She’s the hot favourite to win Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2020 and represent Finland at Eurovision 2020.

And ahead of next week’s final Erika Vikman’s video for her track “Cicciolina” has passed one million views on YouTube.

It follows “Cicciolina” breaking a million streams on Spotify and reaching the Top 10 in the Finnish charts.

Responding to the news on her Instagram account @ErikaVikman, the star thanked her 16.2k followers and promised an “epic” stageshow.

The streaming platform success is a marked contrast to the other UMK 2020 acts. Her nearest competition, Aksel Kankaanranta has only managed to muster 225k streams on Spotify, with the other acts even further behind.

ERIKA VIKMAN PERFORMS SECOND AT UMK 2020

Despite her frontrunner status, Vikman will perform second on the night.

She’s sandwiched between Catharina Zülke and Aksel Kankaanranta. This could suggest YLE are not all that keen on “Cicciolina” moving forward to Eurovision. Eurofans will be aware second place is thought of as the “death slot” in running orders, because no act has ever won Eurovision from that position.

That said Aksel’s ballad “Looking Back” should offer a nice contrast from her aformentioned “epic” stageshow. Girlband F3M go “Bananas” in fourth, with Sansa‘s “Lover View” in fifth.

Tika closes the show with her tender track “I Let My Heart Break”. Equally this is a shorter national final than most, so running order may not play as big a role as it would in a more crowded field.

The running order in full:

1. Catharina Zühlke – “Eternity”
2. Erika Vikman – “Cicciolina”
3. Aksel Kankaanranta – “Looking Back”
4. F3M – “Bananas”
5. Sansa – “Lover View”
6. Tika – “I Let My Heart Break”

UMK 2020 stage

Ari Levelä has designed this year’s UMK stage and put an emphasis on “clarity”. The stage is equipped with the latest technologies to enable a spectacular show.

What do you think of Erika’s streaming success? Will “Cicciolina” represent Finland at Eurovision 2020? Let us know in the comments below!

GET MORE FINLAND EUROVISION NEWS HERE

 

 

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Alexander
Alexander
4 years ago

Good sign for a Eurovision song getting so much negative press from some folks calling it “scandalous” but being absolutely adored by the other, maybe much more major part of the community!

Also, as a Finn myself, hell yeah, let’s “mennään” Erika.

Pineaple
Pineaple
4 years ago

My favourite is Aksel personally. The second half of the second semi final already has Armenia and Latvia we dont really need another divisive female pop song in there.

Angelika
Angelika
4 years ago

I love Cicciolina!!!

My Vision
My Vision
4 years ago

Finland better picks this, but seeing the results of recent NF’s and how juries scr*wed up everything, we’ll probably end up with something basic without character once again…

Plantae
Plantae
4 years ago

I know she’s a massive fan favorite, but… Am I the only one who has no faith in this?
Ok, I really don’t like the song, I think it’s dated and tacky, but even if I did, I’d 100% disagree with whoever is saying “oh, this song is their only chance at doing well”. Is it tough? Because I can very easily see it scoring zero points with the juries and 11th/12th with the televote for being too controversial (and dated, and tacky).

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Plantae

Even if scored poorly, it would still be a success for Finland because of the attention it has gotten and will continue to get. That in itself is more than they usually get.

West
West
4 years ago
Reply to  Plantae

I share this opinion. So… at least two people?

Plantae
Plantae
4 years ago
Reply to  West

Apparently lol
I really can’t get behind this song lol I’m shocked people actually listen to it and enjoy it

Boozyfloozy86
Boozyfloozy86
4 years ago

If Finland want a chance at Eurovision Cicciolina has to win UMK!

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago

Why wouldn’t they? Even if they had to make a few minor lyric changes, I’m sure it would not be turned away.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Other broadcasters might object to this one. Will see what happens.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Why, though? There’s literally nothing to object to, except vaguely referencing something some conservatives might not like. It would be ridiculous for the EBU to block this. Maybe I’m missing something.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I don’t wish to prompt anything. (A lot of people read these comments). My best advice would be to read the translated lyrics again and then see how the live performance is presented at UMK before drawing any final conclusions. 😉

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Okay, so the lyrics are a bit suggestive, but there’s nothing explicit. If people have a problem, that’s their issue. We shouldn’t have to cater to small-mindedness. If it remains in Finnish, most people won’t understand a word anyway!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

The point is: You won’t put a stop to the abuse of women’s rights in the real world of selling themselves for money, especially not if songs like “Cicciolina” promote the self-empowerment of it. The message may fly in the face of the realities and hardships that women face every day. However, that is only one way to view the song, and it can be seen more idealistically than that, of course. Hence, wait and see.

Pikkulina
Pikkulina
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I think the problem is that the word valuutta is translated to currency or money, when it should be assets

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Pikkulina

Owhh, yes! I see that now! Thank you.

