If you know that UMK stands for Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu then you’re probably a Eurovision fan. And if you are you’ve most definitely heard the epic news out of Finland: Iconic rock band The Rasmus have won UMK 2022 and will sing “Jezebel” at Eurovision 2022.
The band topped both the jury vote and the televote to win in a landslide.
The song is written and composed by the group’s lead singer Lauri Ylönen alongside world-renowned producer Desmond Child – he’s previously worked with Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper and Kiss among others.
“Jezebel” is a song for strong, independent women, who blaze their own trail.
“Jezebel was a biblical troublemaker, who did things her own way and really shook things up. We wanted to introduce her to the modern-day world. The song is also a bit tongue-in-cheek, which is pretty unusual for The Rasmus”, says lead singer Lauri Ylönen.
The Rasmus are one of Finland’s most internationally successful groups, having sold 5 million albums worldwide since forming in 1994. Their biggest hit is “In The Shadows”, which became one of the top-selling songs in the world at the time of its release in 2003.
The group’s current line-up features vocalist Lauri Ylönen, bassist Eero Heinonen, drummer Aki Hakala and guitarist Emilia ‘Emppu’ Suhonen.
UMK 2022: Grand final results
- The Rasmus “Jezebel” – 310 points
- Cyan Kicks “Hurricane” – 221 points
- Bess “Ram pam pam” – 204 points
- Olivera “Thank God I’m an Atheist” 167 points
- Isaac Sene “Kuuma jäbä” – 127 points
- Younghearted “Sun numero” – 91 points
- Tommi Läntinen “Elämä kantaa mua” – 56 points
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UMK 2022: Jury result
- The Rasmus – 68 points
- Bess – 56 points
- Cyan Kicks – 52 points
- Olivera – 46 points
- Younghearted – 40 points
- Isaac Sene – 28 points
- Tommi Lantinen – 4 points
The Rasmus win the jury vote of #UMK22. This accounts for 25% of the overall score. pic.twitter.com/lzdvjZ7YcT
— wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) February 26, 2022
12 Points
The seven juries awarded their top marks to four different acts.
The Rasmus: 12 points from Norway, Germany and Italy
Bess: 12 points from Serbia and Spain
Olivera: 12 points from Cyprus
Cyan Kicks: 12 points from Czech Republic
Jury members
Cyprus — Elena Tsagrinou
Norway — KEiiNO
Serbia — Bojana Stamenov
Germany — Jendrik
Spain — Rosa Lopez
Czech Republic — Albert Cerny from Lake Malawi
Italy — Marta (Journalist)
UMK 2022: Televote
The Rasmus – 242 points
Cyan Kicks – 169 points
Bess – 148 points
Olivera – 121 points
Isaac Sene – 99 points
Tommi Lantinen – 52 points
Younghearted – 51 points
Finland: UMK 2022 reaction video
I think it’s funny how the only artists I knew before ESC were released last weekend. I was like ‘The Rasmus? Who’s that?’ then I listened to In The Shadows and I was like ohhhhhh! Also I knew Sheldon Riley because i watched ‘The Voice’ videos as a ten years old kid.
i was really rooting for bess and thought she had a great chance to win but honestly anything finland chose would have been fine by me, jezebel isn’t my favorite but it’s been stuck in my head for the last few days. no doubt finland will qualify although i hope they don’t start exclusively sending rock songs again
That’s my fear rn, that’d demotivate and send a negative message to up and coming acts from other genres who’d like to take part in UMK in the following years 🙁
This song is really basic and bad. Blind channel were far superior last year
I don’t like his hair, awkward
The lyric video should be the official video, it was just that good!
This is the kind of song that has its fate determined by its staging. The song is dated and the vocals are not the greatest, but rock songs have so much potential when performed live. Get rid of that microphone stand!! The atmosphere only really picked up once he ditched it and started walking around the stage. I don’t know whether to call this a qualifier or not but sorry Rasmus, Maneskin and Blind Channel last year were both miles ahead of you.
I can’t help to really like this song and I enjoyed their performance a lot yersterday.
It has a very effective chorus and tune. And instrumental as well. (Similar to Estonia’s Hope with another genre)
It can appeal easily to many locals like friends or parents. More than fandom probably. And nostalgia 00’s sound works.
