After hints of the artists, song title leaks and scandals, broadcaster YLE finally gave us some official information today about the fourth season of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) – and it’s going to be big!
The dates
18 songs will compete in 3 semi-finals, on 7, 14, and 21 February.
The Final will take place on 28 February.
The artists
The artists competing in the first semi-final are Hans on the Bass, Norlan “El Misionario”, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, Pihka & Myrsky, Satin Circus, and Vilikasper Kanth.
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In the second semi-final, Eeverest, Jouni Aslak, Opera Skaala, Otto Ivar, Shava and Siru will battle for a place in the final.
The third semi-final artists are Angelo de Nile, Aikuinen, Solju, Järjestyshäiriö, Ida Bois, and Heidi Pakarinen.
There will be no jury this year and both the finalists as well as the Final winner will only be selected by means of televoting. Power to the people, y’all! Moreover, the organizers announced that all the money raised from the televoting will be donated to charity.
The hosts
Kuva, jonka wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) julkaisi
The new hosts for the UMK 2015 were also revealed in today’s press conference. Blonde bombshell and former porn star (!) Rakel Liekki (35) and Roope Salminen (25), lead vocalist of the Finnish band Roope Salminen & Koirat are following Anne Lainto and Ile Uusivuori, the hosts of the previous years.
The organisers announced that they would celebrate the history of Finland’s participation at the Eurovision, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the song contest.
Of course, all the songs and their music videos were premiered today. You can watch the videos here.
My favorites so far: Phika Ja Myrsky – even though their entire song is in Finnish, the melody is really catchy and it’s something you’d listen to over and over. Eeverest – what can I say? Their song is a well-executed dance track that’s most likely to be Eurovision-friendly. If this one goes to Vienna, you’re going to expect a huge rave happening there when they take the stage. Also, they remind me of older versions Krisia, Hasan & Ibrahim where Krisia chooses the pop music path and Hasan & Ibrahim try out their hand on keyboards and mixers instead… Read more »
Also, I hate all those NFs that are trying really hard to be “filled with music for everyone”. Rock, opera, pop, hip hop, latino…something for everyone. Even though some of you may like it, I’m more into the DMGP (Denmark) formula – having a “pop theme” or “contemporary music theme”. That’s how I might listen similar kinds of songs, but at least I’ll enjoy it meaning I would not be thrown all over the place with the first rock song, then calm with the second song ballad, then partying with the third pop song etc… On the songs, interesting songs… Read more »
What a diverse list! I’m just hearing the songs and I think this must be one of the most diverse national finals in any country I’ve heard in a long time. Also, some great songs, I’m loving quite a few!
OK, that’s a first. A former porn-star as a host. (if it’s not, please submit your correction 😛 )
So, YLE apparently tried everything in the domain of PR in order to elevate UMK into something “worth” seeing. Leaks, scandals, porn-star, big revelations a.k.a. Melodifestivalen style…YLE definitely started something. They said, at some point into the past, that they actually would like to make their NF “Melodifestivalen alike” and maybe that’s happening. That’s some serious planning, “y’all”. 🙂
Pikha ja myrsky please!
I actually think UMK has some great songs this year 🙂 After a first listen, I think I will support Satin Circus, but I sure am gonna listen all songs once again soon.
i love barok opera song. Opera Skaala!!!!
Imo, if the Finnish don’t send either Siru or Solju to Vienna, they missed on two amazing opportunities. Ida Bois also has a great song.
“Mustelmat” and Siru still sound like the winner to me.
It simply has to be Siru, the other ones aren’t that good for ESC imho, except maybe Vilikasper Kanth, Satin Circus and Solju. This year the competition isn’t as good as it has been in the last two years, it’s quite sad.
Satin Circus’ “Crossroads” has an amazing hook in the chorus, it’s my favourite song so far!
only crap