They say that the early bird catches the worm. And while the Eurovision 2017 season is barely days old, Finland’s YLE is already planning for this year’s competition in Ukraine.
As in previous years, they’re sticking with the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu selection format. The exact details of the show are still under wraps, but the UMK 2017 song submission period is now open. Interested parties need to be quick, as the deadline is 5 September.
So, what are the rules and regulations? In addition to the standard Eurovision guidelines, UMK has some rules of its own. At least one of the songwriters and the lead singer(s) must be a Finnish citizen or live in Finland permanently.
Singers can send only one song as a solo artist, but can be part of more than one group. Unlike at Eurovision, UMK allows more than six people on the stage during the performances. Importantly, songs cannot be entered in national finals in other countries.
Once again the UMK final will be held in February, with the winner chosen by a mixture of public televote and juries. It’s still unknown whether we’ll see panels of road workers or taxi drivers once more, or just a standard group of music professionals. As in past years, every song will also get a music video.
This will be the sixth edition of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Since 2012, it has helped Finland qualify for the final twice. Alas, the country has remained in the semis for the last two years.
And just in case you forgot — artists and groups have until 5 September to submit songs. So no dilly-dallying!
Sandhja interview at Eurovision 2017
Are you excited for the return of UMK 2017? Who would you like to see enter? Let us know in the comments below.
Finland usually enter quality songs. Esp. The rock entries. ESC needs more music like that
Finnish Eurovision performers are everything else but stars, as we can see (or hear) in recent years.
The country with most rock entries in the contest. A good sign. Let’s hope Finland keeps up their good rockin’ tradtiions in 2017 🙂
I can understand that they want to make a music video for every artist, but having such a short period of time to enter a song isn’t the best idea. Umk will bring some amazing songs, but the problem again will be the Finnish people, because they can’t vote right.
Siru!!!!
Finland does better when it sends rock entries. That seems to be their best bet! 🙂
Softengine please 😉
I’d love to see Saara Aalto represent Finland but I don’t think she will be a part of UMK 2017 as a result of her participation in the X-Factor UK! 🙂
I want Robin Packalen but I don’t think he would consider Eurovision for a while now.
Benjamin!!!
I hope Saara Aalto competes and wins! 🙂
The last two years were terrible, especially the live performances.
I think they should focus on finding a good vocalist first and look for a song next.
And why is the deadline for songs in three days!?!?
Finland this year had the second best song among the nordic countries, I hope it doesn’t get underrated as happened in Stockholm. Go Suomi