Photo: Yle / Nelli Kenttä

Throw the dice and melt the ice — UMK 2023 is hot and the winner is most definitely TBD.

The seven acts competing the final of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2023 this Saturday span the musical gamut, and include a heartbreaking ballad, a sexually-charged bop, a disco-tinged boogie, a hard rap banger, a boy band pop number and an old-school party anthem.

But who has what it takes to advance through the televote-only semi-final at Eurovision? On January 19 we asked our readers to name their favourites. After counting a total of 5,628 votes, we can now share the results. 

Poll results: Käärijä is our readers’ favourite to win

1. Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha”

48.85%  (2,749 VOTES)

Calvin: This is the one, y’all. It’s loud, it’s dance, it’s everything I need and way more than I deserve. “Cha Cha Cha” is intriguing from the very first second and lures you in deeper with every beat. When the song turns into a dancefloor anthem — and out of nowhere — I feel butterflies and happiness. It will not only be a cha cha chart hit but is a contender for the trophy in Liverpool. If a country is crazy enough to send this song to Eurovision, it’s gotta be Finland. 

William: This song starts with a headache, turns into a migraine, and then morphs into some pain-relieving analgesic. A less spirited performer might get lost in the mess. But Käärijä — sweaty body, impressive right hook, angry face, beautiful wig — somehow keeps it all together. It’s a beautiful nightmare and one I’m still humming and singing, even if I’m not sure I should.

2. Benjamin – “Hoida mut”

18.69%  (1,052 VOTES)

Deban: This is sex electrocuted! Benjamin captivates viewers, and in the same breath decapitates his competition. “Hoida Mut” is a well-constructed piece of pop nostalgia. Bilingual in execution and without sounding over-worked, this is a clever take on 80’s dance pop. With visuals that solidly defy traditional notions of gender expression and sexuality, “Hoida Mut” isn’t just saying “Do Me”; it penetrates DEEP —and hits the point where it hurts so good.

Samuel: I was incredibly excited to see Benjamin on this year’s UMK line-up after stumbling upon his queer pop rebirth last year. “N-Y-T”, his first song since coming out, became one of my most streamed songs of 2022 despite being entirely Finnish. “Hoida Mut” had a very high bar to top. As soon as it premiered, I was completely hooked by the song and visuals. His rebirth, and what we are seeing here, is the result of serious thought, emotion, freedom and TALENT. I am so happy Benjamin’s journey led him here, because this is my song of the season. 

3. Keira – “No Business on the Dancefloor”

11.43%  (643 VOTES)

Sebastian: Props to Keira for producing an absolutely solid pop-banger track. “No Business On The Dancefloor” is a modernised hark back to western-enthno pop fusions of the 2000s, with an undeniably catchy chorus and hook that burrows itself like a proper earworm. Very TikTok friendly. Here’s hoping the campy, oversaturated videography can be recreated with some solid dance moves and vocals from Keira, who, while solid on a recorded track, needs to show more range in the live performance. 

TomLoving the diversity in this year’s UMK. Not sure that Harry Potter swings but I am happy to buy into this cool, radio-friendly track. I love the Dua Lipa pop meets folklore flute vibe. Very listenable but dare I say…a little forgettable in this field of songs. Gives me tiny hints of a more chilled out folky version of Serebro’s “Song #1”. A strong effort to bring something different to the table. 

4. KUUMAA

8.14%  (458 VOTES)

Calvin: There’s a power here that I struggle to translate into words. The first time I listened to this, I wasn’t necessarily hooked. But once it’s inside your head you can’t escape “Ylivoimainen” anymore. It has a hypnotising quality, spinning around between verses and choruses. A flow of nostalgia hits my body and thoughts catch my mind while I’m jamming to this wonderful song. I don’t see this having the instant appeal to do well at Eurovision, but I wouldn’t mind being proven wrong.

