National final season continued on Saturday with the fourth quarter-final of Estonia’s Eesti Laul 2022. Ten acts competed for five places in the semi-finals.
Similar to the other quarter-finals in recent weeks, it was a low-key affair. Rather than having the acts perform their songs live, the songs were assessed with music videos. The first three places were decided by the public televote, with the final two places decided by the jury vote.
The five qualifiers were: Ott Lepland, ELYSA, Black Velvet, Minimal Wind feat. elisabeth tiffany and Púr Múdd & Shira.
Eesti Laul 2022 fourth quarter-final qualifiers
Ott Lepland – “Aovalguses”
Ott Lepland was the first qualifier that got through on televoting. “Aovalguses” feels like a clear sequel to “Kuula”. It’s a slow piano ballad in Estonian, but unlike “Kuula” it does not have the build-up, but rather delivers the vocals and power of Ott’s voice almost constantly. At times it reminds me of those strongly orchestrated songs of the Eurovisions of the 1990s, but because of the modern arrangement, it does not come off as dated.
ELYSA – “Fire”
ELYSA was the second qualifier from the televoting. She brought the flames to the fourth semi-final of Eesti Laul 2022. Her entry “Fire” has a clear 00s vibe and slightly reminds me of Margaret’s “In My Cabana”. That’s not surprising, as both songs were co-written by Linnea Deb. It is a dance pop song that’s reminiscent of recent Cypriot entries at Eurovision.
Black Velvet – “Sandra”
Black Velvet were the last televoting qualifier from the fourth quarter-final. “Sandra” is an uptempo Estonian pop rock track that brings the feel good vibes from the 1990s and beyond. The song will definitely be the biggest sing-a-long track of this year’s Eesti Laul…and without being out of date.
Minimal Wind feat. elisabeth tiffany – “What To Make Of This”
Minimal Wind feat. elisabeth tiffany were the first jury qualifiers. The group of musicians that combine Minimal Wind and elisabeth brought a slower and more intimate singer-songwriter song that gives slight jazz vibes. That songwriter angle is clearly visible in the role that they gave the electric guitar in the instrumentation of the song.
Púr Múdd, Shira – “Golden Shores”
Púr Múdd and Shira brought a well-produced pop song with a mid-tempo chorus to the fourth quarter-final. They were rewarded for that by being the last act to qualify for the semi-finals of the show. After being eliminated last week, Shira bounced back at the right moment. By the way, the track’s music video has references to the Netflix hit series Squid Game.
Who are your favourites from the fourth set of qualifiers of Eesti Laul 2022?
Of tonight’s five qualifiers, tell us your favourites by voting in our poll. As always, you can vote for as many acts as you like, but you can only vote once — so make it count!
What do you think? Are you happy with these five qualifiers? Can any of these acts go on to win Eesti Laul 2022? Tell us your thoughts below!
My favourites from Eesti Laul
Last place in this ranking Elysa 1/10
Estonia’s broadcaster made a good choice by holding these quarter-finals! Awesome idea! This actually made me pay attention to Eesti laul. But still qf 1 is my favorite. Jaagup, Stig Or Maian for the win, please!
I agree with you, QF1 was the best although I felt Stig a bit underwhelming
While we wait for the live shows in February, who wants to make predictions on who will make the final? I watched a semi finalist recap at this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRMid6EkKGk and I made my predictions in that order based on which ten snippets grabbed me at the moment. Here are my predictions below: Jaagup Tuisk: Yes Stig Rasta: Yes Maian: Yes Boamadu: No Evelin Samuel: No Helen: No Andre Zevakin Ft. Grete Paia: Yes Jyrise: Yes Frants & Triin: No Kaia-Liisa Kesler: No Stefan: Yes Elina Nechayeva: Yes Anna Sahlene: Yes Merilin Malk: No Alabama Watchdog: No (Personally I don’t… Read more »
My only disagreement is about Maian. I think she will miss the final and Evelin Samuel will qualify thanks to the televoting. Maian had to depend on the juries in her QF as well, I see this happening again. I think that the rest of your predictions are correct as of now (everything can change). Also as far as Alabama Watchdog are concerned, I have a big problem with the fact that the song musically is surely in my top 5 but given that I don’t like their opinions and the messages that they want to transmit, I end up… Read more »
You know, I actually agree with you about Maian. I also have a feeling she’s not going to qualify, but I didn’t want backlash for making her a predicted non-qualifier. Actually, through my recap run-through, I had 9 yes’s, 7 no’s and 4 maybes on first run. Maian was actually a maybe and I decided she was the best of them so that’s why she’s a qualifier in my predictions.
