UMK 2021 ACTS

After days of hints and rumours, the competing acts of Finland’s UMK 2021 have been revealed. Finnish broadcaster Yle announced the seven artists who will compete to be Finland’s representative at Eurovision 2021.

The names were announced today in a video presentation from Yle. Instead of the usual extravagant press event, the broadcaster practised social distancing and presented the acts via a pre-recorded video. Among the line-up is last year’s UMK winner Aksel and Estonian Eurovision star Laura. One song will be released every weekday, starting from Thursday 14 January.

 

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UMK 2021 Acts

OSKR “Lie”

Also known as Oskari Ruohonen, OSKR is an upcoming Finnish singer-songwriter.

Release date: 14 January

Teflon Brothers x Pandora “I Love You”

The Teflon Brothers are a popular Finnish hip hop group. They have enjoyed several number-one singles and most recently charted with the single “Bakara”. Group member Pyhimys collaborated with Aksel Kankaanranta on the 2018 single “Jättiläinen”.

Pandora is a Swedish Eurodance star. She previously competed in Melodifestivalen in 2003 and 2004. She divides her time between Stockholm and the Finnish city of Vaanta. Pandora competed on the first Finnish series of The Masked Singer, where she placed fourth.

Release date: 15 January

Danny “Sinä päivänä kun kaikki rakastaa mua”

Danny is a legend of Finnish popular music, with a career spanning well over 50 years. He has previously competed in the Finnish national final six times before, with his best result being second place in 1966. Danny has a more recent connection to UMK — he was recently in a relationship with UMK 2020 star Erika Vikman.

Release date: 18 January

Laura “Play”

Laura will be well known to Eurovision fans for previously representing Estonia at Eurovision 2005 and 2017. She’s also been a familiar face in the Estonian national final Eesti Laul.

Aksel “Hurt”

UMK 2020 winner Aksel Kankaanranta is a surprise entry, having earlier said that he hadn’t submitted an entry for 2021. But he’s back for another shot at Eurovision.

Release date: 20 January

Blind Channel “Dark Side”

Blind Channel are an alternative rock group who describe their genre as “violent pop”.

Release date: 21 January

ILTA “Kelle mä soitan”

ILTA is a German-Finnish singer who is currently working on her debut album.

Release date: 22 January

The grand final of UMK 2021 will be held on 20 February 2021.

What do you think of the UMK 2021 lineup? Who would you like to see represent Finland in Rotterdam? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Finland Eurovision 2021 news here

139 Comments
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Anhel
Anhel
3 years ago

Hold up. This Danny guy is 80 and Erika is 27 and they’re in a relationship? ? I’m all for “age doesn’t matter” but isn’t this too extreme? Could it be a publicity stunt? All I gathered with my very limited Finnish is that they’re ex-lovers

John
John
3 years ago

Teflon Bros X Pandora
or
Blind Channel

dxi
dxi
3 years ago

I’m so glad Aksel is back. I actually really liked ‘Looking Back’ (it was a dark horse, for sure) and I hope he does well again this time.

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago

I hope Aksel wins if he has a good song and not just out of sympathy…(because let’s be real even in 2020 he ROBBED Queen Erika)

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Erika robbed herself, why she sang with bears?? She shoul have done same like Poland did in 2014…

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

The bears were a reference to Cicciolina herself, but yeah it didn’t mesh well with the performance. I’d have two shirtless men with bear mitts and bear ears to convey the point

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

I did not understand finnish and back to last year i did not know who is Cicciolina either… I would prefer hot girls 😉

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Also, I’ll be real with y’all: this is the first NF I’m seriously invested in from start to finish. Most of the time, as they stack up, it feels more and more like a chore (I still haven’t heard anything from Lithuania, Israel, or Estonia, I’ve only heard one song each from France and Norway, and I only listened to snippets of the Albanian songs before they announced the winner), but I’m glad I heard “Lie” early on because now I’ll definitely be staying up to date with Finland. (And I’ll get to Lithuania and Estonia, for sure.)

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

You should check Estonia, quite a couple of gems there (Jüri, Heleza, Gram-of-fun and Egert are my standouts). Lithuania on the other hand has released like 5 songs and none of them are good, we have to wait for a couple of bigger names to release their songs.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

I’m pretty much biding my time with Lithuania until I hear “Discotheque” and pray that it’s good. I need the Roop back!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

First song is out: Lie by OSKR. I really, really like it! If this is the standard to expect from Finland this year, we’re in for some great things.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I am also, of course, a TOTAL sucker for low-key moody singer-songwriter entries, especially about breakups or generally being your feelings (just taking last year into account: the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Bulgaria, Switzerland, eventually Finland, Belgium, and even if it didn’t win Eesti Laul “Beautiful Lie”).

