Tanel Padar

Tanel Padar is an Estonian singer and songwriter, born on 27 October 1980 in Uhtna, Estonia. He is best known internationally for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001. Padar’s music career spans from the late 1990s to the present, during which he has evolved from a rising rock vocalist to a household name in Estonia and an active public figure. He has released numerous albums and hit songs, both with his band and as a solo artist.

Early Career and Breakthrough (1999–2000)

Tanel Padar’s first major break came in 1999 when he won Kaks takti ette, a televised Estonian singing competition for young talents. This victory made him well-known in Estonia and set the stage for his music career. In 2000, Padar gained further experience on the big stage by performing as a backing vocalist for his then-girlfriend, singer Ines, at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. These early achievements gave Padar valuable exposure and momentum. By the end of 2000, he had established himself as a promising new artist in the Estonian music scene.

Eurovision Song Contest 2001 Victory

In 2001, Tanel Padar rocketed to international fame. He was chosen to represent Estonia at Eurovision in Copenhagen, performing the upbeat song “Everybody” alongside Aruba-born singer Dave Benton and the group 2XL. Their energetic performance won the Eurovision Song Contest 2001, marking Estonia’s first-ever victory in the competition. Padar, just 20 years old at the time, became a national hero overnight. The song “Everybody” topped charts in Estonia and received airplay in many countries, bringing Padar broad recognition. 

Tanel Padar & The Sun: Rock Band Success (2003–2010s)

After Eurovision, Padar shifted towards a rock music path. In 2003 he formed the band Tanel Padar & The Sun, which quickly became one of the most popular bands in Estonia. Blending pop and rock, the band built a large following with their high-energy songs and live shows. They released their debut album Veidi valjem kui vaikus (“A Bit Louder Than Silence”) in 2005, followed by a string of successful albums including 100% Rock’n’roll (2006) and Here Comes The Sun (2008). The Sun achieved numerous hit singles on Estonian charts; by 2006 they had multiple songs in the Top 40, and one track won the R2 Hit of the Year prize. Their song “Hopelessness You” even made it onto MTV’s World Chart Express, giving the band exposure beyond Estonia.

Padar’s band became known for its electrifying live performances. They played over 900 concerts and toured not only in Estonia but also in neighboring countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and even as far as Iraq. Tanel Padar & The Sun earned at least 15 Estonian music awards over the years. Notably, the band had opportunities to open for international rock legends such as Metallica, Aerosmith, and Alice Cooper, underscoring their reputation as a top live act. By the 2010s, 

Musical Evolution and Solo Career (2012–2025)

Throughout his career, Tanel Padar has shown versatility and a willingness to explore new musical directions. In 2012, he started the Tanel Padar Blues Band as a side project, bringing together some of Estonia’s best blues musicians. Originally a one-time jam with friends, this blues outfit became a steady band that headlined jazz and blues festivals, showcasing Padar’s affinity for blues-rock and soulful music.

By 2017, after more than a decade of success with The Sun, Padar decided to reinvent himself as a solo artist. The Sun played a farewell concert in August 2017, after which Padar officially launched his solo career. As a solo singer, he adopted a more personal and mature style, incorporating pop and acoustic elements while still drawing on his rock roots. He released new music under his own name, including the EP Parem veelgi (“Better Still”) in 2017 and the full-length album Sinu aeg (“Your Time”) in 2020. These releases featured songs in Estonian, reflecting Padar’s growth as a songwriter. His single “Tartust Pariis” (2019) gained popularity on local radio, and in 2023 he released “Mustad purjed” (“Black Sails”), indicating that he continues to create new music into the mid-2020s.

Padar’s solo work has been well received and has kept him relevant in the Estonian music charts. He remains an active performer, appearing at music festivals and concerts across the country. 

Television and Public Appearances

Beyond his recording career, Tanel Padar has been a familiar face on Estonian television. Thanks to his charisma and popularity, he has taken on roles as a TV host and participant in various entertainment shows. In 2007, Padar made a guest acting appearance in an Estonian film, and he has appeared in music-related TV specials. One high-profile role was hosting Eesti otsib superstaari (Estonian Pop Idol). In 2009, Padar co-hosted the third season of this popular singing competition on TV3, guiding contestants through the finals. His Eurovision fame and rockstar persona brought extra excitement to the show. The following year, in 2010, he also co-presented Eesti Talent, Estonia’s version of the Got Talent franchise, together with singer Ines. These hosting gigs showcased Padar’s ease in front of the camera and endeared him to television audiences.

Additionally, Padar has been invited as a guest on many talk shows and music programs in Estonia. He often appears as a performer on televised concerts and holiday shows. 

Personal Life and Milestones

Tanel Padar’s personal life has frequently made headlines in Estonia, reflecting his status as a public figure. Music runs in his family. His older sister, Gerli Padar, is also a well-known singer. She represented Estonia at Eurovision 2007. In the early 2000s, Tanel Padar was in a high-profile relationship with singer Ines, with whom he shared the Eurovision stage in 2000. Padar married model Katarina Kalda in 2003. Though that marriage ended in 2007, he has spoken positively about learning from that experience at a young age. In 2018, Padar became engaged to his long-time partner Lauren Villmann. The couple has since welcomed two daughters, Linda (born 2019) and Luna (born 2022). 

Outside of music, Tanel Padar has pursued interests in business and education. He studied at the Estonian Business School to gain knowledge in entrepreneurship, and in 2017 he founded his own investment company. Since 2017, Padar has become an active angel investor, funding and mentoring start-up companies through his firm Padar Holdings OÜ. This career move earned him respect in Estonia’s business community, as he uses his public influence and resources to support new ventures. He has also launched a production company (Padar Production) to manage his music projects and live events. These endeavors show Padar’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to grow beyond performing.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Tanel Padar has received numerous awards and honors, highlighting his impact on Estonian music and culture. In addition to winning Eurovision 2001, he and The Sun have won over 20 Estonian music awards for their albums and songs. Several of Padar’s albums attained gold record status in Estonia, and in 2016 he was awarded two Gold Records for high sales. That same year, the President of Estonia honored him with the Order of the White Star, one of the country’s highest civil decorations, in recognition of his contributions to Estonian music. Over the years Padar has also been repeatedly voted as one of the nation’s favorite entertainers in public polls.