Yes I can see what you mean by “backlash” xD. Nevertheless I believe that as of now she won’t qualify. Everything can change of course after the live performances. Re-examining your list once again I also have second thoughts about Jyrise’s qualification. I think it will also be borderline. Perhaps Boamadu also have a shot at qualifying, given that the final has to have a rock song
I mean, I’d disagree if I didn’t know how Estonians vote. But I also think it’s up to her staging and live vocals, if she nails both she has a chance.
Like I said, everything can change when the live shows happened in February. The artist I had predicted to make the final could flop on the night and another artist that I dismissed could make the final. Anything can happen.
We all Know how the fandom can throw a massive tantrum whenever their favorite doesn’t win a national final. Wait in a few days how they’ll react if their winner for Czech Republic actually wins or loses.
I really, really don’t like “Fire” at all.
Might be my least favourite song in the entire selection? Surprised it was televote qualifier. Definitely feel other songs deserved it a lot more but that might just be a me thing.
I don’t dislike Fire at all, but I do find it very overrated. As of now, it’s in my early 20s in my top 40. There were some much worse songs in the competition (IMHO), with some of them even qualifying (some juries should really learn to move on from certain messages (wink-wink).
Anyway, will you be making a top 20 or a top 40 video? In any case, I can’t wait. 🙂
Exactly what I’m doing this morning! Going with the top 40 first and we’ll make a top 20 after I’ve seen some live performances.
The old top 40 does take a while though. Used to saving this level of endurance for a Lithuanian national final!
You tend to have a pretty good idea how I rank things so I’ll be surprised if you don’t know my first place and last place already. :3
It’s kinda funny that Estonia actually has more competing songs (40) than Lithuania (36) for once.
You kinda spillled the beans on the last place (unless you change your mind, as you said ”might be”), but I am not sure who’s your 1st – Stefan, Stig, Andrei Zevakin and Grete Paia? I have some expectations, but I’m not completely sure. For instance, I’m interested where you’ll put Elina N. and Ott, because sometimes you like atmospheric ballads with big voices, and sometimes you find them boring (same as most of us, for that matter). I spoiled my personal favorites in the comment down there, and my least fav. qualifier up here (even if I think that… Read more »
I guess your last place is Alabama Watchdog? But I am interested in finding out the song you think is objectively worse in your opinion
This is only my opinion, but Let’s Talk About feels so cheap, with neither the production or the melody convincing me into buying those lyrics. He looked happy presenting his song, so I’m glad for that, but I am in no way surprised that it didn’t advance.
Another one pretty close is My Mom. I have a pet peeve with songs named after parents which are actually about a break-up (see Mamo (Ukraine 2009), and that’s melodically a much more compelling entry).
I agree completely about Let’s talk about. I remember that even during the show I listened to the first minute and a half and then had my toilet break xD. Nevertheless I think more or less almost all qualifiers were worthy. Now I only want to see a worthy winner and I hate that we have to wait till February to find out.
Haha. I usually put the songs into tiers (especially in big selections) before trying to come up with an actual ranking so even if something is in the running to be my last place, there might be a last minute change.
I’ll be getting the video up today but it’s interesting that those are the songs that you’re waiting to see!
Same, I usually mark down my first impression, but in many cases, it changes after awhile. Especially if my first reaction was in the realm of ”okay”. It can end-up as ”meh” or ”pretty solid” after a second take. Usually, I am pretty good at identifying the songs I love or cannot stand at first, but for a lot of these shades in between, I need a second or a third take.
What’s the name of your channel btw?