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

(OK maybe “Attention” is neither low-key nor moody nor singer-songwriter but the idea’s there, also it’s by Mørland so it’s one by extension)

Last edited 3 years ago by Joe
Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

*being IN your feelings

Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Literally all those songs you mentioned, I loved. They were all amazing, quality entries

Last edited 3 years ago by Guest
Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Guest

I forgot Italy, that too. God, there were some real potential winners in 2020. I’m actually kind of glad they never got to compete because now we can just enjoy them as songs without judging them based on how they finished.
Also, the Netherlands probably wouldn’t have done amazingly well, but it’s one of the most beautiful and mature Eurovision entries I’ve ever heard.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

yes I agree! It’s amazing, it would qualify with ease in the second semi final, the juries would probably rank this top 5 for sure! It’s modern, but still warm and inviting. It reminds me of British pop. Great start for Finland, I think Ilta, Aksel and Laura will also deliver!

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

It already captured the emotions I wanted but didn’t get from “Looking Back” until I heard it a few times. Yes, I could definitely see it qualifying, and no doubt the Brits would give it a few points (also, Finland’s still in the same semi as Estonia, so regardless of song quality that’s a solid score no matter what).

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Also…what results? There was no contest. We have no idea how Aksel would’ve done. You mean historically? That has nothing to do with Aksel either. You’re just Nicky with another name, aren’t you?

Kris
Kris
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

That was my first reaction . I went this sounds like something Nicky would have said

GrantK
GrantK
3 years ago

Erika hasn’t ruled out a return at all she just said 2021 isn’t the time as she’s busy. Just respect that there’s no issue here at all expect your bitterness!

Timi
Timi
3 years ago

Not a fan or Aksel last year, but I’m so happy that he’s competing again. Hope he wins, I wish to see as many 2020 singers coming back as possible.

Héctor
Héctor
3 years ago

Blind Channel is the act I most looking forward to. Sounds interesting. Aksel and OSKR too.

Puff
Puff
3 years ago

Foreign juries robbed Erika.. not the Finnish people

Get over it

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

But using international juries shows the broadcaster what works outside of Finland as well as within it. They’re picking a song for Eurovision, and in Eurovision the only entry Finland cannot vote for is the Finnish entry. People really need to stop thinking that just because the majority of the eurofans like a song that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the best song for Eurovision. There is nothing wrong with liking certain types of music, but the general public on the whole doesn’t share the same music taste as Eurofans and sometimes the fan favourite won’t win, and people need… Read more »

Indiana07
Indiana07
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

The juries would have ranked Cicciolina low in Eurovision too. Jury usually don’t like this kind of songs. I’m sure of it.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Indiana07

The fact that people can still say “Cicciolina” would’ve smashed the competition when we all saw how “Monsters” (which was very similar) did boggles my mind. The age of the bop-for-the-sake-of-a-bop winning have passed.

Last edited 3 years ago by Joe
Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago

Aksel was not in control of the points he got. Be respectful of the artists and grow up.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

You literally said “you,” referring to Aksel, “robbed her for nothing”. Sit down.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

guess their comment got deleted lmao

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

If this is what finally gets Nicky banned, bravo Wiwi mods!

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
3 years ago

So Aksel was trolling us all along huh?

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

Though I was rooting for Erika last year, Aksel is a sweet and down-to-earth guy, I’m glad that he’s back. So we have 4 sort-of-returning acts going through national finals. It will be interesting to find out who will make between Aksel, The Mamas, The Roop and Uku. I guess The Mamas have the toughest mountain to climb (but they were the ones singing about moving mountains :D) and The Roop is probably the most likely to win back to back, though Uku is also considered a frontrunner.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

What’s an Eurovision season without big upsets, right? But these 4 situations are unique (at least for now, we hope we won’t ever have a cancellation of the contest again). How sympathy votes could affect the results? Are some countries’ audiences more sentimental than others? How the comparison with the previous entries will affect those who’ll travel to Rotterdam as intended the year before? I have no idea about how I’ll feel about 2021’s lineup compared to 2020’s, but I’m very curious to see how things will play out.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