William: This is far and away the most-played of all the UMK 2023 songs on my iPhone. KUUMA have managed to deliver a pop song that pushes forward despite the heavy nostalgia and melancholy that underscore pretty much all of it. I don’t speak Finnish, but the song transmits desire, longing and regret loud and clear — and it all feels so smooth and polished. That the lead singer has those vocals — and that handsome face — only adds to the allure. My favourite studio cut in a stellar field.


 
5. LXANDRA – “Something to Lose”

5.38%  (303 VOTES)

Deban: Sometimes in life, the moments and people that we value the most can haunt us to the point where we begin to question our very purpose in life. We often face an existential crisis: what have we achieved? What have we got to lose? What makes us who we are? Lxandra tackles this heavy subject matter in a manner that’s bold and delicate in equal measure. Solitary yet connected in sound and movement, “Something To Lose” is arguably 2023’s most beautiful ballad so far. The feelings of despair are articulated with poise, and the outcome of her expression is solidly reassuring — Yes, the world is better with you in it.

Sebastian: Haunting, emotional and a surprise ballad in this year’s UMK, Lxandra stands out from the pack. She is a storyteller — not someone dropping an overproduced song void of meaning. There’s heart and soul behind this track, and Lxandra’s vocal plays are impressive. Hopefully the stage performance can show feelings and emotions beyond the obvious grief. 

6. THE PORTION BOYS

4.94% (278 VOTES)

Rik: I’m sorry, I just can’t stand these kind of joke acts. They give us good production and a lot of effort but it feels like they just make fun of Eurovision — but not in an enjoyable way. The lyrics make it even more cliché and childish. I don’t see Europe liking tho s entry and it would be a waste of six better songs not making it, if Finland sets Portion Boys to Liverpool.

Tom: This is wonderfully throwback, anthemic, fun and bursting with “hands in the air” energy. I heard Formula One and Kimi Räikkönen in the lyrics so I had to find out what they were singing about. Turns out they are singing about everyone in Europe — and that makes me love the song even more. Yes, it is on the kitsch side. It may feel like Finland could be taking a step backwards if this gets selected but I am not sure I care. I love how entertaining and explosive the song is. Make no mistake, I can’t have 39 other songs like this at Eurovision, but I will be very happy if this is the song that ticks the kitsch box for 2023. Brilliant!

7. ROBIN PACKALEN – “Girls Like You”

2.57%  (145 VOTES)

Rick: I can totally imagine this being the song for a fashion commercial. It’s stylish, it’s fresh and it’s easy to listen to. But is “Girls Like You” competitive? I don’t think so. Robin’s vocals don’t give me the energy I want to see from Finland and the song just doesn’t stand out that much. Still a great production. 

William: For someone who is all about “that wild side,” this feels surprisingly tame. We’ve heard this before, over many years and by many artists, from Charlie Puth to Benjamin Ingrosso. However, Robin does bring a bit of fun and whimsy: I love how he uses novocaine to convey that wobbly-leg feeling that comes with sexual and romantic chemistry. The timbre of his voice also fits perfectly with this, conveying the right mix of obsession, neediness, and swagger. He’s perhaps the most seasoned of all the acts, so I expect this to improve dramatically when delivered live.

@wiwibloggs_official Do you agree? Detailed results at wiwibloggs.com 🇫🇮 #UMK23 #UMK2023 #UMK #Eurovision #ESC2023 #Finland ♬ UMK 2023 – Vanya

Do you agree with the results? Who are you rooting for in UMK 2023? Let us know in the comments below.

72 Comments
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lasse braun
lasse braun
1 year ago

@ wiwi
there is still no reaction video with the estonian winner at youtube – forgotten in space?

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago

Bess has good music but she certainly needs to improve performance wise.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago

The person with Bess is oozing swag I’m living!

Jack
Jack
1 year ago

Prediction:

1. Kuumaa
2. Käärijä
3. Keira
4. The Portion Boys
5. Benjamin
6. Robin
7. Lxandra

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

Kaarja has ridiculous staging but the song is FIRE!
Business on the dancefloor is a BOP!!!

Chanandler
Chanandler
1 year ago

Where can we watch? Is there a link?