I also dislike Fire. Not that much because of the song itself but because of the well-known formula of the dance-pop bop that it is trying to follow: even if it clearly didn’t bear fruit in the 2021 contest. And I really think that it won’t win Eesti Laul.
I already even hated El diablo and this crap isn´t really better…
I absolutely agree with you about this swedish crap….
nobody talking about Dramanda, the best song out there. how dare you, she absolutely slayed
Everyone is sharing their overall Eesti laul favorites, so why not…
My favorites are Stefan and Jaagup Tuisk. Either would likely put Estonia in my top 10. A strong third place is Elina N. Her voice gives a magical touch to this atmospheric song. Then, in no particular order, I really enjoy the songs of Stig Rasta, Merilin Malk, Jyrise, Maian, Triin & Frants, Kaia-Liisa Kesler, and Ott Lepland.
A special nod to Peeter Poder, Desiree, Goodreason, and Ariadne, who should have qualified.
Fire is my favourite, it kinda feels like Norway 2012, especially the backing track, if she’s given revamp time it could be a great top tenner but not right now. Right now Plaksuta or Hope feel like the optimal choices, Vaikus deserves more respect also.
It actually reminds of Raylee’s 2020 MGP entry Wild.
Ott is back … and back are all the shady “boring ballad” comments that are so fondly part of the Eurovision family. Regardless of meaning, depth, emotion, whatever … the 2 Bs (and not Björn and Benny) will always stand ou loud and clear in the judgment of a song that for so many kills the ESC vibe of fun, joy, and entertainment …
Welcome back Ott … and see who here is going to “kuula” you and fall asleep after having drunk too many red bulls.
When it comes to Eurovision, the ballad is my favorite genre, but I dislike Ott’s song. It is just average in my opinion.
This, and also he had his chance (and did pretty well back then)
For me, it is either Jaagup, Jyrise or Stefan. I also like Stig’s song, but he wouldn’t be a good choice. He is the Uku Suviste type of singer.
Well, the first phase of Eesti Laul 2022 is over. What an exciting four-week ride we’ve had as we saw 40 songs become 20 semi-finalists. One thing that impressed me was that we had an exact 50-50 split of Estonian and English songs and we have that exact ratio for the semi-finalists, so great job. Let’s congratulate all 20 artists who made it this far and see them perform live in February for the chance to make the final and win the ticket to represent Estonia at Eurovision 2022. I know the live shows will feel like a long time… Read more »
I think Elina will win
ELYSA’s song is too generic for my taste. I prefer Ott Lapland, Stefan, Sahlene and Elina Nechayeva.
It’s Pur Mudd ft. Shira for me. Not as good as their 2016 attempt “Meet Halfway” but still very enjoyable and uplifting. Should be a contender in this year’s Eesti Laul, at least it is my fav now. Anyway, I feel this year Estonia doesn’t have too much options to choose from in terms of “sure qualifiers”. It’s an okey selection though For some reason, I expected fans to back ELYSA the moment i listen to the song. For me it’s just another random sexy, danceable and uplifting song wannabe. I mean, not bad, listenable, even catchy, but definitely not… Read more »
My personal top 3 of the semifinalists
A very weak edition this year, I´m sorry…
But the race is quiet open—-
I don’t think we have a definitive frontrunner for Estonia. It’s all going to depend on who has the best staging and live performance in February.
OK tbh I did not even bother to sit and listen to the songs or watch the shows (except for checking a bit a recap of quarter final 4 a d listening soem seconds from fire just to see what the hype is all about) but honestly I feel so sorry for Ariadne. I discovered her yesterday and I wanted her to qualify just bc of the hair lol. But then I heard her song and I was really surprised and sad she didn’t qualify. Now her song is among my 19 fav songs overall
I supposed you understood it is just my opinion an d I would like you to respect it. Anyway thanks for the hate ??
I think Stefan has it all this time to win Eesti Laul, I love Without You and By My Side though.
ott slaying and are we even surprised??!!
he’s not
I gotta give kudos to the Estonian broadcaster for adding these quarterfinals. After this show, I feel like the lineup of 20 songs that are in the semifinals are WAY stronger than your usual Eesti Laul semifinalists.