Philou
Philou
4 years ago

I adore it!!! Please send this beautiful track to Rotterdam!!! Winner alert! Finnish is a beautiful language! 12 points de la Suisse??Bonne chance à Erika.

aroncido
aroncido
4 years ago

This song is pure joy.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

I thought that too, at first. But when applied to the debate over laws in some countries today, the meaning looks more provocative and much more sinister. It screams “in your face” at the recent debate over a ban in Spain, for example.

ESC Nils
ESC Nils
4 years ago

Running order doesn’t mean anything when you have a clear televotes winner, more than 1M viewers on youtube is really impressive for a Finnish act and she is the only act who’s entered the Finnish Spotify charts top 10 since a lot of time, maybe ever. I just can’t see how this won’t win the selection. Erika will get something like between 50 and 70% of all the votes cast. Maybe the juries won’t put her first but surely not last. Good luck anyways!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

Well considering that “Cicciolina” is about something highly controversial in some countries, I am surprised that the broadcaster even allowed it to make it to the final. It is also likely to provoke a borderline political debate in the press room. It is, however, a fantastic dance track. Nice one, UMK. 🙂

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I’m wondering on whether they’d allow the usage of name Playboy (brands and all that). Hopefully, but IDK. Strategically, picking Erika would be the best move for Finland to stand out. Second best would be Zuhlke, considering it’s both emotional and a banger. Quality-wise, Aksel and especially Tika are just as good. There are a lot of ballads already, though, even if I prefer theirs to the majority of already chosen ones. With the right staging, Sansa might be quite interesting too. I can see it being hypnotic.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Agreed. Added note: With Tika’s song, I wish they would fix that howler of a grammatical error in Verse 1 about making coffee, but apart from that I really want to see Tika win because I really like her voice.

Milde
Milde
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

But does it still matter when she is not referring to the magazine? I’d understand if playboy meant Playboy, but she is just stating that she’d be envied playboy if she was a man.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Really?! I didn’t know that! Wow. Such a difference to the BBC, lol. 😀

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

We really need Cicciolina. Fun, enjoyable and so damn catchy

Tajikistan
Tajikistan
4 years ago

Obvious click bait…

In a 6 song NF how can performing second matter?

Film
Film
4 years ago
Reply to  Tajikistan

If its done like in Ukraine, Vidbir it matters. When every 2-3 songs you get a 30 min commercial break. Running order matters always to some extend. Yes when you have just a few songs its not that impactful, but, if youre 2nd out of 26 song it matters a lot.

Emedee
Emedee
4 years ago
Reply to  Film

Yle doesn’t have any ad breaks, so that will not be a problem.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

she also peaked at #6 in the finnish charts and has garnered one million streams on spotify in finland alone, that’s even more impressive. no umk entry had charted in the finnish chart (suomen virallinen lista) since 2014.

Edward
Edward
4 years ago

Not even Saara Aalto?

Puff
Puff
4 years ago

What do you guys think of the UMK 2020 stage design?

West
West
4 years ago

Yeah, this isn’t my favourite – at all. But of course if the song would get support from the televoters in esc and juries wouldn’t ignore it, then it would be the best to send it. But then again we’ve seen other huge fan favourites to crash in the semifinals, so who knows at this point.

Andi
Andi
4 years ago

Daði proved that you can win with the start number 2 🙂
So I don’t have worries. But I am also a fan of Aksel and Sansa.

Joshua
Joshua
4 years ago

Erika has a very nice song. That said, I’m not sure she is what Eurovision needs. It’s that kind of song that could either score very high or very low… It’s a risk and I fear Finland might not get a good score with Cicciolina. Hope Finland gets back to the spotlight and if that’s achieveable only with Erika, then I hope she wins… but I’ll still be worried they might not qualify.

ESC Nils
ESC Nils
4 years ago
Reply to  Joshua

It’s in semi 2, this will surely qualify, plus there are Estonia, Latvia, Iceland and San Marino in that semi so… I’m not worried.

Kung Frederick 90
Kung Frederick 90
4 years ago

Finland the choice is between Erika, Erika, Erika, Erika, Erika and Erika.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Nah. The choice is between Erika and withdrawing, never to come back.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

A bit excessive, lol. Firstly, they do have four other really good songs in UMK. Secondly, I would never wish any of the countries out of the contest, even if they send dirge. It’s about inclusivity. 🙂
But I do agree that Erika would bring something most unique, genre-wise. 🙂

PS. I know you are joking, I’m just teasing you.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

If it’s all about inclusion, you can find a space for Bananas somewhere. 😉
Haha. Guess I can tease, too!

