This year’s Eesti Laul, the Estonian national selection for Eurovision, started earlier than in previous years, when the quarter-finals were welcomed to the contest for the very first time. Next week the competition continues, when the 20 quarter-final qualifiers compete in two semi-finals, hoping to get one of the 10 places in the final of Eesti Laul 2022.

One of the semi-finalists is popular Estonian artist Elysa, who has built her successful career not only in Estonia but in Los Angeles also. Even though Elysa surely is very busy getting ready for the semi-final of Eesti Laul, she still had time to answer a few questions we asked her. This is what Elysa told us about her career, her relationship to Eurovision, her Eesti Laul entry Fire and some other things as well:

Hello Elysa and thank you so much for giving me this interview! At first I’d like to know what is your relationship to Eurovision? Do you usually watch the contest and what are your favorite Eurovision songs? 

I have always watched Eurovision since I was a little child. And going there, participating has definitely been one of my dreams! I was so so thrilled when I first got chosen in 2015 to the national competition Eesti Laul. My favourite songs are Helena Paparizou – Number One, Loreen – Euphoria, Aysel and Arash – Always…ooooh and many more!!!

Could you tell us a little bit something about your musical background? When did you start singing and do you play any instruments? 

I started singing when I was very little. My mom always said it was before I even started to speak. I went to music school at age 9 and went there for 9 years. I studied singing plus all the other things you need to study in music school. I kinda play piano.

You’ve participated in Eesti Laul before, since you finished 3rd in Eesti Laul 2015. What kind of experience was Eesti Laul back in 2015 and what made you come back this year?

It was an amazing experience!!! But I was so young then, 17 I think.. The final is still pretty cloudy for me though. I would say I have like 2 sides. One wants to do sad love songs and the other one wants to dance and do these sexy fierce songs! Now is that time!

How was your song Fire born and how would you describe the message of it?

We made it in Sweden with the best writers! They have won Eurovision before. I wanted to do a really sexy fierce song and Fire was born! Women are very powerful. It basically speaks about that. Woman is magic!

What kind of stage show can we expect from you in Eesti Laul 2022?

Amazing vocals, dancing and FIRE!

You’ve lived and done music not only in Estonia but in Los Angeles also. Could you tell us something about your life in America and your career there? 

Yes, I started going back and forth in 2017. I have recorded most of my songs there. There are a lot of great writers and I just love the vibe! I always dreamed of going there. Now I am glad I have 2 homes. In LA and in Estonia. After Eesti Laul I am planning to go back and continue my career there. I have HUGE goals! 😀

If you could sing a duet with any Eurovision artist, who would you choose and why?

I think Loreen. I just love her.

What do you do when you don’t do music?

I cook, love to be with my friends and also love spending time with my 2 cats! They really make my life so much better. And usually I just chill when I don’t have to do anything.

What would it mean to you to win Eesti Laul 2022 and represent Estonia in Eurovision 2022?

Uhhh…I get to put that one tick more in my diary! 😀 Haha! But yes this has been one of the things I want to do in my career! That would be amazing. Definitely a great chance to show myself to the world.

What would you like to say to our readers and to your fans from all over the world? 

I wish you all the very best, be safe, be well…. and listen to my song FIRE! This always gives a good vibe!

Thank you so much for the interview Elysa and the best of luck to the semi-final! 

Elysa and her amazing song Fire are competing in the first semi-final of Eesti Laul 2022, which takes place next Thursday, February 3rd 2022 at 18.30 CET. You can watch the music video of the song here:

If Elysa is your favorite to win the first semi-final of Eesti Laul 2022, don’t forget to vote for her in our poll: