The competition, which has established a reputation over the years for launching diverse musical acts and setting high production standards, will bring together a fascinating mix of contest newcomers and battle-tested veterans. Music enthusiasts across Estonia and beyond have spent months speculating about who would make the final cut, and the jury’s final selection offers a compelling snapshot of contemporary Estonian pop, rock, and alternative music culture. With the official tracks set to be released to the public late next month, fans will soon have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the entries that will define the upcoming season.
The journey to the final stage at Tallinn’s sprawling Unibet Arena on January 30 has been rigorous. A specialized forty-member professional jury sifted through a vast pool of submissions to curate the final dozen original compositions. This eclectic lineup guarantees that the January show will offer a wide spectrum of sonic textures, ranging from driving guitar rock and electronic soundscapes to soulful vocals and traditional folk fusions.
Adding to the prestige of the evening, this year’s grand final will be hosted by two familiar and beloved figures within the Estonian entertainment landscape: Koit Toome and Eda-Ines Etti. Both hosts bring deep personal experience with the Eurovision phenomenon and domestic music competitions, ensuring a polished, charismatic, and engaging broadcast for television viewers at home and the thousands packed into the arena. Their presence underscores the magnitude of the event, which remains a cornerstone of the Estonian cultural calendar.
The 2027 lineup notably includes past Eurovision contestants who are eager to recapture the magic of the European stage, alongside a strong cohort of returning fan favorites and fresh faces determined to make their mark on the national consciousness. Among the diverse array of performers and songwriters revealed by Eesti Laul organizers, every act brings a distinct artistic vision and a unique collaborative team to the table.
The twelve finalists competing for the Eesti Laul 2027 crown represent a vibrant cross-section of the local music industry. Leading the charge is Daniel Levi, who will perform the track "Dust." The song is a collaborative effort credited to Daniel Levi himself alongside Clifford Goilo. Known for his charismatic stage presence and infectious pop sensibilities, Daniel Levi is expected to be a major contender in the competition.
Another anticipated performance comes from the dynamic pairing of Jaagup Tuisk and Wanda, who will take on the moody and evocative Estonian-language composition "Kesk ööd musta merd." The song’s creative team features Jaagup Tuisk alongside Wanda-Helene Ollep and Lauri Räpp, blending youthful energy with lyrical depth. Meanwhile, Johanna Elise brings a cinematic pop edge to the lineup with "Getaway Car," a track crafted by the songwriting duo Gevin Niglas and Anna Graceman.
Kerli Kivilaan returns to the Eesti Laul spotlight with "When the World is Over," a powerful melodic piece co-written by Kivilaan and Gevin Niglas, the latter of whom appears multiple times among the credits of this year’s finalists, demonstrating his prolific presence in the current Estonian songwriting scene. Another prominent name in the lineup is Laura, a veteran performer with deep ties to the contest’s history, who will perform "Metsapiiga," written entirely by Vahur Valgmaa.
Collaboration is a strong theme in the 2027 selection, exemplified by the team-up of M Els and J-Run on the high-energy track "HUSH HUSH." The song brings together the creative talents of Gevin Niglas, Jeroen Nai Chung Tong, and Merili Käsper. Rock enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Ollie, a crowd favorite from previous editions, who returns with "Sad Every Day," a track authored solely by Oliver Mazurtšak, promising his signature guitar-driven intensity.
The genre boundaries continue to stretch with the collaboration between Pale Alison and Minimal Wind, who will perform "Superhuman." The intricate track is the collective work of Taavi-Hans Kõlar, Paula Pajusaar, Evelina Koop, and Jelizaveta Anderžanova. In a similar vein of collective artistry, the ensemble project featuring Panärama, Vemka, and Hans Markus has submitted "Reflection," a song boasting a large and diverse credited team comprising Steven-Marten Suur, Martin Veem, Hans Markus Danilas, Villem Rootalu, Noah Schatteiner, and Laura Prits.
Bringing a dose of soulful warmth to the competition is Rita Ray, whose rich vocals will lead "Don’t You Agree." The song is co-written by Kristi Raias, Johannes Laas, Robine Koerts, and Eric Timmann, offering a sophisticated counterweight to the high-tempo pop numbers in the lineup. Rooted in traditional sounds with a contemporary twist, Zetod joins forces with Hellika to perform "Kipõ-kipõ." The folk-inflected track is authored by Jalmar Vabarna, Matis Leima, Jaanus Viskar, Martin Kütt, and Artur Linnus.
Rounding out the final twelve is the established band Traffic, bringing a wealth of radio-friendly appeal with their song "Laava." The track boasts an impressive international and domestic songwriting pedigree, credited to Stig Rästa, Victor Crone, Linnea Deb, and Fred Krieger, uniting some of the most successful hitmakers in the modern Baltic and Scandinavian pop spheres.
As the calendar turns toward January, anticipation will only mount. With the official release of the twelve competing songs scheduled for late next month, listeners across Estonia and international Eurovision followers alike will soon be able to dissect every melody, lyric, and arrangement. The road to the Unibet Arena on January 30 is officially open, and the competition to determine who will carry the Estonian flag forward is set to captivate the nation.
