Maarja-Liis Ilus is an Estonian pop singer and actress born on 24 December 1980 in Tallinn. She achieved professional recognition for representing Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996 and 1997. Her recording career began with the debut studio recording Maarja-Liis (1996). She achieved professional recognition for the track “Kaelakee hääl” (1996) which reached 5th place and the track “Keelatud maa” (1997) which reached 8th place. Her discography included the studio recordings First in Line (1997), Kaua veel (1998), and City Life (2001). Ilus achieved professional recognition for a career in musical theatre including the roles of Ellen in Miss Saigon (2002) and Maria in The Sound of Music (2003). She achieved professional recognition for the track “He Is Always on My Mind” (2003) and the studio recording Kuldne põld (2012). She achieved professional recognition for the appointment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador (1999).
