Vanilla Ninja to Represent Estonia at Eurovision 2026

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Vanilla Ninja, the Estonian pop-rock group that found fame in the early 2000s, has been selected to represent Estonia at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Their victory at Eesti Laul with the song 'Too Epic To Be True' has generated significant buzz within the Eurovision community, reigniting conversations about the power of nostalgia in modern music and the contest's embrace of established artists.

Why it matters

The resurgence of 90s and 2000s acts reflects a broader industry trend of tapping into nostalgia, as artists and fans seek familiar sounds and a longing for simpler times. Vanilla Ninja's return to Eurovision also highlights the contest's evolving approach, with more established acts being welcomed alongside new talent, raising questions about the balance between discovery and leveraging pre-existing fanbases.

The details

Vanilla Ninja, consisting of Lenna Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis-Milder, and Kerli Kivilaan, first found success in the early 2000s with hits like 'Tough Enough,' 'When the Indians Cry,' and 'Blue Tattoo.' Their blend of pop, rock, and classical influences set them apart, and their energetic performances gained them a loyal following across Europe. The group previously represented Switzerland at Eurovision in 2005, finishing eighth with the song 'Cool Vibes.'

• Vanilla Ninja won Eesti Laul 2026 with their song 'Too Epic To Be True'.
• The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in May in Vienna.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna is generating significant buzz, and Vanilla Ninja's participation is likely to amplify that excitement. Fans and the Eurovision community will be closely following the group's preparations and performance at the event.