Eurovision qualifier breaks record

TALLINN - Eesti Laul 2016, the largest song contest in Estonia through which the nation’s entry for the next year’s Eurovision Song Contest is selected, attracted by Monday’s deadline 238 recordings, 19 more than a year earlier.
“The 238 submitted entries is recognition of years of work,” Eesti Laul producer Mart Normet said. “It also testifies that the time has come to grow. There is no doubt whatsoever that holding the final in Saku Suurhall is the only right decision.”
Elina Born and Stig Rasta who represented Estonia in the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in May raised the bar high. It is to be hoped that this year’s crop contains some at least as good and timeless songs as theirs, Normet said.

The 11-member jury will gather on Wednesday and Thursday to pick the top 20 entries competing in the semifinals. The list will be unveiled on Nov. 5.
In eight years of Eesti Laul a total of 1,366 new songs have been submitted. The winner of Eesti Laul 2016 will represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm next year.