The Roop seem to be winning this with ease. Judging by the local reactions, even without hearing most of the songs, I can tell that Lithuanians will stand by them. I obviously cannot tell if their song will be the best one, or even good, but I think that they will win. Any other outcome would be the oddest upset since Romania 2019… or Romania 2018… The Mamas have it much more difficult, as The Swedes are apparently much more ratio-driven than sympathy-driven when it comes to voting in Melfest. Based on the running order, I’d even dare to say… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I feel the same about The Roop. It seems that the Lithuanian fans really want them to win and it’s easy to understand why, since they won a very strong national final and were supposed to be real contenders in Eurovision 2020. Plus, just like Dadi and Little Big, part of their appeal comes from their quirky charm and I believe all of them are more than capable of finding new songs that will keep the fanbase they already built. About The Mamas, Melfest has always a fierce competition (including Dotter, that maybe has even more momentum going on than… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Sabrina
Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago

Danny still has a good voice, i liked him alongside DJ Oku last year, with Erika too btw

Ilta could give us that finnish ballad at esc, hope it is good which would again give us something new for the contest

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
3 years ago

Laura <3 Very excited to hear her entry ^^

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

I am glad to see Aksel back. Ik hope that his song is good enough to win UMK 2021 so he can come to Rotterdam for his second chance. But I am curious to hear all the songs and wish all the participants good luck.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Promising names, but as ever, let’s hear the songs. I don’t miss Erika or Saara – they had their time. And I find it absurd that people can jump to conclusions already. Once all the songs are out, then you can say your piece!

Last edited 3 years ago by Joe
Ravencrow Neversmiles
Ravencrow Neversmiles
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I think people are just excited and telling their first impressions. I know my opinions will probably change but it’s fun to talk about it anyway.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Hey, get excited about the names all you want! I know I am. But it tells us nothing about the quality of the songs, and that I take issue with.

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago

I did have high hopes Sara Alto would be the returning artist! And just to make you all mad, wouldn’t it have been great if she entered with baga chips for another collaboration, that’s something I would have loved to of seen!

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

I think Finland has more to offer than just sending Saara Aalto year after year..

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

Legit, non-snarky question spoken as someone who likes both of their songs: why exactly do fans want Saara and Erika back so much? What was so special about them?

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I like Saara a lot, I like her music, think she’s an amazing performer. She has a good message and a stands for good things. And it’s always exciting to see someone on the eurovision stage that is recognisable and exciting in my opinion, don’t take that as I don’t like up and coming performers with great songs equally though.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

Fair enough! She’s definitely always seemed nice.

Jake
Jake
3 years ago

The most surprising thing about this line up has been learning that Erika Vikman was dating a 77 year old man?!??? How did I not know that? Is Erika popular in Finland outside of the Eurovision bubble?I always have a hard time understanding of artists who do national finals are famous famous or famous for doing Eurovision. I wonder if she wrote the song.

Finnish
Finnish
3 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Erika is known here mostly because she won “Tangomarkkinat” which Danny was a judge also that time, later that year she announced her relationship with him and it was quite controversial which was one of the reasons why some people just didn’t like her

Danny’s entry has the same songwriter/producer that was part of the team which made Erikas song last year!

Saila
Saila
3 years ago
Reply to  Finnish

Erika is known here because she makes great music.

Disappointed
Disappointed
3 years ago

Oh no
I was expecting Nightwish, Saara Aalto or Erika.
Aksel’s last year song was not final material and not to mention Laura’s vocals at Eesti Laul last year and this guy Danny like he is older than Eurovision and he tried to win this for 50 years so my expectations are in the ground.
But if someone of this newcomers has a good song Finland will maybe have a chance not to be last again.
I don’t want to sound hars cause I love some Finland entries but this selection is so weak. 🙁

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Disappointed

Just wait for the songs.

Disappointed
Disappointed
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

You are right. Maybe the songs are good.

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago
Reply to  Disappointed

I love how people are already calling this selection weak just because it doesn’t include “kweens” like Saara Aalto and Erika Vikman…Eurofans really need to stop being so entitled all the time.

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Pineaple

I agree. These artists can surely make bangers even though they aren’t your typical “kweens”. Besides, Ilta is a queen imo.

