The tension was palpable tonight during 'Ringvaade,' but the wait is finally over! I am ecstatic to report that Vanilla Ninja has officially secured their spot as one of the first six finalists for Eesti Laul 2026. Out of a staggering 171 entries submitted this year, our legendary trio’s new track, 'Too Epic To Be True,' rose to the top of the pile. This confirms what we’ve known all along: the Ninjas are back, and the industry experts are just as excited as the fans. Written by the hitmaker Sven Lõhmus, the song stood out to a massive 34-member jury that included Estonian icons like Eda-Ines Etti and Maian Kärmas.

Joining Vanilla Ninja in this first wave of finalists are some heavy hitters, including Noep, Ollie, and Grete Paia. It’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive years in the history of the contest! The announcement revealed a diverse mix of talent, from newcomers like Marta Pikani to established international acts like Noep. The remaining six finalists will be announced tomorrow, completing the roster of 12 artists who will battle it out on February 14th at the Unibet Arena. It’s a Valentine’s Day date with destiny, and I already have my Ninja gear ready for the front row!

We won't have to wait much longer to actually hear the music, either. The official premiere for all the competing songs is set for December 4th during the 'Start' special on ETV and Jupiter. This year’s shows will be hosted by the fresh duo of Karl-Erik Taukar and Korea, who are promising a high-quality, stylish production. Taukar joked that the taxpayers are getting their money's worth with this pairing, and honestly, with Vanilla Ninja back on the roster, the entertainment value is already priceless. The road to Vienna starts now, and the Ninjas are leading the pack!