We now know all 12 entries competing in the Eesti Laul 2023 grand final. The two semi-finals whittled the competitors down to an initial ten, with MIA and ELYSA then earning two wildcard slots. And now the grand final running order has been set by broadcaster ERR.
There are various possible winners and it’s all to play for. But, will the Estonian public choose one of the fan favourites, or will a dark horse make it to Liverpool? Who will follow Stefan and hope to bring the Eurovision trophy back to Estonia?
We’ll find out the answers on 11 February when the grand final of this year’s Eesti Laul takes place. But for the time being, we want to know your opinion. Who do you think should represent the nation this May in Liverpool? Rewatch the semi-final performances by clicking on the song titles below and then vote for your favourite entries.
Scroll down to vote in our poll
Eesti Laul 2023 grand final running order
- Meelik – “Tuju”
- INGER – “Awaiting You”
- JANEK – “House Of Glass”
- ELYSA – “Bad Philosophy”
- m els – “So Good (At What You Do)”
- Bedwetters – “Monsters”
- Andreas – “Why Do You Love Me”
- ALIKA – “Bridges”
- Anett x Fredi – “You Need to Move On”
- OLLIE – “Venom”
- MIA – “Üks samm korraga”
- SISSI – “Lighthouse”
Poll: Who should win Estonia’s Eesti Laul 2023?
In this poll, you can vote for as many of your favourites as you wish to. But remember you can only vote once – so choose wisely!
Eesti Laul 2023 grand final: Show details
During the first stage of the grand final, an international jury will decide together with the public who gets the three spots in the Eesti Laul 2023 superfinal. Then, the public alone will vote for which of the three acts will make it to Eurovision 2023 and represent Estonia in Liverpool.
Like the semi-finals, Tõnis Niinemets and Grete Kuldab will also host the grand final of Eesti Laul. This time, the show will take place in front of a huge live audience inside Tondiraba Ice Hall, located in Estonia’s capital Tallin.
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Who are you rooting for in the Eesti Laul 2023 grand final? Do you think any of these acts can help Estonia qualify to the final of Eurovision this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Meelik is the only intelligent and witty entry we´ve had ever since ….ever. prob since 80ies coming back
Janek House of Glass is now in Estonian also ??
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n_EvQaFG734&list=RDn_EvQaFG734&start_radio=1
I really like Alika’s song better, but Ollie will probably win.
If Ollie or Alika win, I’ll vote for Estonia at ESC. Anyway, my best wishes for all the participants, they’re very talented and I hope they have the performance the way they want.
Awaiting you, House of glass, Bad Philosophy, Uks samm korraga and Monsters are the 5 songs I like the most. Wish them well.
I’d wish for Mia to win, but she would really have to up her game. Her semi-final performance was rather underwhelming.
Bored now with upper-case act names
Interesting. Uppercase names seem to account for 7 out of the 12 Eesti Laul finalists this year, which makes them “the majority” of name styles. It’s a fascinating case study (pun achieved).
Meelik. They just crushed it in the semi
My favorites are actually Meelik and M Els. I’ll keep listening to “Tuju” and “So Good” for a long time.
But if it’s indeed between Ollie and Alik, Estonia will be fine either way. I would prefer “Venom” than “Bridges” though.
Tuju is actually my 5th here and I like it *a lot*. It’s a low-key type of entry that I don’t expect to win (I am happy it qualified). However… if it somehow does win, I’ll actually be fine with that too. My 1st choice is Ollie, but Meelik is so cute with this song!
I believe any of the rock entries can do well in Eurovision. Ollie has the advantage because he has a more conventional performance than Meelik and his vocals are more consistent than Bedwetter’s. I can see he getting a top 10 in Liverpool.
I would have no problem with Meelik representing Estonia at ESC (even if it’s unlikely)and I would place Tuju high in my top as well. M Els’ song has some modern elements I like but I am not extremely enthusiastic about it.
Meelik can be even better if they follow even more what they did in the music video. It’s that kind of entry that can generate memes without sacrificing musical quality. I’m a fan! About M Els, she has what’s probably my favorite song in Eesti Laul. She just needs to be a little more confident on the stage. The good thing is that everybody still have 3 weeks to improve their peformances.
The retro kinda Britpop vibe Meelik have is indeed of musical quality. And I agree that their music video really fits this atmosphere. I really wish they finish high in the final! Good luck to M els as well. It will surely be a nice final
Alika’s performance is so great ! I think it’s the best choice, but Ollier would be a nice Estonian représentative as well (:
Guyyys what is happening with Lithuanian Odds they are emerging to the top, from 20th place to 9
This is the common section for Estonia. Why are you talking about Lithuania here?
You’ll see why tomorrow (hehe)
Oh?
Something good tomorrow?
I heard Paulina Slayed live performance, but not sure also Monika teased something that she is waiting for 23rd of january so it all comes over (maybe song release or snippet)
They are mot even choices
Ruta Mur is happened
Meelik’s Tuju, Bedwetters’ Monsters or M Els’ So good at what you do.