Anhel
Anhel
3 years ago
Reply to  Disappointed

Why would you expect Nightwish when they only competed once, 25 years ago

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago

Wow surprised to see Laura pop up here! May be an easiest route for her back to eurovision than eesti laul!

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Kalla

Nope. Finns are quite patriotic and would never vote a fully-Estonian act like Laura to represent them. I’m sorry 🙁

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

Why should it matter? I’d vote for the best song, no matter who it comes from, unless maybe if the performer is known for their troublesome personality.

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well yeah it shouldn’t matter, but that’s just how Finns are and it does matter. They want real Finns to represent them.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I understand your point but we also have to consider that a big part of eurovision is about showing your country’s culture to the world. If we in Australia sent someone who lives in Germany to the contest to represent us, I’d be fine if the song was good but I’d still be disappointed because no Australian talent is getting the opportunity to show themselves.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

For me, this might be an issue only if the country has a custom of sending foreign artists. Finland has so far been consistent with sending local talent, so having an exception for Laura, an Estonian, their close neighbor, shouldn’t be an issue. It would be like if we got represented by a Serbian or a Slovenian. I believe that not many would take issues with that.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Ok but even so, the country should still be sending people either from or connected to it. If Laura goes to eurovision, what we get is two Estonian artists and no Finnish ones, leaving people from Finland unrepresented. For clarity, I’m not saying that one has to be born in the country to represent it, but they should have a connection. Laura has absolutely no history or connection with Finland: despite how close Finland and Estonia may be, they are two distinct countries with distinct cultures. I see no reason as to why Laura could not apply for eesti laul… Read more »

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

I understand your point, but let’s agree to disagree. Do you think that the Swiss should have minded being represented by Celine Dion back in 1988? Showcasing local talent / language / culture is nice and understandable, but a country having no place for exceptions feels somewhat narrow minded to me. :/

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

That’s fair – I sort of kinda agree anyway. of course exceptions are possible and often fair, especially for smaller countries with a less vibrant music scene such as San Marino, Malta, Cyprus, or as you said, Switzerland, I just think that whenever possible someone with even a small connection to the country in question should be selected over someone with none at all.

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

I do agree with that. Some connection is preferable. 🙂 I am still hyped for Laura.

I do get puzzled when countries don’t go with local talent more than they do. I was just mentioning some exceptions, which are occasionally fine.

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

Oh, I didn’t know that. Thanks for telling me, that gives me a new perspective. 🙂

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

I don’t doubt Laura’s genuine connection to Finland but given how many times she has tried to win Eesti Laul the cynic in me feels like she’s taking advantage of it being her second country to win what historically has been a weaker selection than her native one.

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

We shall see won’t we, I do like Laura but her songs have always lacked that umpth for me, which would take her to the next level. Hard to comment without hearing the songs.

Katt
Katt
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

It was probably not your intention, but I find your comment a bit problematic – it could be interpreted that us Finns are narrow-minded..? IMHO Laura has no chance to be selected, but the reason is a combination of nobody having heard of her in Finland (=no fan votes), and an unmemorable song. E.g. Swedish Pandora has a lot of name recognition here, plus a fairly catchy tune –> Very good chance of Teflon Bros + Pandora winning a place. And if they had added Nublu in their lineup (the Estonian rapper who’s well-known in Finland too), I think they… Read more »

Euroexpert
Euroexpert
3 years ago

Omg Blind Channel, others don’t stand a chance

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

How awkward would be if Laura would win In Finland and Koit in Estonia, they would be compete againts each other in ESC #Veronadramapart2 or Laura with song Play and Juri who sang Play im 2016 and he beated her back in 2016, i hoping for Aksel.

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Hey, similar things have happened. Back in ‘85, the two members of Chips, who represented Sweden in ‘82, both competed for different countries (Elisabeth Andreassen for Norway, Kikki Danielson for Sweden).

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Wau, i did not know 🙂

Joe
Joe
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

And they were best buddies so there was no tension whatsoever. Sweden and Norway gave each other their top scores and the Swedes were over the moon with joy when Norway won (plus Elisabeth is half-Swedish so that didn’t hurt).

xo.
xo.
3 years ago

Also the winner will be decided by 75% televote and 25% international jury vote. Guess the 2020 situation influenced Yle’s decision on the format change.

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago
Reply to  xo.

Even if it was 75/25 televote/jury last year Aksel still would’ve won. People seem to forget that Erika only won the Televote by 5 points…

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Boring acts but maybe the songs are strong.

