Special - Eurolaul 2004: Choice of heart - easily, without any pressure | Eurovision Song Contest News - Azerbaijan 2012 

Estonian people has spoken. It's 'Tii' performed by Neiokõsõd! On the tii (the road) to Istanbul!

On Saturday February 7th I was driving from Tartu to Tallinn. Seemed like any other roadtrip. Landscape rolling in front of my eyes, cars coming and cars going. People moving from point A to point B. Or was it?



In 2002 when the Eurovision Song Contest was held in Tallinn, Estonia I described the athmosphere in the capital as full of excitement, energy, expectations. Many policemen, tourists and fans…



On this roadtrip I felt the same thing with just two exceptions. No police and no tourists. But I met a fan, who was actually a simple Estonian aware of what is going on. She was hitch-hiking home from her parents house. Saturday, plenty of time so why not?



After a usual small talk, where was she going and doing, what’s the weather like and what is the meaning of life I suddenly asked is she going to watch Eurolaul tonight. Guess, what was the answer? She started passionately talk about the favourites and gave me a long analysis of every song. I think she could be the star of this review. An average Estonian in front of the TV-set and taking this as Brazilians take a World Championships in football.

We don’t know the figures yet, but Eurolaul 2004 live broadcast in ETV can easily be the most watched TV-show all through the year. Being on the spot it seemed like any other Eurolaul in the ETV studios. We have a range of composers who somehow always manage to get to the final (Pajusaar-Pilvre, Paulus-Kotkas-Laisaar-Hallas), we have the range of artists, who are always there (Maarja, Tanel Padar, Ithaca-Maria) and who will be there in the future (Kerli, Charlene, Vaike Hannula, Hatuna&Sofia, Ewert Sundja). We have a Swedish competitors named Charizma this year.Even the hosts tend to be the same every year. A full package, huh? Something for everybody running to the stars.

But like always somebody has to win. ‘Neiokõsõd’ this year or simply ‘Girls’ are the chosen ones to go to Istanbul with a ethno-pop song ‘Tii’ (The road). Estonia has tried ballads, enya-style, dance, brit-rock, Swedes and of course traditional Eurovision clishees which always work. This seem to be the past from now on.



Giving Estonians the oportunity to vote the song ourselves without a international jury gave a whole event a totally different perspective. In a way it was inevitable, because people had expected this several years already. Do you remember Vanilla Ninja? Our voice counts now and we can blame only ourselves choosing this song. It was a vote of heart. We have won once, we are free to choose whatever song we would like. We take part, because it’s fun, it’s important. It is the whole nation thing, without any need to like to somebody.

Slobodan River wanted to win. A massive campaign to their song all through the week. Radio playing ‘Surrounded’ before, after and during the lunch. Perfect timing for a new album presentations, people running around with posters with a number 900 7701, cars driving around with posters with a number 900 7701. Maybe it was too much? Too desperate?



Maria-Ithaca has tried to enter the Eurovision stage several years already. No luck again after Koit Toome and ‘Mere Lapsed’. The dissapointment and frustration was painted into her face with darkred colors. Keep on trying is all I could wish!



What happened to Hatuna and Sofia Rubina? With their voices they could compete Mariah Carey some day? It surely was one of the mysteries this year.



I wouldn’t say anything about the others. I leave it to you. Pages and pages of analysis, each one of you taking this from your own perspective which media has formed or you yourself have formed.

Nevertheless I’d point out two singers. Also winners I’d call. Kerli and Maarja. Kerli stormed the hearts of young people and Maarja can just be professionally satisfied with a titel ‘Professional jury’s favourite’. She was so calm out there. I’m not going to head into the deep analysis about their performances. They were outstanding and got the appreciation they needed. They are happy now and try again. Even if it’s just for fun.

In spite of the technical problems and thanks to Estonian TV-audience we can live happily untill May. Our concious is clear. Lets sleep peacefully and start thinking of ‘Tii’ (the road) to Istanbul right away.



Esi hinnäst

hummogu heräti

kikkalauluga

lätsi jäti vallalõ väräti

tulku tõõsõ ka




Dedicated to Eurovision fans and an anonymus hitch-hiker.



Check out the photos made by OGAE Estonia webmaster Indrek Galetin