I genuinely cannot understand why people like Ollie’s song, it comes across as cringeworthy. Sissi’s song is underwhelming and her vocals aren’t strong. Alika’s Bridges is nice song, however, I feel like it could be elevated if another artist sang it, I also doubt it would qualify.
Ollie isn’t really that good lol, it sounds very teenage, I can’t take him seriously. He has to grow up. The same as for Jaagup Tuisk.
My actual fave is You Need to Move On, but I voted for Sissi, her song just has a great drive and a solid vocal which imo Ollie was a bit weaker in, the Bed-wetters were my faves but the live killed it for me. Hopefully it’s a great night!
Why does Ollie blame this poor person for his bitter obsession? I hope he seeks counselling.
Human relationships can be complex, and sometimes people get attached to the wrong person. The song is about a feeling, not about an action. It’s a perfectly valid feeling to have. Perhaps it leads to breaking it off soon enough. Songs are there to trigger feelings, and sometimes those feelings are anger, sadness, or desire. Nothing wrong with processing that in a song. And honestly, Venom is only a level 1 when it comes to expressing anger about a toxic lover, much like Britney’s ”Toxic”. If you want a really angry song about a similar topic, try ”I See Red”… Read more »
I don’t mean to suggest that there is anything “wrong” with it, but is does make it hard for me to warm to the character singing this song. Like with Vincent Bueno’s 2021 song, or Lillasystur’s 2021 Melodifestivalen song… it just makes me immediately side with the ex and be thankful they got out of there.
I understand. I usually go with the point of view the song is offering, as there really people who are like that. Still, as always, it’s very individal how to feel about it. 🙂
As for interpretations, as I got it, Venom is about a person who got into the interpreter’s skin, but is not good for him. It’s a very open interpretation whether it’s because of this person’s behavioral issues, cheating, or whatnot. As for Amen, I always thought that it’s about a frustration about a break-up that has already happened. I found the comparison with a funeral to be a bit over-the-top, but again, if that’s just his way to let these feelings out and, as the song suggests, say ”amen” (and so be it), then it might be for the better.
I’d still like to hear the other side of the story before I judge.
“I only wish I could hurt you in the end” seems kinda spiteful, and “ever since the day you came around” seems like it was a one-sided instant obsession.
If the lyrics made some attempt to explain what was so bad about this person, I might be more understanding… but they don’t.
I’d say that ”I only wish I could hurt you in the end” only proves that the song is ultimately benign. ” *If I could*, but I can’t. I won’t. Even if you might deserve it for messing with my feelings. I care too much, and I can control my impulses.”That’s the feeling I got from it. It’s said in desperation over someone one still has feelings for. ”As you came around” is a simple wording from his POV. (”Since you appeared in my life – and we started being a thing”) To me it’s obvious that at some point,… Read more »
Mia
I also like both Ollie and Alika.
in the poll ollie is leading – good song and well sung but bryan adams style rock songs are a little bit outdated.
his biggest advantage is that he is a good looking male – inger too but younger.
i say that alika could be the best and most quality eesti laul winner since that masterful song from 2009.
🙂
Ollie is very handsome, but he should win regardless, because he has the best song. If his good looks will persuade some indifferent ones, I am okay with that. It’s not ideal, but it happens anyway, whether we want it or not. So at least let it happen when someone also has a song as strong as his. As for Inger, she’s a young woman, not a man. Alika’s ballad is also amazing, I agree.
INGER’s “about” on Spotify uses he/him pronouns, and says he is now taking to the stage as a completely new person.
Had no idea… sorry about that. I appologize. Inger is a young man, and Iasse Braun is totally right.
I don’t know for sure what INGER presents as, just to say.
Newer English pages indeed say ”he”, and translation from the Estonian Vikipeedia doesn’t help, as it translates everyone into ”he”, because Estonian seems not to have gender specific third person pronouns. So far, I’ll try to believe that the English sites are not that disrespectful to misgender Inger over and over again, but if proven wrong, I’ll switch to whatever pronoun Inger indentifies with.
Either Ollie or Sissi for me. Bedwetters if the live performance is good enough. Alika would also be a fine choice as she’s clearly talented, but the song doesn’t do anything for me.
Venom would be the perfect favorite and landslide winner of Eurovision… 2003. Yes, the song sounds about 20 years late ¯?\?_?(???)?_?/?¯. Doesn’t make it bad tho
Clearly rigged in favor of Sissi… I wouldn’t be surprised to see her win this time, her dad’s mafia is working in the background…
Bedwetters
Estonia usually picks my winner – Olie needs to win pls!
Ollie is my favorite
His running order position is great as well
Praying for his victory, I’d love to see Venom on the Eurovision stage
The running order favors Alika. Deservedly so, because Bridges is in my opinion the best song.
Ollie, the song is not revolutionary but the overall act is very enjoyable, this rocker’s voice is perfect, less camera shots and more eyes contact though. Alika and Sissi could impress a lot too in Eurovision, but whoever wins will be a worthy winner because you don’t win without good reasons.