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Chanandler
Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Chanandler

40 minutes to go

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago

UMK will test if Finland is a potential ESC winner. If Käärijä tops both the public and the jury, the other 36 countries should be scared, if he doesn’t then I’ll have doubts about his jury placement in the final.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago

I feel like Keira might come second.

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if Kaarija doesn’t win. Like at all.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

I can’t see him not topping the televote and since the jury barely has any power I can’t see Kaarija not winning. If his live is good of course.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

I can see him coming either 2nd or first in televoting. Cicciolina won the televoting but not with big difference and the jury gave her less points which eventually stole her victory. I can see a similar scenario here but i don’t think Kaarja will flop with juries, i mean William is one of the juries and we know he loves this song

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

Does William love it? I didn’t really get that from his reaction. I don’t think Käärijä will flop with the juries either : )

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago
Reply to  Jamie

Phew, Finland didn’t stumble on this year’s national final curse…

Fatima
Fatima
1 year ago

Kuuma might be this year’s Aksel

Jesiah
Jesiah
1 year ago

Some predictions for UMK tonight:
Kuuma will get top 3 with televote but tank with juries.
Kaarija will win the televote but will be out of top 3 of the juries.
Either Lxandra or Portion Boys will be last place.
Robin Packalen will get top 3 with Juries.
Benjamin and Keira will be in top 3.
Overall Kaarija will win.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jesiah

You’re probably gonna be right in all of these.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jesiah

I feel like Keira & Robin will be second & third and Käärijä will win.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

I will surely manage to tune in for at least the singing part of UMK. I believe that the 75% televoting percentage will be to the benefit of Kaarija but I wouldn’t count on a a good jury result for him. Will the televoting be enough as he is going to probably smash it? Most probably yes. If he doesn’t win, I wouldn’t count out Robin or Kuuma (two acts that will be high in the televoting and may also be high in the jury voting: high enough in both to counter Kaarija’s perhaps low jury result). I think the… Read more »

Tomm
Tomm
1 year ago

I have q – How can I watch Finnish NS from Central Europe??? Its always geoblocked 🙁 Is there any other chance apart from VPN? I dont have time to download it …

Vigo
Vigo
1 year ago

It’s a shame I don’t vibe with Cha Cha Cha at all but it seems like it’s going to win by a landslide.

Aaljan
Aaljan
1 year ago
Reply to  Vigo

Its noise, nothing more, but sell the sheep some hype and they will fall over themselves for it.

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Aaljan

Why is it when something is popular there are some people who complain about it? There is nothing sheepy about liking Cha Cha Cha. If someone likes a song, they like a song.

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago

If you want my honest opinion, every single song of this year’s UMK I’d be glad to have in ESC2023, apart from Robin’s. With all of that, here’s my final rank for tonight’s show:

1. Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha (BY A MILE, MIGHT ALSO BE MY ESC WINNER) (10/10)
2. Keira – No Bussiness On The Dancefloor (9.5/10)
3. Benjamin – Hoida Mut (9.5/10, although his live may not be great)
4. Kuuma – Ylivoimainen (9/10)
5. Portion Boys – Samaa Taivasta Katsotaan (8/10)
6. Lxandra – Something To Lose (8/10)
7. Robin – Girls Like You (6/10)

Julia
Julia
1 year ago

Kaarija will win and save this below average Eurovision season <3 (Sorry to whom I might offens)

Andy
Andy
1 year ago

Benjamin is so hot

Nicolas
Nicolas
1 year ago

What ? That song has zero melody and sounds like a cheap 100% computer generated track.

Tomm
Tomm
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Go cry about it …

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Nicolas

Ahaha. Actually it has a melody in the second half of the song. I can sing it if you like 😛

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago

I saw the rehearsal snippets and everyone sounded really good! Especially Keira!