Is “jezebel” not a misogynist word for a woman?
Racist history too. I’m wondering if this should cause them some problems. It’s the thing I like least about the song.
Before I get a hundred downvotes, I do know and appreciate that The Rasmus are not using the word in that way.
Webster defines jezebel as an “impudent, shameless, or morally unrestrained woman,” referring to the Biblical queen and wife of Ahab who killed the prophets of Israel. It’s definitely not a nice word, though Elsie Bay used the word in Death of Us.
Jezebel is a biblical figure. Her name later became a term that is used to demonize promiscuous or powerful women. Since topics like women’s sexuality are more accepted today the term Jezebel has started to become a more positive thing to describe independent women who own their sexuality. Kind of like girls using “the b-word” around their friends.
I don’t think there will be any problems because the lyrics aren’t misogynistic in any way.
yes it is
They were saved by Bess having really awful stagong and weaker vocals. She should have sticken to the biker-fifties look!
Definitely, she blew her chances awfully! 🙁
Animation is not just for children – think of it as a graphic novel or something. I loved it.
I was gutted when I saw that The Rasmus won but now, seeing things in hindsight after watching last night’s live performances, I get why they won: they had the best package of the night and both Bess and Isaac (two of my favorites) blew their chances with their staging and performance, respectively. On the other hand, Younghearted had a beautiful song with a terrific staging, but unfortunately lacked any appeal to both the public and jury 🙁 As for The Rasmus, is it a qualifier? I’m 99% sure of it. It’ll get tons of votes from everywhere, they have… Read more »
He can’t even sing and their popularity is much lower then FloRida and he almost stayed in semis
That’s what I suppose too, but I see the comments here and in YT and everyone’s rooting for them, I didn’t see that happening with Flo Rida a year ago, idk :/
Isaac Sene’s studio version is easily one of the best songs of the entire season but his live vocals didn’t seem that convincing and the entire live performance turned out a bit lackluster overall even if I understand what he was going for, it was always a divisive entry and I guess I can’t complain too much about it not doing that well in the end… BESS was my second choice, stronger live and some nice staging ideas like the pyro synchronizing with the “ram pam pam” hook towards the end, but there was no stopping The Rasmus and their… Read more »
Warning! SERBIA OUT!!!
Serbian President Vucic has signed a conclusion by the National Security Council, which the EU should carefully read. Core message: No sanctions against Russia. Serbia will be a safe haven for Putin & his criminal elite. Russia may do business via its Serbian ally.
And regardless of people’s opinions on that decision, it has nothing to do with the topic of this post.
Who cares? Civilians are dying in Ukraine / in Europe!!! Stop being so literal-minded.
Really good final last night in Finland. Wish more countries would just focus there energy on 7 or eight decent songs rather than these endless rounds and semi finals full of dross. Not a lover of the wining song, but it it is staged well and an easy qualifier. Likley middle of the pack in the final.
In this case I kinda think they might open the semi given that they are a famous act
Yes I agree the first spot might ruin it for them. Unfortunately I think it’s likely. Hoping though for them to perform towards the end of the first half.
Well finland is first half of second semi so answer is NO
Italy 11,5/12
Lithuania 10/12
Ukraine 9,5/12
Norway 9/12
Estonia 8/12
Czech Republic 7,5/12
Finland 7,5/12
San Marino 7/12
Slovenia 6,5/12
last place Australia
I do like The Rasmus and Jezebel and it was the best song of the evening.
However, Lauri didn‘t deliver his best (he was clearly the worst singer), hope he can improve for the Semifinal.
As for myself, I really liked Younghearted, sorry for them that it didn‘t really appeal to the public.
Not the best in the selection, but will surely qualify. The staging seemed to be all over the top, tho, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Finland 7,5/12 – is currently on seventh place together with Czechia in my list.
I absolutely loved Isaac Sene. A perfect staging and performance, great personality, interesting song. I hope to see him next year again. He was my no.1.
Disppointed his bad results! But could be too much or provokative even for ESC, like gay version of Iceland 1997?
Dude. It’s Eurovision. It breathes gay XD. If a bearded drag queen can win it than a guy singing about being bicurious is hardly going to bother them.
Also Pal Oskar was very gay. Maybe not on stage with the girls, but he was very gay.
im fin and i didnt heard anything what he sang!!
