Vanilla Ninja, the legends of the 2000s, are returning to Eurovision
Vanilla Ninja is a band well-remembered by fans of 2000s music. The Estonian group was once a true sensation in Europe, and has now returned to the spotlight thanks to Eurovision 2026. Today, the band will perform in the contest’s semifinal as the ninth act, according to the official Eurovision website.
The band was founded back in 2002. The lineup includes Lennu Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis-Milder, and Kerli Kivilaan. It was they who made Vanilla Ninja one of the most successful female rock-pop bands in the Baltics.
The artists rose to fame very quickly. Their songs were played not only in Estonia but also in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The album *Traces Of Sadness* was particularly successful, and the tracks *Tough Enough*, *Blue Tattoo*, *I Know*, and *When The Indians Cry* became true hits of the early 2000s. In 2005, the band had already performed at Eurovision, but at that time they represented Switzerland with the song “Cool Vibes.” In the contest’s final, the girls took eighth place and left a lasting impression on the European audience.
After reaching the peak of their popularity, the band disappeared from the big stage for a while. The members focused on solo projects, television, and family. But fans were constantly waiting for their return. Interestingly, Vanilla Ninja became more than just a music brand in their day. In 2003, Estonia even released an ice cream named after the band. It became so popular that it is still sold today in several flavors—vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and mint.
Their career wasn’t without its scandals either. At the height of their popularity, the band was often criticized for sounding “too commercial” and for trying to cater to the German market. Some music critics even claimed that the group was more like a producer’s project than a rock band.
There was also active discussion at the time about changes in the band’s lineup. Some fans were unhappy that several members had left the project over the years. However, the artists themselves said it was a natural process. “We’ve grown up, we’ve changed, but the music is still a part of us,” Lena Kuurmaa said in an interview.
Vanilla Ninja’s return to the Eurovision stage is already being called one of the most talked-about comebacks of the season. Fans of the 2000s are especially looking forward to their performance, as for many it’s a true trip down memory lane. The group itself says that what matters most to them right now isn’t their place in the rankings, but the chance to perform in front of a large audience again. “We just want to enjoy this moment and give people some excitement,” the band members say.
The Eurovision 2026 semi-final takes place today, featuring 15 acts. Vanilla Ninja will be the ninth act to take the stage.
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