Helloman
Helloman
1 year ago

Remember: Benjamin/Hoida Mut has no chance tonight . Finnish normal people don’t vote for slaygajbops.
I mean, maybe it would have won in 2015.
My prediction:
Top 3: Käärijä, Robin, PB
Middle: Keira, Kuumaa
Bottom: Lxandra, Benja

Poncho
Poncho
1 year ago
Reply to  Helloman

nOrMal pEoPle

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago

For me tonight :

1. Käärijä
2. Keira
3. Kuumaa
4. Benjamin (his live is average…)
5. Lxandra
6. Portion Boys
7. Robin Packalen

Umk is so good this year Waouh !! Please Käärijä !!!!

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Roro31

Same top : )

Roro31
Roro31
1 year ago
Reply to  Sol Stevia

Kaarijaa the best ! I hope !!! I’m very nervous xd….

zoliszekely
zoliszekely
1 year ago

Kaarija – Cha Cha Cha is the most unique entry of this year so far. If Finland wants to be in the top 10 in may, they must send Kaarija. He would be in my 1st place in this season for now or even after we know all the 37 songs.

Rebekka
Rebekka
1 year ago

Let’s just take a moment to enjoy how much QUALITY there is in this final! Thank you, UMK!

Scott
Scott
1 year ago

Croatia – not even close to anything Finland has to offer- Käärija ( for all its faults- and there are not many) is far superior to Croatia.

Juarez Neto
Juarez Neto
1 year ago
  1. Cha Cha Cha
  2. Hoida mut
  3. Ylivoimainen
  4. Samaa taivasta katsotaan
  5. Something to Lose
  6. No Business on the Dancefloor
  7. Girls Like You
Scott
Scott
1 year ago

KUUma is currently topping the Finnish Spotify charts- that could be a sign that Cha Cha Cha May stumble at the final hurdle. I really like Cha Cha Cha- but there ‘a not much singing going on and when there is, it’s very auto tuned. Oh well- it’s viral popularly has taken then heat off Norway – which is a good thing because in the past couple of ESC’s , viral entries ( ie Spain and Malta) have not won.

Cacao
Cacao
1 year ago
Reply to  Scott

Spotify is nothing is this show. Last year, Bess was #1during 1 month and Younghearted was #4th and Bess ended 3 in the votes and Younghearted finished last. Same exemple two years ago with the Teflon brothers.

Benjamin
Benjamin
1 year ago

Seems that no one cares about the musical quality in Eurovision. This song is just like kindergarten song, I hope that “Cha cha cha” will not win

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Benjamin

You could describe Cha Cha Cha in a lot of words but Kindergarden is 1000% not one of them lmao.

Bandido
Bandido
1 year ago
Reply to  Benjamin

Then what is Verka Lasha tumbay???

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Bandido

It’s… so 2007. 🙂

Sol Stevia
Sol Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Bandido

What does that have to do with anything? lol

Noam600
Noam600
1 year ago

We will wait and see

Milla
Milla
1 year ago

Eeeh.. I see many talk about Benjamin and Kuumaa. But the songs are pretty generic stuff. The only standout is the finnish language. These songs will never win eurovision. It’s delusional. The only song that can make it or brake it in this selection is Käärijä. But it might be too aggresive.

Milla
Milla
1 year ago
Reply to  Milla

The songs just lacks some kind of power in them imo..

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago
Reply to  Milla

Didn’t know that it was you who decide which songs could win Eurovision or not but ok….

Milla
Milla
1 year ago

I talk like any other esc-fan. What’s the problem with me doing it?? LOL

Jezebella
Jezebella
1 year ago

I am so excited! Where can we watch it!

Finn_escX
Finn_escX
1 year ago

Just as reminder: The staging budgets aren’s quite “Mello” when it comes to YLE, so don’t expect too much, even though most of the performaces look semi-great on the short clips compared to some previous years. YLE is not known for fabulous camera working/sound quality though so hopefully those aren’t disaster on Käärijä’s performance especially. The staging could also change to Eurovision, like last year. And Käärijä’s show is probably intentionally cheap looking 😀 And it seems to have some close-up face shots, and some possibly ‘risky’ dancer stuff according to some insider reactions. Keira/Lxandra seems to have great staging… Read more »

esc_fl
esc_fl
1 year ago

Really hoping for Kuumaa. I think Ylivoimainen has really grown on many people. From the rehearsal footage the staging was a bit lackluster, but I’m hoping there will be the right elevation come Saturday. If Kuumaa doesn’t win, I’m hoping for Keira or Lxandra. I could live with Benjamin winning as well, but not Kaarija, Robin, or Portion Boys. Every entry is unique and strong, however. Finland should be very proud.

