Finnish broadcaster Yle has announced that Erika Vikman and Eurovision 2025 winner JJ will deliver the opening performance at the final of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2026 (UMK).
A Spectacular Opening Act
According to Yle, the performance will feature a unique mash-up combining material associated with both performers, bringing together two major names connected to recent Eurovision history.
This marks the third time JJ has appeared at a national selection show in the lead-up to Eurovision 2026, highlighting his continued involvement in the season’s events.
A Eurovision Throwback Performance
Sonja Lumme will appear as one of the interval acts, too. The performance will be part of a special segment celebrating the broadcaster’s 100th anniversary, adding a nostalgic element to Finland’s Eurovision selection show.
Lumme represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1985 with the song “Eläköön elämä.” She is expected to perform the entry during the show, revisiting one of Finland’s classic Eurovision moments. In comments following the announcement, Lumme described UMK as the country’s biggest annual music event and expressed excitement about bringing her Eurovision song back to the stage with a refreshed presentation.
Finnish Rap Stars join the interval acts
Turisti’s hit “Kui paljon” will receive a special live reinterpretation at the UMK stage, performed by a lineup of major figures from Finland’s rap scene. Joining Turisti are Averagekidluke, Ares and veteran rapper Elastinen, forming a one-off collaboration for an exclusive interval performance. The show promises to bring high-energy Finnish hip hop to the UMK final.
Commentary Available in Eight Languages
The show will be accessible in multiple languages, highlighting the contest’s growing international appeal. A total of twelve commentators will provide coverage across eight different language streams. The broadcast will include commentary in Finnish, Swedish, English, Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi, Ukrainian, Russian and Finnish sign language.
In addition to airing on Yle TV1 and the Yle Areena streaming platform, UMK 2026 will also be broadcast internationally. Viewers in the Netherlands and Spain will be able to watch the show on OutTV, with commentary provided by GJ Kooijman and former Finnish Eurovision representative Krista Siegfrids.
Participants
| Place | Artist | Song |
| 01. | Komiat | “Lululai“ |
| 02. | Etta | “Million Dollar Smile“ |
| 03. | Kiki | “Rakkaudenkipee“ |
| 04. | Antti Paalanen | “Takatukka“ |
| 05. | CHACHI | “Cherry Cake“ |
| 06. | Sinikka Monte | “Ready To Leave“ |
| 07. | Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen | “Liekinheitin“ |
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.
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 ready for Saturday’s final? 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: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Rory Gannon