I forgot Bedwetters, if chosen they could surprise in Eurovision, it could be a good option too.
INGER – “AWAITING YOU” puts a smile on my face every time and I voted for him in this poll. I am sorry that such a feel good song will stand no chance in the actual competition but I would be happy to see his positive energy win as many votes as possible.
Inger is a girl and she slays
Are you sure? I have googled the name and every article out there refers to Inger as he and him. I am not sure if Inger is born male or female or if Inger became transgender in anyway. I just went with saying he/him for Inger simply because I liked the song and thought he was a man. Nothing deeper there. If you have more insight you can share it with me and I will be happy to refer to Inger the way they want us. Either She/her and He/him works for me. 🙂
Nothing wrong with this, i was also not sure about it … but i found out that Inger is Estonian singer and they said “she” but i really dont know
Inger was born female, but seems to be more non binary these days or at least not publicly putting themselves in any box just yet.
I find Vemon to be quite generic and uninteresting, but I have a feeling it will win Eesti Laul. I think it’s far from an ESC winner but I guess maybe it could place top 10?
Agree. Venom has the regular theme of a pop rock song, and even the title indicates that.
If talking about rock/alternative music, I prefer Meelik by a lot. They are much more authentic and that is the most important thing to me in these genres.
From the fan favourites, I would prefer Sissi to win, but would love to see Anett and Fredi on Eurovision stage one day (or Minimal Wind – Estonians are really into this jazzy type of music and I love that).
I don’t care for anything besides Bridges in this NF personally.
I do not like Bridges, personally. The verses are VERY good, but the chorus and bridge throws me off.
Meelik or M els for me – that would be something different for a change.
I know Bridges is absolutely a solid song with lots of merit to go to the finals at ESC, but Venom has really pulled me in I think. But I would be happy with Alika going too. I feel like Venom is just more likely to stick out while Bridges runs a slight risk of being too similar to some of the competition depending on how the year shapes up. In general I just think I enjoy the energy Venom brings more in current times. Sometimes you just want to rage with a song instead of feeling it in a… Read more »
Ollie or Alika without a doubt. I prefer Alika’s song but the way she performs it is a bit too much for me. I would prefer a more intimate performance, more poetic and less about demonstrating vocal abilities. That’s why I think Ollie could be e better choice.
“Venom” is probably the best choice for Estonia but I have to say that “So Good” and “You Need to Move On” are the ones I’ve been listening to the most after the semis.
There’s no doubt that Venom, Bridges or Lighthouse would all be good representatives for Estonia and miles better than what has already been selected for ESC. But there’s also no doubt that if Ollie is selected, he will remain in the first places of my top. As a result, I am fully on favour of Ollie winning Eesti Laul and bringing his 00s rock sound to Eurovision. I really hope Estonia picks him.
The Meelik ensemble would be iconic, if you care about your language/culture you simply send them. Any other entry means I will continue ignoring Estonia in May.
WOW, if that doesnt convince the Estonian public, i dont know what will
The Estonian public have sent Victor Crone and Uku Suviste 3 years in a row, they need all the help they can get.
I would pick M els
There is really no competition here, if they want to qualify for the finals then they should choose Ollie and the song Venom. GoodLuck!
Ollie should be the first choice for Estonia if they want to immediately be a contender to bring ESC to Talinn. Fans love Venom. I love Venom. I just hope that Estonian people love Venom too. Alika, Janek, and Sissi would be great alternatives too! In all four cases, I easily see Estonia again in my top 10. In general I do like 11 out of 12 finalists, but when there’s options I love, that’s what I’m wholeheartedly going for.
FIRST !
I want Ollie !!!
Alika is good yeah but not for Eurovision and there are no juries on the SF !
Ollie is the big favorite for Eurofans and if his win, it’s a final for Estonia !!
Please Estonian people, choose Ollie.
Although Ollie is my favourite and I want him to win eesti laul, I dont get people saying Bridges isn’t suitable for esc. Is it because its a ballad? I prefer Venom but Bridges should be able to qualify if it is selected, I’d be pretty annoyed if televoters ignored ballads just because they’re ballads, seems kind of childish to me. But ultimately I want Ollie to win. I think it’ll be close between Alika and Ollie given how ive heard Alika has some popularity due to winning a competition so she might have the edge for Estonians but I… Read more »
The problem with Alika’s song is seen and seen. Nothing transcendent.
And then a ballad like his, hello depression… The Estonians have already sent a lot of them so it’s time for rock for the first time with this small Baltic country!
I like Alika’s song but it’s not a qualification for me, I prefer Ollie and his energy !
I feel like in recent years Estonia have veered away from ballads, alothugh I always say, I’m down for a country sending a similar sound the following year if its quality which I do think Alika’s song is. One of the reasons aside from preferring Ollie’s entry that I think would give Venom the edge in terms of placement in esc is, there’s a lot of quality ballads in selections this year and although they may not get picked, there is a worry, especially given televoters usual under appreciation of ballads (like it is a dig but Netherlands and Greece… Read more »
GO OLLIE !