Aksel said he won’t try again but he did lol.

WHERE IS CICCIOLINAAAA. I guess she wants to do ESC with a live audience so she’s waiting for the right moment.

Finnish
Finnish
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Erika confirmed that she isn’t going to participate in 2021

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

She said immidiately after Uuden last yeat that she is done with Uuden

Alex
Alex
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

i don’t think she’s completely done. she is just successful now to do Uuden immediately. give her a couple of years.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Well, I dont miss her mutch 😀 so i am ok with that 🙂

Nicky
Nicky
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Danny might have a ”cicciolina” sort of entry maybe

James
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Her ex is there.

Disappointed
Disappointed
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

YES

Pineaple
Pineaple
3 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Can people let Cicciolina go already? Jesus christ. Erika came second. Get over it and show these acts the respect they deserve.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Pineaple

It was same also with Mikael and Ema (in 2016, 2017)

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

I give you Mikael (he, Saara and Anica / Kimmo were all much better than the winning song), but Emma kinda did it to herself. The studio version of Circle of Light is excellent, but the live version was probably the weakest one out of 10 songs. She was off key the whole time and felt visibly disoriented. It’s still a song that could have been a big hit with fixed performance, but I cannot blame the people for voting for Norma John (with the song at least as good and a miles better performance).

Maxim
Maxim
3 years ago

Laura is such an excellent artist. She’s really capable of delivering great songs. “Destiny”, her 2009 entry is, my favorite.

I think she has always been a little bit unlucky when it comes to Eurovision. She always has a very qualitative song that can do very well at Eurovision, but she always faces though competition like in 2016 or isn’t liked by the juries. Very unfortunate …

I think her biggest dream is to make it a as a solo artist to Eurovision and make it to the final and I would really love that for her.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
3 years ago

Danny and erika vikman had a relationship?!!

Finnish
Finnish
3 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Yes and his current girlfriend is even younger than her

KRM
KRM
3 years ago

Lol, I just imagined Aksel and the Mamas winning their national selection, Ulrikke and Ben & Tan participation unexpectedly and winning them as well. 😀

I know that this won’t happen, but it would be quite surprising, given that most of last year’s Nordic contestants initially stated that they wouldn’t come back.

Anyway, of course, may the best songs win, but the more 2020 contestants, the merrier.

The glorious Eurovision expert.
The glorious Eurovision expert.
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

Actually nobody want the 2020 contestants, they were all bad

KRM
KRM
3 years ago

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but half of the 2021 contestants are already the ones that would’ve participated last year.
So, I guess, you’ll either accept this or skip this edition then. 🙂

Last edited 3 years ago by KRM
The glorious Eurovision expert.
The glorious Eurovision expert.
3 years ago
Reply to  KRM

I will accept it ofcourse. I don’t mind if the songs are good or bad. Good luck to all artists

Joe
Joe
3 years ago

Glad to know you aren’t full of yourself or anything

Tom
Tom
3 years ago

Ok, bye

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

On a completely random side note, as Laura is from Tartu, I’m wondering on what she thinks of the namesake song in Eesti Laul?

For me, it’s hilarious, but I’m perhaps the odd one here. 😉

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

She was in the panel judge for Eesti Laul actually 😀

Azaad
Azaad
3 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Wait this represents a HUGE conflict of interest for her! How can you fulfil your responsibility as a panel judge to find the best selection of songs for Estonia when you’re competing in the Finnish selection and so would be hoping for a weaker Estonian song to compete against in Rotterdam? EET really dropped the ball or Laura didn’t let them know her conflict of interest…

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

She was not alone in the panel judge 🙂

F@ab
F@ab
3 years ago

Oh Waw! Thank you, Finland, for sharing Laura & Pandora again! I can’t wait for their songs!

The glorious Eurovision expert.
The glorious Eurovision expert.
3 years ago

Oskr: Very nice, good luck Aksel: I kinda hope not, but if the song is very good, then yes, go to ESC. Laura: Yesyes very good artist, very nice, Estonian zinger Danny: very nice, maybe a meme song, but it can also be a boring ballad. Blind Channel: Might be good, the new Softengine, AWS or Hatari. Ilta: I am not excited, people overrates her, she isnt even that famous. But good luck Teflon Brothers and Panda: Amazing, they made the world famous hit “Maradona” earlier. But the song name is called “I love you” wtf?? clichy name. Sincerely, The… Read more »

PyKo
PyKo
3 years ago

Trust Me is one of my alltime favorite 90s bops, that I still listen today!!

