🇪🇪 Sneak Peek: Eesti Laul 2023 Semi Final 2

Image Credit: Gea Kumpel

Eesti Laul returns for the second semi final!

10 artists will compete with the hopes of joining the qualifiers from Thursday’s semi-final – Ollie, Bedwetters, Andreas, Anett & Fredi and Janek – in the final on February 11th 2023.

Keep reading to find out more about the artists & songs in semi final 2.

Inger – ‘Awaiting You’

Inger is from Tallinn, and rose to prominence after reaching the final of Noortebänd (a competition for new Estonian talent) in 2017. At just 23 years old, he already has 2 previous Eesti Laul attempts under his belt. In 2019, he competed with ‘Coming Home’, which came 6th, and in 2020 he came 8th with ‘Only Dream’. He describes his music as “self-conscious, deep, and warm”.

This year, Inger is bringing something a bit more upbeat than his previous entries, yet still true to his musical style. His song ‘Awaiting You’ is a feel-good pop track, featuring Inger’s unique vocals. You can hear his song below.

Linalakk and Bonzo – ‘Aeg’

Linalakk has teamed up with Bonzo to perform the song ‘Aeg’ (English – ‘Time’) at Eesti Laul this year. Bonzo has competed once before in Eesti Laul, back in 2012. Their song wasn’t initially written for the contest, but Linalakk asked Bonzo if they could submit it, to which he agreed.

‘Aeg’ is a ballad which tells the story of an unconditional love, and discusses the growing admiration for another person over time – as the pair play out in the music video. You can hear the song below.

Meelik – ‘Tuju’

Meelik are a band formerly known as Ansambel Meelik then Tenfold Rabbit (who competed in Eesti Laul 2012 & 2013). They say their song ‘Tuju’ “[…] is about being young, having fun and love. It has to be about love, all songs have to be about love”.

If you’re looking for something a little nostalgic then ‘Tuju’ (English – ‘Mood’) is the song for you. Penned by the band, it’s authenticity shines in this field of songs. Paired with a good beat & Estonian lyrics – it’s hard not to get this one stuck in your head, which could really help Meelik on Saturday night. Listen to ‘Tuju’ below.

Elysa – ‘Bad Philosophy’

Elysa is back for her third Eesti Laul, and second consecutive contest following a successful run in 2022 which saw her song ‘Fire’ place 3rd overall. She competed in 2015 under her full name Elisa Kolk with the song ‘Superlove’, also coming 3rd. This year she’s back with a song penned by Eesti Laul veteran and one of half of Estonia’s Eurovision 2015 entry, Stig Rästa.

‘Bad Philosophy’ is Elysa’s effort this year, and is a favourite to represent Estonia in Liverpool. It takes inspiration from 80s pop music, and is one of the few up-beat, pure pop tracks taking part in this years Eesti Laul. Will Elysa finally be able to gain enough support to come 1st this time around? Listen to the song below & see what you think.

Robin Juhkental – ‘Kurbuse Matused’

Robin Juhkental is back for the 4th time in Eesti Laul, and 2nd time as a soloist. He won with his band Malcolm Lincoln in 2010, representing Estonia at Eurovision that year in Oslo, Norway with ‘Siren’ – coming 14th in the semi final. He mainly writes songs in English, but will this year compete with a song in Estonian.

‘Kurbuse Matused’ (English – ‘A Funeral of Sorrow’) is a slowly paced, jazz/folk song that has definitely picked up fans along the way for its experimental flair. You can hear his song below.

M Els – ‘So Good (At What You Do)’

Merili Käsper – known as M Els – is a singer/songwriter who will be making her debut in Eesti Laul with the song ‘So Good (At What You Do)’. Her song is written by Andreas Poom (who competed in Semi Final 1), Stig Rästa and Estonia’s Eurovision 2022 artist Stefan.

‘So Good (At What You Do)’ is a mid-tempo song featuring some captivating vocals from M Els. Being the only song of its kind in the contest this year could serve it well and see M Els in the final. You can hear her entry below.

Wiiralt – ‘Salalik’

Wiiralt formed in 2019, made up of members Marta Arula, Vahur Krautman, Martin Saaremägi, Sander Nõmmistu, Siim Türnpuu and Hans K. Pikani. According to their official website, the group’s music ‘draws inspiration from the gap between Estonian Dream and reality, and mixes it with Nashville’s recognisable sound’.

‘Salalik’ (English – ‘Secret’) originally started out as a collaboration with another group, Ultima Thule. However, their lead singer Riho Sibul sadly passed away on November 20th 2022, leading the band to withdraw.

It has a distinct rugged vocal, and that authentic Wiiralt sound to it. Could this be their year to make the final? You can listen to Wiiralt’s song below.

Sissi – ‘Lighthouse’

Sissi makes her return to Eesti Laul 2023 with the song ‘Lighthouse’. She came 2nd in Eesti otsib superstaari in 2018. You may remember her from Eesti Laul 2021, where she came 2nd with the song ‘Time’, as well as Eesti Laul 2019 – placing 4th with ‘Strong’. She is the daughter of Eurovision 2001 winner Dave Benton.

Her song begins with a piano melody and Sissi’s rich vocals before building slowly throughout the song up to the powerful final chorus. She’s proven herself as a big jury favourite in previous years, but could she go all the way with the public and win the whole show? Only time will tell. You can hear her entry below.

Carlos Ukareda – ‘Whiskey Won’t Forget’

Carlos Ukareda is no stranger to music, being the son of a guitarist from an Estonian Blues Band. He competed in Eesti otsib superstaari (Estonian Idol) in 2018 where he came 6th. 2023 marks his first time in Eesti Laul.

‘Whiskey Won’t Forget’ is a country-lite, acoustic style pop song with a gentle beat and good progression throughout. It discusses the end of a relationship and is co-written by Carlos himself. You can listen to his song below.

Alika – ‘Bridges’

Eesti otsib superstaari (Estonian Idol) 2021 winner Alika will be hoping to replicate her success at her first Eesti Laul this year. She’s been singing since the age of 4, and has competed in numerous competitions such as The Baltic Voice, New Wave Junior, Kaunas Talent, and Bravo. At just 20 years old, her career has been going from strength to strength, with Eesti Laul being the next step.

‘Bridges’ is a dramatic ballad, which sees Alika playing the piano in the music video to accompany her compelling vocal. It’s currently the main favourite to win the contest, so all eyes are on her to impress with her performance. You can hear ‘Bridges’ below.

Eesti Laul Semi Final 2 will take place on January 14th 2022 at 17:30pm GMT // 18:30pm CET live on ETV.

Who do you hope to see make it to the final? Let us know in the comments below!