Laura Põldvere (formerly Remmel; born 30 August 1988)[3] sometimes known professionally as simply Laura, is an Estonian singer. She is said to be the most played Estonian artist on Estonian radio in the past decade.[4] She is internationally known for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 as part of the girl group Suntribe and did so again in 2017 in a duet with Koit Toome, singing "Verona."
Career
Laura started her career in 2005, when she participated in Eurolaul 2005 with the song "Moonwalk".[5] "Moonwalk" came second, but Laura won the contest as the member of the girl group Suntribe.[6] Suntribe represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005, but failed to advance to the final.[7]
In November 2011, Laura released her first compilation album "Sädemeid taevast", which consisted of all her singles since 2005 to 2011 as well as a track from her second studio album "Ultra".
In Eesti Laul 2017 she competed in a duet with Koit Toome with the song "Verona" and won. They thereafter represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine.[13] Despite being fan favourites, the duo failed to advance to the Grand Final after placing 14th in their semi-final, a blended result of 6th place from the Televoting and 17th from the Juries voting. They had been predicted as likely qualifiers beforehand, ranked 5th[14] in the second Semi-Final by betting odds and 5th by OGAE voting overall.[15]
Laura again competed to represent Estonia at Eurovision in Eesti Laul 2020 with her song "Break Me".[16]
Reaching the final, she finished 11th out of 12 entries.[17]
In January 2021, it was revealed that Laura would attempt to represent Finland at Eurovision in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2021 with her song "Play". She finished last in the selection with 13 points out of 7 competing artists.[18]
In November 2023, she was announced as one of the semi-finalists of Eesti Laul 2024, with the song "Here's Where I Draw the Line".[19] She did not qualify from the semi-final.[20]
Personal life
Laura was married to pianist Joel-Rasmus Remmel in 2013.[21] They divorced in 2016.[22]
Her younger brother Gregor died in 2016.
Põldvere moved to Finland in 2019, and she works in Espoo.[23]
^"Täna ilmub Laura esikalbum "Muusa"" [Today Laura's first album "Muusa" will appear]. postimees.ee (in Estonian). Postimees. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
^"Laura esitleb uut albumit "Ultra"" [Laura presents new album "Ultra"]. publik.delfi.ee (in Estonian). Publik. 9 December 2009. Retrieved 16 May 2017.