As Finland’s UMK 2023 work hard behind the scenes rehearsing for the big final — and sing for their chance to represent Finland at Eurovision — some of them took the weekend off to enjoy the Emma Gaala soirée

On Friday 3 February, Finland celebrated the 40th annual Emma Gaala ceremony, celebrating Finnish music. Amongst the stars picking up award show gold were two UMK stars: Bess and Kuumaa. 

The “Ram pam pam” songstress took home not one but four awards: Best Artist, Pop of the Year, Best Song of the Year and the Most Streamed Finnish Song of the Year. Meanwhile, the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2023 boys received the Band of the Year.

Each winner took home a horn-headed trophy as part of their prize. 

The artists donned their fanciest outfits for the Emma Gaala red carpet. Here are some of the familiar faces we have spotted:

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by EMMA GAALA (@emmagaala)

Blind Channel served gothic-punk chic with their new look. We love it!

Robin Packalen — also competing in UMK 2023 — is showing off the hygge look.

Erika Vikman send kisses while posing with the Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by ERIKA VIKMAN (@erikavikman)



Portion Boys also strutted their stuff on the red carpet, stopping for a quick photo op with Isaac Sene, Robin Packalen and Bess.

It’s not only about dressing up though – some of the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu participants were nominees in different categories for the year of 2022. Bess and Kuumaa were among the them.

But it’s not all just about the red carpet looks. The best part of Emma Gaala is the awards ceremony, where Finnish legends gather to celebrate the year in music.

Kuumaa won the Band of the Year award — one of the night’s most prestigious awards. The “Ylivoimainen” boys are off to a good start as they prepare to sing at UMK 2023 for their chance to represent Finland at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by KUUMAA (@kuumaavirallinen)

Congratulations to all the winners! 

What do you think? Are you excited to watch UMK 2023 this February? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

18 Comments
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europotato
europotato
1 year ago

I really like the Kuuma song, its got a great atmosphere to it, I’d love for Finland to pick those guys. I’d say it would do quite well in Eurovision. The Cha Cha Cha song is quite novelty and could be cancelled out by Norways novelty song also. I need to see him live to know if he’s vocally good enough but off the bat I’d choose Kuuma

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago

I like most of the songs in UMK this year, I don’t think there is a clear winner yet, almost any song can win, it all depends on the live performance.

TMay
TMay
1 year ago
Reply to  Ritoli

Exactly, does nobody learn this lesson. Studio cut is one, the performance will be another.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  TMay

Myself I’m well aware of that, I agree that the live performances will make or break the entries and ultimately decide the winner, but it’s kind of safe to rule Robin and Leandra out of contention for the win

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

Robin Packalen has the lowest views on YouTube, of the six. Strange, because I thought he was the most famous. Going by that, he won’t win. I don’t know about Spotify.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Also, him and Lxandra didn’t make the local charts and seems that Finns didn’t like his song, that’s not a good omen

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

You would think being a big name would be an advantage, but it looks like he’s not favored by the Finnish public. Maybe they will vote for the best song and not the most familiar and biggest name

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I’d say 7th out of 7 is exactly what the song deserves.

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I kinda like Robin’s song, UMK is so strong this year, like DAMN! too many good songs.. Urrgghh..

Finnish
Finnish
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

It’s a nice song, but against all the others competing it doesn’t stand out that much. All of the contestants have had their audiences before UMK; more or less and in different ways.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

Discovering Kuumaa last month was a great way to start the year! Now I find myself listening to their songs on the daily and I’d be over the moon if they won UMK and represented Finland in Liverpool (where I do think they’d fare pretty well) Also, I think the song has been growing on Finns, as they were quite hesitant at first (with even some saying they’d be this year’s Younghearted) but now everyone’s loving it and it’s set to become the most streamed song in the country in the coming weeks. So there’s a chance, though I wouldn’t… Read more »

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

Kuuma is also the most streamed song in Spotify if I’m not wrong. They are my favs so I’m ready for them to take on the UMK!

I would be closer to my Eurovision dream with some alternative rock on stage with Joker Out, Sudden Lights and Kuuma.

Lucy
Lucy
1 year ago
Reply to  Héctor

Omg imagine that!
Kuumaa + Joker Out ?

Ari
Ari
1 year ago

Finally managed to catch up on all Finnish songs. There’s no “the one” for me, unfortunately. But I love that the majority of songs are sung in Finnish, big plus! I like Lxandra’s subdued ballad and Käärijä is not my music but I feel like it’s the best choice for Eurovision. The big name Robin is my last place. When you say that your song is so good that everyone needs to hear it I’m going to take you seriously and when it expectedly turns out to be such a filler track I’m going to think you’re delusional or just… Read more »

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

I love them both. Bess was my favorite last year and Kuumaa is my favorite this year. I went in and listened to all of Kuumaa’s discography on Spotify. They’re sooo good!!

I’m rooting for them at UMK, but I would’t be mad if Käärijä, Benjamin or the Portion Boys go to Liverpool. I love their songs too.

The only one I find myself skipping is Girls Like You. I don’t like it, sorry.

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

We all know Kaarija isn’t there because he would completely DESTROY them as soon as he walked in!

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

No

Lucianna
Lucianna
1 year ago

My winner is Kaarija but I wouldn’t be THAT mad to see Kuumaa take the trophy, cuz their song is also great and they’re my number 2!