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago

Keira is my fav since the beginning, I’ve seen a snippet of her rehearsals and she is really good but really really, I know Kaarija is the big favorite and I would be happy too but I wouldn’t rule out Keira because she impressed me. In Benjamin’s rehearsal snippet the voice was a bit underwhelming, let’s see how it will turn but I don’t think it’s already done for Cha Cha Cha like the majority of people think, we will see, it’s open imo.

Zanoni
Zanoni
1 year ago

Love it: Kaarija and Benjamin
Like it: Kuumaa, Lxandra and Keira
Meh: Robin
For the love of God no: Portion Boys

fever
fever
1 year ago

I love Benjamin and his song. Yet, without any doubt, Käärijä is also fabulous. Many UMK23 this year have the winning, or at least, top-10 qualities.
I am also relieved to see that LXANDRA has not been overlooked.

Looking forwards to all their performances tomorrow night!

Jack
Jack
1 year ago

I think Kuumaa will win but I’m rooting for all of them cause UMK this year is so good.

Benito Camelo
Benito Camelo
1 year ago

My favorites for the win are Kuumaa, but if they don’t win, give me either Käärijä or Benjamin pls

Yep
Yep
1 year ago

Exciting evening to come, rooting for Käärijä!

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

I actually think Kuumaa will be 2nd place

Hector
Hector
1 year ago

I’m rooting for Kuumaa the most. If not them, I hope it’s either Käärijä or Benjamin

Ultima Thule
Ultima Thule
1 year ago

I just hope that Finland won’t make a mistake with this. Benjamin or Kaarija can win at Eurovision, depending on the staging and live performance. Kuuma and Portion Boys are songs that I like more in general, but they don’t have the capacity to win Eurovision. I just hope the other three won’t win because it would be a complete disaster, especially Keira. Nothing against them, or their songs, in any other national final they would be even a fine choice, but it would be such a waste to send a generic song we all heard so many times before,… Read more »

Bandido
Bandido
1 year ago
Reply to  Ultima Thule

Benjamin can’t sing, will flop unfortunately this evening. So that’s for his changes even in UMK.

Amesc
Amesc
1 year ago

When it comes to the song, I think Kuumaa’s is the best. It is radio friendly, modern, melodic and it stucks in your head. But when it comes to a song contest, I admit that Cha Cha is the best choice. It can do very well or very bad, but what’s certain is that the public will notice it- and this is much better than being just another song in the bunch.
Good luck to all the contestants tommorow!!!

Theo
Theo
1 year ago

Lxandra’s song is beautiful. But I thing will have the same result that “Black Bird”

Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago
Reply to  Theo

Same style of songs so forcefully the same results?

Theo
Theo
1 year ago

Käärijä would be in my opinion the best option, HOWEVER it hugely depends on his live performance and staging. I’ve checked the lyrics and even the words talk about self-confidence, something is missing in the message. The good thing is that the song will be performed in Finnish. If the lyrics were in English, I don’t think this might have a chance.
But well, Lyrics sometimes is the least important for SOME people. Rumor has it, Austria’s song is called “Edgar Allan Poe” and the Lyrics is just a repetition of his name. I haven’t had confirmation about that.

sam
sam
1 year ago

honestly, all of the acts at this year’s UMK are quality so i won’t be upset regardless of the result. with that said, käärijä is something special and finland would be losing out on a potential top 5 placement if they choose someone else

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago

This > All Una Voce Per San Marino 2023 entries

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
1 year ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

William, if you’re there, could you remove this comment?