Sahlene will return to the Eurovision stage this year, after first appearing as a soloist in 2002.
Swedish singer Sahlene will provide backing vocals for the United Kingdom’s Eurovision entry “Bigger Than Us” by Michael Rice. Sahlene represented Estonia at the 2002 Eurovision Song Contest in Tallinn with “Runaway”, placing third overall. Talking to ERR, Sahlene gave some advice to this year’s Estonian entrant Victor Crone, as he is also a Swede representing Estonia:
“What I can recommend to Victor – to be modest about the fact that you represent another, not your own country, and really try to make Estonia proud.”
She also went on to give her best wishes to Estonia:
“I wish the whole Estonian team a good luck! And I still hope that on one good day I will still be able to participate in the Estonian Song, if you still have room for me.”
This is not the first time the singer has provided backing vocals at the contest, as she performed alongside Sweden’s Charlotte Perrelli in 1999, who went on to win, as well as Australia’s Dami Im, who finished in second in 2016.
The United Kingdom will be represented by Michael Rice this year, with “Bigger Than Us”. Michael was selected to represent his country after winning Eurovision: You Decide at the beginning of this month.
Source: ERR
Estonia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 alongside six other countries. At the contest in Dublin they were represented by Silvi Vrait, who finished 2nd last scoring just 2 points. In 2001 Estonia won the Eurovision Song Contest for the only time to date. They were represented by Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL, who performed the song “Everybody” and took a surprise victory in Copenhagen. After the success of the late-90s and early 00s, Estonia failed to qualify for the final from 2004-2008. In 2009 Estonia launched a new selection show, Eesti Laul, and has since qualified for the final six out of ten attempts.