My two favorites of this batch, What To Make of This and Golden Shores, suffer from the same problem: underpowered, almost lazy sounding vocals. It seems to be intentional, but I can’t see it working for Eurovision where the vocals can make or break a performance.
The single best part of any of these songs is the guitar in What To Make of This and what should be a duet with Elisabeth Tiffany instead drowns her out.
I understand your frustration, because when “What to Make of This” started, for a few seconds I thought that I had found my favorite in Eesti Laul. But it never really took off. Airy vocals are very present in indie music these days and when they’re well done it can be beautiful (“Jezinky” is a good example of that in ESCZ). But alternative acts should be more careful with that when joining competitions with general audiences, because for some jurors and televoters it may pass as a vocal fragility even when it isn’t.
Very true about that trend. It’s also music that can sound great with headphones on, yet when translated for a big stage doesn’t live up to the hype of a studio mix. A strong performer can make it work, but until we see these live, it’s a big question mark.
In other words, you’re in the mood for an Estonian male/female duet this year? From those, I would favor Andrei and Grete but I agree their song is a little repetitive. Though my top 3 so far would be Jaagup, Maian and Elina. And I’m smelling a superfinal between Ott, Stefan and Stig, if I figured out how Estonians vote by now.
Jüri’s outfit was great, but not just that: he was so comfortable hosting it that if Estonia manages to win Eurovision in the next few years, I’ll star campaigning for him as a host!
I did, the broach was a nice touch and I second that. We’re not that out of touch though. In ESCZ, your top 2 was my top 2 (by the way, made my mind and voted for Giudi). And If I’m not mistaken, Alban was also your choice for Albania (not that we had many options there this year). In terms of Eesti Laul, I’m seeing peoples’ preferences all over the place and I believe it’s because there’s not a huge difference of quality between the favorites. I know you don’t like when it happens, but I imagine staging can… Read more »
In a quarterfinal full of middle of the road entries, Ott stood out with the quality of his vocals. Plus we already know he’ll sound just like that when performing it live. I prefer the jury’s saved songs than the other 2 the televote put through (one of them is actually my least favorite song in the whole competition), I just don’t know how neither of them allowed Ariadne to advance. All things considered, we’ll have enjoyable semis and I don’t see an obvious winner to the whole thing.
there isn’t a song i feel strongly for in this eesti laul… it’s really gone down in quality compared to a few years ago. i just hope they don’t choose stig rusty’s very underwhelming song. i wouldn’t disdain elina, but that song is also pretty weak (unless it comes alive when performed live)…
it will bc this is ELINA we r talking about!
Even the best vocalists can’t save mediocre songs.
Except Elina can lol shut up
I really feel bad for Elina… she has some really rude fans that can’t accept there are some people out there who don’t worship her. It’s rather pathetic really lmao.
Nah you r just annoying
Exactly my point proved haha
the only point that was proven is that you’re annoying!
I’d rather be annoying to immature little hyperstans and fight for people’s right to an opinion, than turn a blind eye and let people like you tell people how to think, and then call them stupid or annoying because they don’t agree.
If you like Elina (I’m going to assume that Moth and Milky are the same person) then that’s great. Good for you. But that doesn’t mean everyone must share your opinion.
Take some advice my friend… Grow up.
my opinion is objective x
No It’s not. Your opinion is subjective and everyone is entitled to their own subjective view. Even if it’s different from yours. And my subjective opinion is Elina’s fantastic voice can’t save her extremely mediocre song. Deal with it.
sucks for u to be tasteless then
I quite like my taste actually. I also like that I can accept that sometimes people will disagree with me without being extremely rude to them.
I agree with you! You can’t force other people to like what you like. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.
elina FTW
downvoters have no taste soz
Actually they have a lot of taste downvoting your comments.
nah it’s just misogyny
Really? Like… really? I think people would react in the same way regardless of what gender you are. The fact is, you’re a rude little kid who’s treating people like dirt and I say that regardless of whether you are male, female or non-binary. So it’s not misogynistic, get your facts right before trying stuff like that with me.
and you’re probably a middle aged man, shush!