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

Level of excitement for the acts:

  1. Ilta
  2. Aksel
  3. Laura
  4. Oskr
  5. Blind Channel
  6. Pandora
  7. Danny

not the best bunch but for Finland it’s fine I guess… At least these people make music unlike last year when basically every act was a debuting act on the finnish music scene.
UMK was amazing in 2017 tho! Hope it achieves level of that.
But for the next year I want some acts of higher calibre.

Puff
Puff
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

You don’t win Eurovision with names, you win Eurovision with songs.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

I agree, that’s why I’m excited for Ilta, Aksel and Laura! But it’s also true that names bring recognition to the national final as seen in Italy – there’s no no-names in San Remo. And usually “names” have good songs, I never judge a no-name if the song is good.

Bandido
Bandido
3 years ago
Reply to  Puff

Haha! That’s they’ve learned from Saara Aalto and Darude! 🙂

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Big Name artist are not intrested to compete in Eurovision. In Finland mainstream people thinks that Eurovision is big joke. Because of that, do not wait Robin, Nightwish, JVG, Sanni, Behm or any big names participating in UMK ever.

Truth
Truth
3 years ago
Reply to  Poju90

They don’t see it as a joke? Just the whole eurovision stamp you’d get from entering they would get and the fact that they have publicity even without it as well as the cruel fact that they might not do so well. Same goes for the big names in Sweden, Denmark & Norway

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Truth

Honestly Finnish People see Eurovision as joke show it is fact. If you ask out of ordinary Matti or Hanna about Eurovison. Answer is Eurovision is joke/Campy contest. And also Finns are competive people and if you fail, it can destroy your career.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Poju90

Well.. maybe that will change some day.. In Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands it also was a joke and now it’s not. We have to wait a few years I’m sure.

Poju90
Poju90
3 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Yes i hope that change. Perhaps one day in future. And Maybe once Finland gets good results.

Katt
Katt
3 years ago
Reply to  Poju90

Nightwish did compete for a place, in 2000.

Radoslav Tsanev
Radoslav Tsanev
3 years ago

Finland’s selection is definitely one of the best Eurovision selections judging by the huge variety of songs. Last year I really liked almost all of the songs, except for 1. Really pissed that Erika is not shortlisted though. What I can admit is that among the seven acts, I am more excited about Blind Channel ’cause in my opinion they have the whole package and they could be a great ambassador for Finland in 2021. We haven’t heard a rock/metal song from Finland in Eurovision since 2014, I believe.

Leo
Leo
3 years ago

2015 was. It was just that as it was the shortest ever entry, and an OLS, people forgot it, or wanted to forget it, despite the feelgood story they provided for representing adults with cognitive disability that made them very well publicised.

Ravencrow Neversmiles
Ravencrow Neversmiles
3 years ago

My thoughts on the contestants: Ilta – I know her mostly from other artists’ songs where she is featured on and I like some of them. Personally I’m not a huge fan of the kind of music she usually makes, but I’m sure a lot of people will like her. I was expecting her to go for something up beat but sound like she is going for something more melancholic. Laura – I’m a fan. Verona is one of my favorite eurovision songs (go ahead judge me). I’m excited to hear what she has to offer. But I doubt that… Read more »

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Why would anyone judge you for loving Verona? Isn’t it pretty much consensus that it’s a fan-favorite? Even if I personally believe that the song would work better if the performers had better chemistry, I still think that it’s generally a good song. For me, it’s around the middle of my 2017 list and I’m in a minority on that regard. For most it’s top 10 and it has been featured in special semi for most beloved NQs. As for Danny’s & Erika’s relationship… while admittedly not the most aesthetic sight, ultimately it’s their thing. They are both adults over… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Ravencrow Neversmiles
Ravencrow Neversmiles
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Some people like Verona just because it’s a meme and I just genuinely think it’s a good song. But if that’s a popular opinion then great!

And I know other people’s relationships aren’t my business and the people in the relationship are both adults. I was refering more to his new relationship with his 19 year old assistant. And I wasn’t saying people couldn’t date who they want. Just that he is known for that and when he makes headlines it’s always about his dating life

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Yeah, 19 is *too young*. She’s technically already an adult, but if I was her relative, I’d be quite wary of this. 19-year-olds dating older partners rarely pans out (it did to Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson, but they are an exception, rather than a rule, + Sam was 42, not 78). It’s because young people between 19 and 21 are often still immature and are just coping with their new found adulthood. And if someone prefers dating that age group, there is a possibility of them doing it *because* of how naive and susceptible they can be and that’s immoral.

