A record-breaking 238 submissions were recieved by the Estonian national broadcaster, ERR, for Eesti Laul 2016.
Up on the previous year by 19 songs, the great success of Elina Born and Stig Rästä in Vienna has inspired a record high amount of artists to put themselves forward for the contest, which coincides with the Estonian final’s move to the 2002 Eurovision host arena, Saku Suurhall.
The Estonian broadcaster ERR has also confirmed that the songs will be whittled down to 20 semi-finalists to be revealed on Thursday 5th November by an expert panel of 11 music professionals.
“Having 238 songs submitted is truly a sign of recognition for the work we have done in the past years. It’s also concrete evidence that we are growing. Without a doubt moving the contest from the Nordea Concert Hall to Saku Suurhall was the only right decision” said Mart Normet, producer of Eesti Laul 2016.
“Luckily we don’t have to wait for long- the 20 semi-finalists will be revealed on Thursday night!”
Eesti Laul 2016 will take place in Saku Suurhall, the host arena for the 2002 contest in Tallinn. Semi-Final 1 will kick off on February 13th 2016, with the second semi-final following a week later and the Eesti Laul final on 5th March.