I’m 23. I don’t think that’s quite middle aged lmao. If you’re anything less than 12 I’ll be both surprised and concerned by the way you act to people on this website.
”if you’re anything less than 12 i’ll be surprised and concerned” alright LOOL
and if u r 23 then how about getting a hobby instead of refreshing the page all the time to reply to 2 day old comments nnn
Aren’t you doing exactly the same thing tho? Don’t be a hypocrite mate. 😉 This is my hobby, I love seeing childish entitled Eurovision fans who think they own the world get shouted down, that’s real entertainment!
Sussy baka
weeb!
Ño
This last quarter-final wasn’t as strong as the rest. The only song I really liked was Ott Lepland’s entry that really showcases his voice and is captivating and atmospheric. The other qualifiers didn’t catch my attention.
Also having heard all contenders for the win now, I am predicting (and hoping) that STEFAN will be this year’s Eesti Laul winner. My top 5 of this year’s contest as of now is the following:
1. STEFAN-Hope
2. Stig Rasta-Interstellar
3. Elina Nechayeva-Remedy
4. Ott Lepland-Aovalguses
5. Kaia-Liisa Kesler-Vaikus
Honorable mentions include Boamadu, Zevakin&Paia and Alabama Watchdog.
Ott and Elysa contenders for win!
I really enjoyed Sandra. One of the strongest tunes in the whole Eesti Laul
I didn’t really watch this semi,and only saw recaps of the songs,but,there’s one thing,I can say for sure – this was the strongest semi of Eesti Laul this year.So many good songs.I’m actually quite sad for almost every entry,that didn’t qualify,because they were really great. It’s really strong semi,and I’m mostly satisfied with the acts that qualified,but still,is such a shame,that they didn’t go further. Now,short opinion of qualifiers: Elysa:WINNER!This is totally my style of music.It’s catchy,danceable and truly amazing.I loved Fuego,and all songs that were this style at couple next year selections,and this is not exception. Ott Lepland:Well,not really… Read more »
Well,now my overall opinion on the Eesti Laul after quarter-finals.Up until this semi I had one favourite to win,and it was Stig Rästa.Right now,it all has changed.Elysa would be added to my personal favourites.If we talk about who will fight for the win,it’s probably all the acts that previously represented Estonia-Stig Rästa,Elina Nechayeva,Ott Lepland.Also can add to this list some strong songs,that sure will be contenders for the win:Jaagup Tuisk,Stefan.Maybe also Triin Niitoja and Frans Tikerpuu,Anna Sahlene,Maian,and hopefully Elysa.Also if we consider telvoting patterns of previous Eesti Laul’s,then Andrei Zevakin,and Grete Paia have a chance for a really good result… Read more »
I like all 4 except Fire.
Ott’s comeback didnt disappoint. Always class and Estonian couldn’t sound more beautiful
Fire is part two of el diablo – the typical swedish crap…
Elysa’s silver clothes, the word “Fire” and the background in the video clip gave me indeed those vibes.
Also kinda like Tooji- Stay but I feel like i’m the only one
RIP Ariadne~ 🙁
In my opinion there was no good song in this quarterfinal.
Either Jaagup, Jyrise or STEFAN should win Eesti Laul.
Add Elina Nechayeva to the list if it turns out her live version is good, her studio version was meh.
Honestly, Ott won this quarterfinal for me, and it’s not even close. Aovalguses is a really soothing, lovely song. I feel a similar artistic vibe as in Kuula, and I appreciate a different approach. While Kuula has its title repeated throughout the song, Aovalguses has it said only twice near the very end of the song.
On the first listening, I found Ariadne’s song to be the second best one here, so its omission from the qualifiers’ list is odd.
dramanda had the best song with some potential – maybe (again) too pogressive for the most estonian ears.
in the next rounds we have elina and maybe the abbasonglady against some good looking boys and probably a boy will win again – boring.
I love the song from Ott Lepland – “Aovalguses” I hope he will win and go to Italy !!