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

We are on the same page here, Una. His behavior is icky at best and manipulative at worst. As I said, people who tend to look for partners among those who just became ”of age” have a lot of underlying issues. Especially if they did it more than once or twice and especially if they are old enough to be their parents or older. That IS troublesome. I was mentioning her as well, because I don’t want to rob her of her own agency. People often get outraged when someone is dating a 19-year old, despite most being okay with… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Colin
Yudhistira Mahasena
3 years ago

Laura Poldvere was in Eurovision 2005, not 2004. Please correct this.

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

This sounds like a nice mix, hopefully a bit of something for everyone. I am pleased to see Aksel back and the song title gives me a feeling we might get another emotional, nostalgic effort from him, which he definitely has a talent for based on Looking Back last year.

And I am also intrigued to find out what “violent pop” is. For those of you of a certain age, I am imaging a Britney vs Christina Celebrity Death Match, and if so, hopefully it will be a lot of fun!

Raffanson
Raffanson
3 years ago

I’m so hyped for Teflon Brothers. I’ve been listening to them ever since they formed and they have some of my favorite finnish language songs ever. I don’t think I’ve ever been this hyped for any other act.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
3 years ago

Wow. The leak that came out today was 100% correct on all entrants.

Truth
Truth
3 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

The leak was based on the main photo of the video that someone saw yesterday by using VPN or such

Finnish
Finnish
3 years ago

I usually don’t have such high hopes in UMK, mostly because the artists and songs never seem to be anything good, but this year I’m really excited about this! Such great artists with hopefully great songs!

Really hoping that we could get a good winner this year that could bring us to the Eurovision final once again!

Colin
Colin
3 years ago

Aksel went straight-up Marion Cotillard on us and it worked! 😉 I am really happy to see him back. Looking Back is in my top 10 of last year. Laura being on UMK is an excellent surprise too. She’s such a great singer, capable of elevating any song. It will be very exciting seeing both Koit and Laura competing for re-entering the contest. Imagine if they both win!! 🙂 I mean, Koit’s song is good enough to do so and I hope that Laura has another song as good as Supersonic here. Good luck to both of them and to… Read more »

Colin
Colin
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I was referring to her, yeah. To her interviews in which she straight-up denied rumors about an upcoming project of hers, only for them to be revealed as true as soon as the film came out. She went step further from usual ambiguous answers actors tend to give and just denied it all. I don’t think that anyone actually took it against her, since she was doing film a favor, marketing-wise. It’s about a twist, so the less people get a hint, the better. 🙂

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
3 years ago

Weird fact, Laura is participating in UMK while Koit is participating in Eesti laul. Imagine if both of them win their national finals and then meeting in Rotterdam “We are lost and we found in Rotterdam”.

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
3 years ago

Btw, the fact that Aksel said that he won’t paricipate in UMK but then he is in the participants list gives me hopes that Ulrikke might participate in MGP this year (I think she won’t but lets be wishful cuz why not).

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

nah she won’t because if she would she would’ve been revealed during the automatic qualifiers segment. Could happen with Ben&Tan tho!

Last edited 3 years ago by Erasmus
Leo
Leo
3 years ago

The offer was for her to go straight into the final, but we know she won’t. It’s not out of the question that she’s in a heat, but it will be hard to see that.
One thing I hope for, though it would be unlikely, is Emmelie to partake in the Danish Grand Prix

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Maybe she decided to participate but not to be an AQ and to compete in the semi final but I also don’t think she will come back this year.

Tom
Tom
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Rasmussen wants come back (Denmark 2018) i still hoping for Ben & Tan 🙁

Nobody
Nobody
3 years ago

Aksel pranked us all.. So happy to see him back! Also, it would be kind of funny if Koit and Laura both win their national selections and compete against each other

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
3 years ago

the international DEMAND for laura… she truly is a legendary icon. <3

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

lol hahaha. We do love her.

Puff
Puff
3 years ago

Ilta is gonna give us a Finnish ballad finally ? I’ve waited for this.

I also love Teflon Brothers and Blind channel.

I don’t care for Danny or Laura at all, imo there could’ve been better options.