Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Stig Rasta & Elina Born "Goodbye to Yesterday"

The Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40 continues. Next is a review of another duo--Stig Rasta and Elina Born (pictured)--with "Goodbye to Yesterday" (Estonia).

"Goodbye to Yesterday" is a great, complex alternative song. Love the flow of it. Estonia has had some good songs these last few years (including last year with Tanja Mihhailova "Amazing"), and this one continues that tradition of never letting the fan down. This one will no doubt be a finals contender this year. Will make grand final. See these two perform on May 19 in the first semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat "Aina Mun Pitaa"

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Tanja Mihhailova "Amazing"

With Bosnia and Herzegovina not coming back for now, and the next three--Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus--withdrawing from the event this year, and Denmark as the host nation (which I will save for last), the next in line alphabetically is Estonia. A redhead with Russian roots by the name of Tanja Mihhailova (pictured) will be the Estonian representative in Copenhagen with "Amazing."

"Amazing" lives up to its name for a reason. It's a club track, with a club style similar to Loreen Talhaoui's "Euphoria" (2012) and Cascada's "Glorious" from last year. In the first 58 years of the ESC has seen some very interesting songs, including within over the past decade with songs featuring club/EDM beats (too many to name); most have made the grand final. I like it. I think this will make the grand final on Saturday the 10th of May. She will perform in the first semifinal on Tuesday, the 6th of May.

I've enjoyed a lot from Estonia in the ESC, including Malcolm Lincoln with "Siren" (2010), Tanel Padar and Dave Benton with "Everybody" (the winning song in 2001) and Kreisiraadio with "Leto Svet" (2008), just to name a few. This will rank among the best that Estonia has to offer in ESC. No doubt about it.

 

Up next: Softengine "Something Better." 

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Estonia

90 days remaining until the opening ceremonies at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Estonia.

Estonia made their winter Olympics debut at St. Moritz 1928, then skipped Lake Placid 1932 by returning for Garnisch Partenkirchen 1936. They would return to the winter games at Albertville 1992 and competed in every winter Olympic game since. Estonian athletes in these winter games have won seven medals, including four gold medals.

Only two Estonians have won gold in the winter Olympics. One is Kristina Smigun Vahi (pictured), who won gold twice; in both the women's 10k and 15k cross country skiathlon at Turin 2006. The other was Andrus Veerpalu, who won the men's cross country 15k events at Salt Lake City 2002 and again at Turin 2006.

As of now, 13 Estonians are headed to Sochi, mostly in men's and women's biathlon.

Up next: Ethiopia

Malmo 2013 39 For 39: Birgit Oigemeel "Et Uus Saaks Alguse"

Birgit Oigemeel will represent Estonia this year at EUROVISION LVIII next month with "Et Uus Saaks Alguse."

"Et Uus Saaks Alguse" is a piano fused tune, almost similar to Ott Lepland's "Kuula" from last year. Take a listen:

My jury on this: Like "Kuula" at Baku 2012, this one will make the final. It is good and fills your soul up right. If you like your EUROVISION song with elements of the piano, then you've headed to the right place. It is just as good as "Kuula" as well.

Up next: a review of Krista Siegfrieds "Marry Me!"

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Estonia

156 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Estonia (EST).

The nation has participated in the summer Olympics since 1920. A total of 31 medals were won by Estonian athletes in these summer Games. Nine of those 31 medals happen to be gold medals.

There happened to be only one multiple medalist from Estonia. The late wrestler Kristjan Palusalu (pictured) won gold twice in his career, and both at Berlin 1936. At Berlin, those gold medals were in the heavyweight division of the Greco-Roman style.

Erika Salumae is another multiple gold medalist from Estonia, however she won both medals representing two different nations-Estonia and the former Soviet Union. Salumae, a cyclist, won both golds in the sprint at both Seoul 1988 for the Soviets and at Barcelona 1992 for Estonia.

The most recent gold medalist from Estonia in the summer Olympics is Gerd Kanter, who won gold at Beijing 2008 in the men's discus throw (athletics).

As of now, 17 Estonian athletes will compete in six events, including swimming and various athletics events.

Up next: Ethiopia