Eurolaul

Eurolaul is an annual international songwriting competition that takes place in Tallinn, Estonia. The event is organized by the Estonian Broadcasting Corporation (ERR) and serves as the Estonian national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, though it has also been used for other purposes over the years. The competition was first held in 2001 as a replacement for the traditional Eurovision national final format, which had been used in Estonia since 1994.

Eurolaul features multiple rounds, including a semi-final and a final, where participants perform their songs in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. The competition is known for its high level of professionalism and artistic quality, attracting both established artists and emerging talents. Unlike the Eurovision Song Contest itself, Eurolaul allows for a broader range of musical styles and themes, reflecting Estonia’s diverse cultural landscape.

Over the years, Eurolaul has become a significant cultural event in Estonia, drawing thousands of spectators and generating widespread media attention. The competition has also contributed to the promotion of Estonian music internationally, with several Eurolaul winners going on to achieve success in other music competitions and careers. Notably, the winner of Eurolaul 2001, the band Sahlene, represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest that year, finishing in 12th place.

The event is structured to ensure fairness and transparency, with a combination of public voting and expert judgments determining the final results. Eurolaul has also been praised for its innovative approach to songwriting, encouraging creativity and originality among participants. While primarily focused on selecting Estonia’s Eurovision entry, the competition has occasionally been used for other purposes, such as selecting artists for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest or other international music events.