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Oh, I would find a nice place for them right around a middle of my list. 😉
Finland is still welcome. 🙂

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Literally anyone except Bananas would be high on my list, which gets me worried given my recent track record.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

“Bananas” reminds me of a UK ladies’ binge drinking night. I didn’t know that was a thing in Finland until I heard that song! It’s very British, culturally.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

It’s a fine, fun song. Nowhere near being bad. The thing is, my ratings for the remaining five are really high and I am lacking “wow” songs on my top list. So far, only Italy and Ukraine would be roughly in that area, with Iceland, Norway, UK, Australia and Poland being near. Lithuania is also a big grower. In 2018. almost all of my “wow” songs won their respective national finals. In ’19 and ’20, almost none of them did.

Alexa
Alexa
4 years ago

It’s Erika or Aksel.

Robert
Robert
4 years ago

Took a second for me til I got hooked on Cicciolina but I’m in.. The 80’s sound Is so catchy.. Memories of early Kylie Minogue and Kim Wilde records come to surface, also weirdly enough Boys Boys Boys from Sabrina.. Sounds so Stock, Aitken & Waterman.. ?? This is great! Please Finland choose this amazing song..

Jack
Jack
4 years ago

She is more than the obvious choice.

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Finland 2014 acts peeformed 1 in national selection and they won ….Girl in Moldova or Dadi in Iceland performed 2 and won. Hopefully Erica will win …after yesterdays results of Estonia, Moldova, Croatia or Iceland i dont have a big expectations actually 🙁

ESC Nils
ESC Nils
4 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Next week will be good, it’s always every other week that countries choose wisely and give us quality.

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

Natalia Gordienco won from the second spot in a national final with 20 songs. Erika could still easily win.

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  Lisianthus

Then she has to buy SIM cards from Kirkorov. but with 6 songs it’s not a big deal to have spot 2

Film
Film
4 years ago
Reply to  Lisianthus

That was so obviously rigged.

ImJJ
ImJJ
4 years ago

I’m afraid she’ll fail just like the other favourites for other selections aa
She’s my fav btw

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

2/6 is not a bad spot in the Running Order, and I trust in Finland to make the very obvious decision. She will almost certainly win the televote, it depends on the jury.

That puppy in the window
That puppy in the window
4 years ago

If Cicciolina wins, Helsinki 2020

R
R
4 years ago

As awesome as that would sound, it would be a logistical nightmare to have Eurovision again in 2020…

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

shuuush! Let them suffer in vain 😀

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago

Running order is less relevant when there are six songs. She’s still a frontrunner.

AndersP
AndersP
4 years ago

It’s the type of high energy dance track you’d have expected in the early 2000s. It’s kind of dreadful and yet I love it.

Arthur H
Arthur H
4 years ago

Well, so-called “death slot” didn’t actually prevent Dadi from winning Icelandic selection yesterday. So, I guess performing second won’t hurt Erika unless the international jury misjudges her…

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

At least this would create some entertainment in Rotterdam – which is currently really lacking

Marios
Marios
4 years ago
Reply to  Paul

well what do you think about think about things? 😀

Mr X
Mr X
4 years ago

Gooo Erika goooo

Jordan
Jordan
4 years ago

Am I the only one who thinks Finland is way too low in the odds. Cicciolina could win if it gets selected!

Banan banan
Banan banan
4 years ago

Jury will kill this dated stuff

Leo
Leo
4 years ago
Reply to  Banan banan

That would be a tragedy, but I also wouldn’t be so sure about it. It’s not trash trash like Dustin the Turkey, the Russian Grannies or Spirit of the night to be more recent. It’s a fun bop with a guilty pleasure vibe like Spirit in the sky and while I can see it not doing well with the juries at Eurovision, I think it can still convince the juries in the national final. There just isn’t a better alternative.

Thorbeta
Thorbeta
4 years ago
Reply to  Banan banan

It will. And fans will be furious, but that’s the reality in Eurovision, where the juries are instructed to vote up songs that are original, creative, and sound contemporary. ‘Cicciolina’ ticks none of these boxes and that’s simply a fact. There are numerous similar cases in Eurovision, from Hungary 2011 and Israel 2014, to Norway 2019 as most have already noticed.

Banan banan
Banan banan
4 years ago
Reply to  Banan banan

Fact is this song sounda juat like every dated disco from finland, eurofans at wiwi again hyping trash

Puff
Puff
4 years ago
Reply to  Banan banan

Honey it’s retro and we are here for that. A variety of music genres are welcome to Eurovision, Eurovision needs Cicciolina. And it’s a good break from all the ballads selected so far. Plus it has a bold message, it’s sung in native language and it’s soooo catchy, such a crowd-pleaser song! Don’t be so negative.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago

Or maybe they gave her the second spot because she’s such a frontrunner and want to make things more exciting?

Nils
Nils
4 years ago

Cicciolina in Rotterdam would be fantastic. She would do so well and would be one of my favs
1. Erika
2. Catherina (amazing message)

bryn collins
bryn collins
4 years ago

she will still win