Jüri Pootsmann wins 'Estonia is Searching for a Superstar' contest
Jüri Pootsmann has won one of the most popular TV shows in Estonia, “Eesti otsib superstaari” (“Estonia is Searching for a Superstar”), a franchise version of the British-created Pop Idol.
The Estonian version debuted in 2007. The program seeks to discover the best singer in Estonia through a series of nationwide auditions. The format features a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances, but the outcomes of the later stages of the competition are determined by the viewers. Birgit Õigemeel, Jana Kask, Ott Lepland, Liis Lemsalu and Rasmus Rändvee are the previous winners.
Pootsmann sang “Hold Back the River” by James Bay and Prince's “Purple Rain”, as well as an original song, “Torm” ("Thunder"), in the final.
He will be awarded with a record deal by Universal Music and 10,000 euros.
Pootsmann's debut single “Torm” was released on June 1. The song is written by a Swedish producer Kim W and an Estonian songwriter Maian Kärmas and will be available for digital download worldwide.
Editor: S. Tambur