ERR has made an open call for songs to compete in the Estonian selection process, Eesti Laul for Eurovision 2017.
Changes have been made to the rules for Eesti Laul 2017 meaning for the first time that foreign songwriters can be involved in the writing of entries for the contest. Songs are eligible to compete in the selection if they include an individual is a resident of Estonia or an Estonian citizen.
Mart Normet the Head of Delegation for Estonia explained the decision, stating that:
The idea of opening our bordersย is to enrich our music, mixed with blood, to bring in new ideas, provide new opportunities for our songwriter. cooperation is the key word.
One author or team of songwriters can submit up to three songs to compete in Eesti Laul 2017, the same rule applies to singers who can submit up to three songs. Songs must be submitted to ERR by November 1st.
Also changing this year is a renewed focus on the experience of the team of songwriters and composers behind the song as well as the artist themselves. Participants are now required to submit the lyrics, photos, biography of the artist and team behind the song, as well as any experience on television and their stage presence. Full rules can be found here.
A total of 20 songs will be selected by a jury to compete in Eesti Laul 2017. They will be split into two semi finals to be held on February 11 and February 18. The 10 finalists will go on to compete in the final of Eesti Laul on March 4 at the Saku Arena in Tallinn.
Source: ERR
