Members of the Euromix editorial team convened to vote for the competing songs in “Eesti Laul 2026″. Who should represent Estonia at Eurovision according to the editorial team?
Estonia’s “Eesti Laul 2026” will take place tomorrow, Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at 18:15 CET. The winner of the national final will represent the country at Eurovision 2026 which will be held in Vienna, Austria. The voting in the final will take place in two stages. In the first stage, the top three songs will be selected through a combination of public voting (50%) and the votes of an international jury of seven members (50%). In the second stage, another round of public voting will determine which of the three songs will represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026. In anticipation of this event, Euromix editorial team members gathered to listen to the participating songs and select their favorites from Estonia’s “Eesti Laul 2026”.
Editorial Picks: Who Should Represent Estonia?
Avi Zaikaner: First Place – Stockholm Cowboys – “Last Man Standing”
Two artists who previously represented Estonia joined forces to write the song “Last Man Standing”, and the result is quite impressive. It’s a country track infused with EDM influences. The arrangement feels modern and polished, the singers are skilled and experienced, and having already stood on Europe’s biggest stage, I believe their live performance won’t disappoint. Estonia already sent a country song to Eurovision four years ago, finishing 13th in the grand final — can they replicate that success this year?
Ofek Jerassi: First Place – Robert Linna – “Mestik Roos”
The “Eesti Laul” is usually characterized by Western-style productions and minimal local music. Compared to neighboring Latvia’s “Supernova”, Estonia’s show has been in steady decline in terms of song quality. At the top of what I consider the weakest selection so far this year stands Robert Linna with a refreshing, fully Estonian song that carries a slightly jazzy vibe. Most listeners will likely overlook it, and fans generally label it one of the weakest entries, but I personally love it — it’s simply enjoyable to listen to! I also want to highlight the song “Kell Kuus” by Marta Pikani, another song performed entirely in Estonian.
Adiel Shtainmetz: First Place – Ant & Minimal Wind – “Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)”
What a delight, Estonia! What an excellent national final — one of my favorites this season! Although there’s no shortage of great songs here, my winner stands far above the rest. “Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)” is not only my favorite in “Eesti Laul” but also the song I’ve connected with the most among all entries released this season. It’s truly a work of art. Every listen gives me chills and fills me with emotion. If this song were to be chosen, it would almost certainly be my personal winner this year. This stunning piece reminds me of Norway’s 2015 entry, “A Monster Like Me”, which happens to be my all-time favorite Eurovision song. Unfortunately, I suspect Estonia won’t choose this masterpiece — but I’d be more than happy to be proven wrong!
Aviad Berger: First Place – Getter Jaani – “The Game”
I really tried, I honestly did, but there isn’t a single song here that I genuinely like — not one that makes me think, this will take Estonia to the final and earn them a good result! Unfortunately, it seems last year’s third-place finish didn’t affect Estonia’s drive, and I doubt there’s a song in this “Eesti Laul” capable of landing them in the top 10. Still, I chose the song “The Game” by Getter Jaani as my number one pick. To be clear, it’s a generic pop song that doesn’t bring anything new, yet I picked it because I think it’s the one that could achieve the highest placement for Estonia this year. Good luck, Estonia — though I’m not sure you’ll find much of it this time. Wow, what a disappointing season.
Shahar “Chacha” Asido: First Place – Getter Jaani – “The Game”
The song I ranked in first place is by Getter Jaani, because it is the most engaging, attention-grabbing, and memorable entry in the lineup. The Estonian national selection disappointed me greatly, and in my opinion none of the songs are truly likely to succeed on the Eurovi
Maor Heumann: First Place – Ant & Minimal Wind – “Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)”
An excellent national final from a country whose songs I usually do not connect with. I really like my top three entries, but above them all stands the moving duet by two singers who already took part in last year’s “Eesti Laul”. I hope that this time their live performance will be far more successful, and that they will manage to surprise and beat the big names they are competing against. “Wounds” starts out like a fairly standard ballad, but there is something in the blend of their voices and in the arrangement that gives this song a unique beauty I truly loved.
Neta Geffen: First Place – Ollie – “Slave”
A powerful, high-quality rock track, exactly the kind I love. After two previous attempts where he came very close, Ollie returns this year stronger and more precise than ever. If Estonia is truly aiming for a forceful, hard‑hitting song that continues the line of “Espresso Macchiato”, choosing this song is the obvious move.
Oscar Diefenthal: First Place – Noep – “Days Like This”
The “Eesti Laul” this year is packed with different musical styles, but there is one song I simply cannot stop listening to, Noep’s “Days Like This”. A successful and well-known singer in Estonia, he delivers something very smooth and catchy here, yet not in an upbeat way, but with a mysterious and slightly melancholic atmosphere. The song carries an international vibe, somewhat reminiscent of OneRepublic, with calm, reflective energy that really sticks in your mind. It is exactly the kind of track that plays late at night and creates a special mood.
