Finland’s national broadcaster Yle has announced the presenting team for Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2026 (UMK), the Finnish national selection show that will determine the country’s act for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
Three Hosts Set to Lead UMK 2026
Yle has confirmed a trio of hosts who will guide viewers through the UMK 2026 show:
- Sami Sykkö – A professor, journalist and cultural commentator known for his work in fashion, design and media, including appearances as a style expert on Yle’s Independence Day broadcasts.
- Jorma Uotinen – A celebrated choreographer, artistic director and performer, noted for his longstanding influence in Finnish arts and his role as a judge on Tanssii tähtien kanssa (Dancing With the Stars).
- Jasmin Beloued – Radio and television personality with previous hosting experience, bringing her enthusiasm and broadcast skills to this year’s UMK stage.
The trio is expected to bring personality, energy and charm to this year’s competition, blending expertise from music, media and performance as Finland chooses its Eurovision entry.
What do we know about UMK26?
Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu will take place on the 28th of February 2026. The winning act will be chosen through a vote weighted 25% to the jury and 75% to the public televote.
The entries participating in this year’s competition will be released as follows (click on the song title to listen where available):
| Artist | Entry | Release Date |
| Etta | “Million Dollar Smile“ | January 15th |
| Pete Parkkonen x Linda Lampenius | “Liekinheitin“ | January 16th |
| Komiat | “Lululai“ | January 19th |
| Sinikka Monte | “Ready to Leave“ | January 20th |
| Antti Paalanen | “Takatukka“ | January 21st |
| Chachi | “Cherry Cake“ | January 22nd |
| KIKI | “Rakkaudenkipee” | January 23rd |
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 “ICH KOMME” by Erika Vikman. Competing in the second semi-final, Erika qualified for the final and would eventually finish in 11th place with 196 points. Of these, 108 came from the televote, while the jury awarded her 88 points.
Are you excited for UMK26? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, Tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Yle
Picture Credit: Yle/Miska Voinoff
Tim J 
Samantha