Estonia: Ultima Thule withdraws from Eesti Laul 2023!

Ultima Thule withdrew from Eesti Laul 2023 after the death of their singer Riho Sibul.

The band “Ultima Thule” together with “Wiiralt” would participate in Eesti Laul 2023, the Estonian national final  for the Eurovision song contest. However, in a statement they revealed that they withdraw from the competition. The decision comes after the death of the band‘s singer and guitarist Riho Sibul at the age of 64 last Sunday. Wiiralt agreed to continue participating in the competition on their own with the song “Salalik” (Secret). Martin Saaremäe, a member of Wiiralt, said that Riho’s style will be honoured during the band‘s performance at Eesti Laul.

“His music has influenced both Wiiralt and our own personal lives to a great extent. It is sad that ‘Salalik’, our Eesti Laul entry, also speaks of death coming to a village.”

Should Wiiralt decide to completely withdraw from the contest, one of two reserve entries will be selected to take their place.

Eesti Laul 2023 will consist of two semi-finals and one final, which will be presented by Tõnis Niinemets and Gret Kuld. The dates of the competition are as follows:

• First semi-final – 12 January – Viimsi Artium
  
• Second semi-final – 14 January – Viimsi Artium
  
• Grand Final – 11 February  – Tondiraba Ice Hall

A total of 20 songs will compete in Eesti Laul 2023. These songs are:

• Sissi – “Lighthouse”
• Wiiralt – “Salalik” (Secretive)
• Carlos Ukareda – “Whiskey Won’t Forget”
• Alika – “Bridges”
• JANEK – “House of Glass”
• Ellip – “Pretty Girl”
• Kaw – “Valik” (Choice)
• Andreas – “Why Do You Love Me”
• Meelik- “Tuju” (Mood)
• Elysa – “Bad Philosophy”
• m els – “So Good At What You Do”
• Robin Juhkental – “Kurbuse matused” (Funeral of sorrow)
• Neon Letters & Maiko – “Tokimeki” (Palpitation)
• Bedwetters – “Monsters”
• Anett x Fredi – “You Need to Move On”
• OLLIE – “Venom”
• Linalakk & Bonzo – “Aeg” (Time)
• MERLYN – “Unicorn Vibes”
• MIA – “Üks samm korraga” (One step at a time)
• Inger – “Awaiting You”

Stefan represented Estonia at Eurovision 2022 with the song “Hope”. He finished 13th in the final with 141 points.

Source: Eurovoix

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