Maayan Eli: First Place – Uliana Olhyna – “Rhythm of Nature”
In my opinion, this is a particularly weak national final. I do not understand why there are so many dated English‑language songs that might have worked 15–20 years ago. The Estonians seem to be stuck between irrelevant party tracks and equally irrelevant pop songs and ballads. And within all this lack of fun, there is one good song: authentic, ethnic, in a native language with electronic touches. I chose the song “Rhythm of Nature”, which for me is the obvious choice. It is infectious, memorable, and danceable, a blend of modern and ethnic elements with excellent staging potential. The song slightly reminds me of Latvia’s entry from last year, which I particularly loved, and it has an original quality that could help it stand out compared with the other songs that will be selected this season.
Talya Raviv: First Place – Ant & Minimal Wind – “Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)”
Estonia, you surprised me! What a joy to finally have a national final packed with many strong, excellent songs and hardly any duds. One song captured me in particular, and that’s the track by Ant & Minimal Wind. The moving and evolving duet, the pleasant voices, and the way the lyrics are delivered all come together to form the perfect song. I would be thrilled if this duo wins, even though I believe there are a few other worthy entries in “Eesti Laul” that I wouldn’t mind seeing take the top spot.
Talor Fishler: First Place – Stockholm Cowboys – “Last Man Standing”
I greatly enjoyed this year’s “Eesti Laul”. In my opinion, it is one of the strongest national finals of the season. Amid the array of successful songs, “Last Man Standing” particularly stood out to me. The surprising fusion of trance music and pirate-style vocals not only creates a compelling combination but also connects modern Estonia with its rich maritime history on the Baltic Sea. It is probably no coincidence that we heard two pirate-themed songs in this year’s “Eesti Laul” — there seems to be something about the spirit of the sea that translates exceptionally well in contemporary Estonian arrangements. For me, this combination is the clear winner.
Tal Dahan: First Place – Getter Jaani – “The Game”
My favorite song in “Eesti Laul” belongs to a returning competitor, Getter Jaani, who represented Estonia at Eurovision 2011. The song is light, catchy, and enjoyable to listen to — and above all, simply better than the other songs selected for the national final. I also greatly loved her song from Eurovision 2011, and I hope she gets to return to the contest this year as well.
Noy Yehoyada: First Place – Getter Jaani – “The Game”
My choice for first place is Getter Jaani with the song “The Game”. Getter returns to the competition and proves that sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — you just need a good, catchy pop song made professionally.
The song flows excellently, it has the right amount of rhythm, and Getter’s experience on big stages is felt in every moment. She delivers a stable and confident performance without unnecessary gimmicks, and this is exactly what Estonia needs this year. It’s a song that’s enjoyable to listen to, it works perfectly in the “Eesti Laul” format, and in my opinion it is the most solid and correct choice from the entire list.
Adi Gazal: First Place – Uliana Olhyna – “Rhythm of Nature”
A refreshing, ethnic, upbeat song with a special and unique Estonian atmosphere. It undoubtedly stands out from the pack and makes itself noticed — it’s hard to remain indifferent to it. That said, it could feel slightly repetitive in certain sections and might benefit from a revamp if it is ultimately selected.
Full Results
| Artist | Avi | Ofek | Adiel | Aviad | Shahar | Maor | Neta | Oscar | Maayan | Talya | Talor | Tal | Noy | Adi | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getter Jaani | 7 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 113 |
| Uliana Olhyna | 10 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 108 |
| Ollie | 8 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 101 |
| Grete Paia | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 88 |
| Stockholm Cowboys | 12 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 74 | ||
| Ant & Minimal Wind | 5 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 65 | |||
| Clicherik & Max | 1 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 56 | ||
| Marta Pikani | 3 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 50 | |
| Vanilla Ninja | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 46 | ||
| Noep | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 42 | |||
| Laura Prits | 5 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 37 | ||||||
| Robert Linna | 12 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 32 |
List of Contestants and Their Songs:
- Clicherik & Max – “Jolly Roger”
Max Õispuu, Erik Soasepp, Jānis Jačmenkins - Robert Linna – “Metsik Roos”
Robert Linna - Grete Paia – “Taevas Jai Ules”
Grete Paia, Jorma-Jan Erik, Gevin Niglas, Ragnar Sepp - Laura Prits – “Warrior”
Laura Prits, Edgars Jercums, Jānis Jačmenkins - Uliana Olhyna – “Rhythm of Nature”
Uliana Olhyna, Ariana Arutjunjan - Ollie – “Slave”
Oliver Mazurtšak - Marta Pikani – “Kell Kuus”
Marta Pikani - Noep – “Days Like This”
Andres Kõpper, Vallo Kikas, Yvonne Dahlbom - Getter Jaani – “The Game”
Sven Lõhmus - ANT & Minimal Wind – “Wounds (Don’t Wanna Fall)”
Taavi-Hans Kõlar, Paula Pajusaar, Ant Nurhan, Katrina Merily Reimand - Vanilla Ninja – “Too Epic to Be True”
Sven Lõhmus - Stockholm Cowboys, Stig Rasta & Victor Crone – “Last Man Standing”
Stig Rästa, Victor Crone
Click on the song title to listen!
Eurovision 2026: This will be Estonia’s 31st participation in Eurovision. Estonia joined the contest in 1994 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2001 when singers Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL, won first place with the song “Everybody”.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
