The finalists of the Estonian selection Eurolaul 2006 have been revealed. There are some strong names among the 10 finalists, in total the authors of 5 Estonian past representatives are included. Even though the names were decided today there have already been a disqualification.
The 10 finalists were chosen by a professional jury which consisted of Jaak Joala, Priit Hõbemägi, Jaan Elgula, Olavi Pihlamägi, Maarja-Liis Ilus (Estonian representative at the 1996 and 1997 Eurovision Song Contest), Maido Maadik, Jaan Karp, Heidy Purga, Olav Osolin and Jaagup Kreem. The following names were revealed today in a special show on ETV, the Estonian broadcaster. However, ETV didn't release the names of the singers who sung the demo tapes. The finalists are:
1. Higher
Authors: Peeter Kaljuste, Elmar Liitma
Lyrics: Peeter Kaljuste, Marta Piigli
2. Be 1st
Authors: Ivar Must, Rebecca Kontus
Lyrics: James Werts
Ivar Must is the composer of the only Estonian winning song, Everybody(2001) and was invited directly to the final by ETV. Rebecca Kontus was in the girlband Suntribe, represented Estonia last year with Let's get loud.
3. Everytime I Tell You
Author: Reverend B
Lyrics: Reverend B
4. Friends Will Be Friends
Author: Martti Meumers
Lyrics: Rein Kahro
5. Iseendale (For myself)
Authors: Eda-Ines Etti, Ivo Etti
Lyrics: Eda-Ines Etti, Ivo Etti
Eda-Ines Etti (also known as Ines) represented Estonia in Stockholm in 2000 and reached the 4th place.
6. It Was You
Authors: Priit Pajusaar, Glen Pilvre
Lyrics: Maian Kärmas
Priit Pajusaar together with Glen Pilvre is an Estonian Eurovision veteran, as he has composed the Estonian entries Kaelakee hääl (1996), Diamond of night (1999) and Tii(2004). He was also given direct access to the final. Maian Kärmas wrote the lyrics for Everybody.
7. Mr Right
Authors: Priit Pajusaar, Glen Pilvre
Lyrics: Maian Kärmas
8. Open Up Your Heart
Author: Mikk Targo
Lyrics: Mikk Targo
Mikk Targo was granted a place among the 10 finalists by the host broadcaster.
9. Sweet Separation
Author: Mel
Lyrics: Mathura
10. Through My Window
Authors: Pearu Paulus, Ilmar Laisaar, Alar Kotkas
Lyrics: Jana Hallas
The team behind that entry was invited by ETV and qualified directly to the final for a good reason. Namely, they have composed 2 successfull Estonian representatives for the Contest: Once in a lifetime(reached the 4th place) in 2000 and Runaway(reached the 3rd place) in 2002.
The song disqualified was Vaiko Eplik's, who is the leadman of the band Ruffus which represented Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2003 with Eighties coming back. The reason for the disqualification is that the song had been played at numerous concerts between 2000 and 2002. The song was sent in by Vaiko Eplik's production firm, not by him.
The final of the Estonian selection is to be held on on 4th February at 21:35 EET and the winner will sing under the Estonian flag at the 51st Eurovision Song Contest in Athens.
