton, and 2XL won with Everybody, making Estonia the first former Soviet republic to claim victory. Estonia has also secured multiple top-ten finishes, often blending traditional and contemporary sounds.
The national selection, Eesti Laul, has been a key part of Estonia’s Eurovision strategy since 2009, known for its high production values and a diverse range of genres, from pop and rock to indie and electronic. Estonian entries frequently alternate between English and Estonian lyrics, reflecting both national pride and a desire to appeal to broader audiences.
Recent successes include Storm by Victor Crone (2019) and Hope by Stefan (2022), highlighting a preference for strong melodies and engaging performances. Estonia’s mix of linguistic versatility, professional staging, and innovative sounds continues to make it a notable and competitive Eurovision participant.