As a Finn, I’m little bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I do like The Rasmus and I’ve listened them so much when I was younger but their live performance wasn’t good. I personally voted for Bess and Cyan Kicks.
I think we’ll see rock fatigue in Turin. Too many acts using the Måneskin template. People are going to vote for something completely different. Not this, not a Fuego, and not Conchita-lite, Australia.
A good rock song can always do well. The Rasmus should qualify easily to the final where it can end on any place.
Also with Voyager not representing Australia, they might get all the votes from rock fans all around Europe (and Australia).
The “Maneskin template” – it is almost as if rock music didn’t exist before 2021?
You are talking about The Rasmus, a rock band that is huge and better known than Maneskin.
No, they used the Bon Jovi template
I’m so disappointed The Rasmus won. There were much better acts than this. The vocals were awful, Lauri Ylönen was off-key most of the time. In addition, the lyrics, background animation, and Ylonen’s hair are incredibly cringy. Lauri, please, you’re a 43-year-old man. Own it. Furthermore, I just didn’t like the fact that Paula Vesala, who is Lauri Ylonen’s ex-wife was hosting the show and promoting her new album during the show! I mean, that just seems so corrupt. Who made that decision? Anyway, the only reason The Rasmus won was because people think that by choosing a band that… Read more »
Please enlighten me as to what a 43 year old man should own?
I am 42 and just wish all 43 year old men were like Lauri, hahaha
You mean worldwide famous…
I really don’t like this entry. Sorry Finland.
remember the ESC voting rules:
jury 50% public 49,99% and WhiteSox 0,0000000000000000000000000001%
I wish I were 97 % of the final result 🙂
Pretty awful for my taste. This démodé commercial rock really turns me off. Finland, you really had better choices this year…
Having not heard any of the other songs at this years UMK, I cannot judge in comparison. But after a couple of times listening to this I can honestly say I really like this. It’s pretty formulaic but that’s not a bad thing as it gives you what you want and you end feeling satisfied.
They have stage presence, the song grows, I even like the key changes. Some of the lyrics are a bit simple but at least there’s a story within the song. This is in my top 5 so far.
I feel like bands have a bigger chance of winning UMK than solo acts
It was a great show, Isaac was my favourite but it didn’t come across so well performed live. The standard was very high and I like how they restricted the selection to just seven good songs, there was a lot to like, and I really enjoyed Bess and Tommi was great too. I’d have preferred a different outcome but all credit to them.
love it. greetings from Greece
Imagine downvoting a comment sending love and greetings.
Salty people, gtfo
Guys, if you’re mad someone’s loving a song you don’t like, just ignore them. Don’t be too salty to downvote it
Give the trophy to Ukraine and just move on to Eurovision 2023…
Do you think that Ucraine will even participate? But in which world are you living in?
My solidarity’s with Ukraine but I didn’t like the song they’re sending this year and it’d be baffling if they won bc of sympathy votes
Not for such a song. Besides, it could hardly be held there! I doubt people care with thinking about survival
I find myself comparing this to their biggest well known hit. It doesn’t live up to that for me. So my natural instinct is to vote it down.
Love the staging though.
Good catchy song, and memorable. Will do well in eurovision.
This is the downside of a genuinely famous (domestically speaking) act competing in a national final, they are likely to win regardless of the quality of the song, unless the entire final has famous acts (like a super strong year of MelFest or Sanremo for example). Four of The Rasmus’ albums have topped the Finnish charts.
Imagine if Rosalia competed in Benidorm with a mediocre song this year. She’d steamroll the competition in Spain. Something similar happened in Finland. Perhaps the better option when The Rasmus indicated their interest in competing would be to pursue the Saara Aalto/Darude approach.
TERRIBLE. Will struggle to qualify
Yeah really after dozens of bad medicore songs! You’re such an expert! xD
No he’s not! He’s a goddamn hypocrite!
What a hypocrite! 🙁
Get real!
I loved Bess. I have Bess – Ram Pam Pam on ny playlist. I don’t have The Rasmus – Jezebel on my playlist. The Rasmus and Cyan Kicks were both songs I liked though. The Rasmus will doo well in EV & for what it’s worth, I think it was a strong national selection, so congrats to The Rasmus on the win. 7 out of 10 for me.
not my taste but its okayish. meh.
