Seven acts will compete at Finland’s upcoming Eurovision national final UMK 2021. And today broadcaster YLE confirmed that they’ll make the big reveal of the artists on Wednesday, January 13 at 13:00 local time. Because of ongoing pandemic concerns, there won’t be a glitzy meet and greet as in recent years. Instead, YLE will release a video that reveals the identity of the seven finalists.

As in recent years, the winner will ultimately be decided by a mix of public voting and an international jury.

The number of competing acts was whittled down from 278 entries. And while fans will have to wait until January to find out exactly who is competing, YLE promises a versatile lineup.

The songs were selected by a jury of industry professionals, led by radio YleX’s music manager Tapio Hakanen. He had praise for the applicants, saying, “The level of the songs and artists was incredibly strong and I am confident that we have coming in the spring of 2021 the toughest UMK of all time. I’m really happy and grateful to each and every musician who sent a song to Yle.”

The broadcaster notes that UMK 2021 has attracted both new and upcoming acts, as well as established artists.

And while the broadcaster hasn’t yet released the names of the competitors, it’s now clear that one name won’t be on the list. UMK 2020 winner Aksel Kankaanranta has confirmed that he did NOT submit an entry for 2021, despite earlier saying he was working on something.

The “Looking Back” singer confirmed the news in an interview with Finnish entertainment website Voice.fi. He told the website, “I was about to apply, but then I didn’t apply.”

But Aksel isn’t ruling out entering another edition of UMK in the future. He explained, “Now let’s take a little look at someday when I could apply again. I’m not really saying I would ever want to participate again, but let’s see.”

Aksel also considered the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Eurovision 2021. After the 2020 edition was cancelled, Aksel reflected “Maybe in a way it was whether Eurovision will come next year at all, when the terrible situations are still on.”

Unlike some broadcasters, YLE did not give Aksel an automatic pass to compete in UMK 2021. But Aksel says that policy is for the best. He explained, “It is fair that the place in the competition is not given directly. I don’t want any special treatment.”

Are you going to have your phone at the ready on January 13? Who are you hoping for? Let us know down below!

13 Comments
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Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago

there is one finnish artist who i’ve been following, Arttu wiskari, i kinda like his sound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfAU1Yo3jMA

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Nicky

Arttu has same Record company that Erika Vikman has. Also Cicciolinas songwriters are responsibility many of Arttus hits. But unfortunatly Arttu is too big name in UMK.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Poju90

Gunther is a pretty big name too and he participated in 2017.

Finnish
Finnish
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Gunther isn’t a big name here

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

But Arttu is much Bigger Star in Finland. Gunther is only 2 hits wonder in Finland. Arttu is still relevant artist in Finland.

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I hope for a return for Erika Vikman, I loved her song Cicciolina very much.

Ashton
Ashton
3 years ago

She said she won’t return, at least not this year.

Grant
Grant
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton

That’s a shame something like Syntisten pöytä which was a bop would be perfect for next years contest! Hopefully she decides to come back for 2022 UMK

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Grant

After final in march she said she willl never come back but hey, u never know …:)

Finnishline
Finnishline
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

She never said that she will never comeback. She said that if one day she will make a song that’s appropriate for the contest she’ll return (Cicciolina wasn’t originally intended for Eurovision either). She doesn’t want to plan ahead her participation and force it.

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Grant

Erika has said that maybe some day if Song is Right.

Me!
Me!
3 years ago

Excited!

Hopeful
Hopeful
3 years ago

I want Helsinki 2022.. I hope Finland delivers