Maarja-Liis Ilus

Biography

Maarja-Liis Ilus, also known as Maarja, is an Estonian singer. Maarja-Liis Ilus became known at an early age as the singing child of Estonian Television Children’s Studio. The musical “Õnneseen” starring Maarja-Liis was performed in 1984 . Ilus won several song competitions in her childhood. At the “Uus Laul 1994” competition, she was awarded the Audience Favorite Award for her self-written song “Paradise”. Maarja-Liis Ilus has participated in several musicals, such as  “Miss Saigon” (Ellen), “Cats” (Grizabella), “Ringing Music” (Maria), “Evita” (Eva Perón) and “Rent”. In March 2007, she was named the Female Artist of the Year for the record “Through the Hour of Ice”.
Maarja-Liis Ilus is the only singer who has twice represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest as a soloist. She was 15 when she performed the song “Kaelakee hääl” together with Ivo Linna. They reached the 5th place in the contest. One year later she performed solo “Keelatud maa” and became eight. She also took part in the national selection in 2004, and in the Swedish Melodifestivalen in 2003.