Participating countries in Eurovision 2025 are now commencing the search for the artists that will be representing them in Switzerland next year. This time, Finnish broadcaster Yle has opened the submissions for its selection UMK.
Submissions open until August 25
Yle has opened the submissions over at yle.fi/umk, with the broadcaster accepting submissions until 23:59EET on the 25th of August. The selection of the artists/entries competing in UMK25 will be undertaken by a jury of music professionals, which will be chaired by YleX’s Head of Music Tapio Hakanen, who has mentioned the following upon the opening of the submissions:
“In the previous season, UMK became an arena-size event at Nokia Arena in Tampere, with two sold-out shows and, at the same time, the entire production was taken to a whole new level. It was great to see how UMK artists got to take a big career step towards larger stages, greater popularity and gold and platinum records.”
“I’m very excited to see what kind of songs and artists the new season will offer. UMK does not have a specific musical format: hopefully, as diverse a group of artists as possible will apply and take this chance to inspire audiences both in Finland and around the world!
The final of UMK25 is set to take place in February 2025, with Yle set to confirm the exact date and venue in due course.
About UMK
Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu has been the method of selection for Finland since 2012. The national selection has seen a variety of different formats over the years. We have had semi-finals, we have had a song selection for internally choosen artists, Yle have really given us it all in terms of this national final. Currently UMK takes place over one night, with seven acts taking part. This national final has grown in popularity over the years and is now one of the most anticipated on the national final calendar.
Finland’s Eurovision Journey
Finland debuted in the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing 10th with Laila Kunnunen’s “Valoa ikkunassa.” Since then they have competed 56 times, and appeared in the final 48 times. Finland has finished in the top 10 an impressive 14 times. They have won the contest once in 2006, with Lordi’s performance of “Hard Rock Hallelujah” getting 292 points.
Finland’s most recent entry was “No Rules” by Windows95man. They came in 7th place in the semi-final in Malmö, thus qualifying for the final. At the close of voting, he gained a total of 38 points, earning them 19th place. Windows95man received 31 points from the televote, and an extra 7 points from the juries.
Are you excited for UMK25? Who do you think should represent Finland in Switzerland? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start our preparations for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: Yle
Photo Credit: Yle
Giwrgos Oiko