More than half songs now and still ZERO favorites so far. What a mess this year, war, Covid still there….
The stage design made the whole venue feel like P!nk’s “The Truth About Love” -album release party which made it look like a real concert. Great performances all around, UMK seems to dismiss using backtrack every year (Aksel 2021 for example) which is a disadvantage on songs that rely on certain sounds (Saara Aalto with Monster)..
Love Jezebel, it’s nice soft-rock! The yellow black theme goes really well and I bet this will look incredible on that beautiful stage in Turin.
I like the song a lot, memorable. Lauri shirtless is also cool! I don’t like his hair though (looks weird?), i am digging the animation and the yellow colour (thank god they did not go for black like Blind Channel). Vocals can improve, pre-recorded vocals will also help. My only concern is that usually the same recipe does not work, meaning the same rock-style entry in a second year in a row will hardly make the same impression as the first time (Blind Channel’s success in televoting). But you never know, this year looks like it’s going to be weak… Read more »
No. I cannot accept this. I wanted Bess to win.
I couldn’t see the show yesterday due to a few problems, but in my head I was hoping Ram Pam Pam would win, cuz I hate Jezebel. I saw the live performances right now and I CAN SEE that Bess was bad but I still wanted her to win. Even though her live was very bad. I love Hurricane but I didn’t want it to get one place HIGHER than Ram Pam Pam. Finland is neither in my Top 5 or Top 10. 🙁
So Rasmus opened a little weak, I dunno if it was nerves for Lauri or if he just wasn’t ready. BESS and Cyan Kicks were just incredible, I’ve loved BESS since the song dropped and likely will for years but up until tonight didn’t really get Cyan Kicks. How wrong was I!!! Their staging was incredible!
But at the end of the day the Rasmus was the best song and it will definitely give Finland their best chance at a Eurovision win.
This is not a prediction of a Finland win, this is a prediction of a top 6 position
I really like the black and yellow aesthetic.
But yeah, well done. Excellent choice Finland. Great to see the Rasmus back in. Action again too.
I think Finland will do good this year. Predicting 10-15 in the final.
Great choice, Finland is gonna be again near or inside of Top 5
Alright haters, shut the hell up already. It’s quite obvious that The Rasmus’ lead singer Lauri Ylönen is sensitive to hatred.
what happened
People are saying nasty things following The Rasmus’ victory. 🙁
Yes we know they won due to name and nostalgia factor but it’s a nice arena-rock song that likely will get votes in ESC for the same reason!
Best of luck to our neighbours!
Yeaaahhhh !! The Rasmus !!! Congrats Finland, its the best choice for you and yes, you will be in the final for sure !
ROCK !!!
I’m speaking mostly for myself when I’m saying I. HATE. THIS. I just cannot enjoy the performance, painfully mediocre vocals, weird staging (not in a good way) and the lyrics are a bigger cringefest than Latvia’s. And the whole performance was messy in general, I understand some people will love this act but for me it’s a huge no. (Sorry for being too harsh but these are my honest thoughts about the song)
nothing can top Latvia and Norway in terms of cringey lyrics this year. NOTHING.
Get a life – we all need a little fun
Why do all the trash songs keep marching into Eurovision?
Is this the worst year we have seen in a decade?
I get your feeling, but don’t drag Lithuania into this, they were one of the few who made the right choice so far :/
I agree! And Poland. And Ukraine, Norway, Latvia, Estonia, Italy, Spain, many acts are good this year! We just have many mediocre-to-terrible ones too.
Latvia & Spain aren’t good.
Norway isn’t good and Estonia had better entries in their selection
Every year is the “worst year” for bitter Eurofans, especially at the height of national final season.
You are very right!!! It’s exhausting it happens every year.. Just because a favorite doesn’t win, the year is the worst!
Norway, Israel and Latvia bad entries, low quality and uninspiring songs. Rest are okay.
I was hoping Maneskin’s success will inspire talented artist but nah..
Well, the decade isn’t very long with only one ESC so far.. but yes, this year is turning to be pretty underwhelming
He looks like Chucky lol
Chucky from the movies or Chucky Lozano? :v
Chucky the youtuber from Poland. He makes reaction videos every week.