The first protagonist of the new Eurovision season might already be under our noses.
Even though Estonia has yet to confirm their participation in the 2025 contest, some interesting storylines have started spreading throughout the Baltic country in the past few weeks. At the forefront of these stories are two of the most beloved Eurovision entrants of the past two years, Joost Klein and Käärijä.
Who is Tommy Cash?
The Tallinn-born rapper is one of the most exciting prospects that have ever seen success outside of Estonia. After starting his career in 2012, his daring and boisterous personality has made rounds internationally, allowing him to achieve exciting collaborations with artists such as Charli XCX , Oliver Tree & Little Big. Right after Eurovision 2023, Tommy Cash joined Käärijä on the Finnish rapper’s first song following the competition, “It’s Crazy It’s Party”.
Quoting his Spotify biography:
“ [Tommy Cash] is capable of smashing preconceptions, transcending boundaries of sexuality, genres and history.”
It is not surprising he is capable of expressing himself through different mediums: multi-genre music, elaborate videos, and a flamboyant fashion sense. Everything perfectly melts into the post-soviet world he always tries to represent.
Where do Joost and Käärijä fit in?
On August 16th, Käärijä opened 5Miinust and Puuluup’s Eurotuur concert in Rakvere, Estonia. As a big surprise, during “It’s Crazy It’s Party”, Tommy Cash made a sudden appearance, jumping on stage and joining the Finnish rapper’s show. After it was over, Käärijä had a question for the audience:
“What do you think? Who should go to Eurovision next year?” he said, pointing at Tommy Cash.
The home crowd cheered at the idea, raising their hands. Käärijä finished by dropping the last bit of what could be the continuation of a storyline everyone has loved.
“Joost Klein can’t win, Käärijä can’t win, we have Tommy!”
The next link in the Legacy
The Estonian rapper has been showing interest in the European competition since 2021, mostly through unofficial sources such as Tik Tok lives. Starting this year, during his own concerts, he has been teasing an Eurovision appearance multiple times.
As reported by ERR media, during Tommy Cash’s June 2024 concert, these were his words:
“It’s 90% Confirmed, that in 2025, Tommy Cash will go to Eurovision.”
If Joost’s and Käärijä’s success are an indicator for something, Tommy Cash could very well become one of the most chaotic and beloved artists of the 2025 season.
What are the next steps?
Estonia’s selection method for Eurovision is currently the Eesti Laul National Final, which last year saw the victory of 5Miinust and Puuluup with their song “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi”, finishing 20th in Malmö.
As an important beacon to showcase Estonian music and culture, Eesti Laul is likely to remain the selection method for 2025 as well. Tommy Cash would have to go through the same process, if he were to commit to participation.
5Miinust x Puuluup, credit: Ken Mürk/ERR
Is it the right choice for Estonia?
Estonia is currently sitting on a 3 year qualification streak, their highest result since 2021 being Alika with “Bridges”, which placed 8th during Eurovision 2023. The country saw a shift in 2024, when Estonia’s biggest rap group, 5Miinust, together with a world-traveling folk duo of musicians, Puuluup, gained massive televote support from their home crowd. It was something the country had never seen, or sent to Eurovision before.
Looking at the past few years of Eurovision, rap has become one of the most acclaimed genres. One only needs to look at last year’s top 3 to already notice two songs with rap elements ( “The Code” by Nemo, “Teresa & Maria” by Jerry Heil & alyona alyona).
Estonia has shown us that they can be crazy in 2024, now it might be the time for Tommy Cash to bring the party to Switzerland, and maybe, even the trophy to Tallinn.
Would you like to see Tommy Cash representing Estonia at Eurovision next year? Let us know in the comments below!
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