Finnish broadcaster Yle has confirmed that Erika Vikman will make a special appearance at Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2026 (UMK), performing her latest single “FATHER (I Will Never Confess)” during the show.
A return to the UMK stage
Vikman, who represented Finland at Eurovision 2025 with the song “Ich komme,” returns to the UMK stage one year after her participation in the contest. Her appearance is expected to be one of the evening’s major highlights, offering fans a chance to see the singer’s new song live. Speaking about her return, she said:
“It is a great honour, and truly moving, to return to the UMK stage one more time. With this performance, I want to thank UMK and the incredible community that has formed around it, which over the years helped shape me into the artist I am today. I got to go to Eurovision with you, and I will never forget that! ICH KOMME FOREVER MOTHER F*CKERS!”
The performance will take place at the Nokia Arena in Tampere on 28 February, as Finland prepares to select its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
Special Guests and Multilingual Coverage
Yle has also hinted that a well-known international guest will be part of the show, though details have yet to be revealed. As in previous editions, UMK 2026 will feature commentary in multiple languages to reach audiences beyond Finland. Confirmed commentators include:
- Jakko Oleander — English
- Linda Tammela — Northern Sámi
- Heli Huovinen — Inari Sámi
- Galyna Sergeeva — Ukrainian
- Levan Tvaltvadze — Russian
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: Corinne Cumming / EBU
Thomas James 
Rory Gannon