The jury has ruled and the 10 finalists for the Estonian national final, Eurolaul 2004, have been chosen. This year will bring back many former participants and also the winners of the previous finals like Maarja (winner of 1996 and 1997) and Ines (2000). Also we see Swedish Jill Johnson performing for Eurolaul.
The 10 finalists are as follows in performing order:
1.) Whatever You Say
Music and lyrics: Pearu Paulus, Ilmar Laisaar, Alar Kotkas, Jana Hallas (the team behind Once in a lifetime which represented Estonia in 2000 at the ESC and Runaway which did the same trick for Estonia two years later). Demo performed by Ines.
2.) Dance
Music and lyrics: Vaiko Eplik (as mentioned before then he represented Estonia last year in Riga with his band Ruffus with their song “Eighties coming back”) Demo performed by Ewert Sundja.
3.) Turn the tide
Music: Priit Pajusaar, Glen Pilvre
Lyrics: Maian Kärmas (wrote the lyrics of the victorious song Everybody which gave Estonia the chance to host the contest in 2002). Demo performed by Liisi Koikson & Cardinals.
4.) If I'm Surrounded
Music: Tomi and Maria-Ithaka Rahula (authors of Mere lapsed which represented Estonia in 1998). Lyrics: Maria-Ithaka Rahula. Demo performed by Slobodan River.
5.) I wanna stay
Music and lyrics by Raid Ilves. Demo performed by Hannah.
6.)Whenever blue
Music and lyrics: Fred Krieger. Demo performed by Hatuna ja Sofia Rubina.
7.) Homme (Tomorrow)
Music and lyrics: Maarja-Liis Ilus (represented Estonia in 1996 together with Ivo Linna with Kaelakee hääl and in 1997 with Keelatud maa). Demo performed by Maarja.
8.) Tii
Music: Priit Pajusaar (one of the authors of Kaelakee hääl (the first successfull entry for Estonia in 1996) and Diamond of night (competed for Estonia in 1999)), Glen Pilvre (co-wrote Diamond of night). Lyrics: Aapo Ilves. Demo performed by Neiokõsõ.
9.) Beautiful inside
Music and lyrics by Kerli Kõiv (participated in the Swedish final last year), Timo Vendt and Lauri Laubre. Demo performed by Kerli Kõiv.
10.) I'll give you a mountain
Music and lyrics by Henrik Sethsson, Stig Lindell. Demo performed by Jill Johnson.
The jury consisted of Jaak Joala, Meelis Kapstas, Jaan Karp, Priit Hõbemägi, Tõnu Kõrvits, Kaari Sillamaa, Heidi Pruuli, Andres Jõesaar, Tiit Kikas and Jaan Elgula. Their decision was published at 20:05 GMT at a TV-show on ETV.
The final will be held on 7th February 2004 at the studios of ETV. For the first time in the history of Eurolaul televoting will be used.
