Finland has secured a rare exception to Eurovision rules, with Linda Lampenius officially allowed to perform live violin during Eurovision 2026.
A rave Eurovision exception
Live instruments have not normally been permitted at Eurovision since the contest removed its orchestra after 1998. Under current rules, all instrumental music must usually be pre-recorded, with performers miming instrument playing on stage.
However, Finland’s delegation requested an exemption earlier this year, with the EBU reportedly testing and approving the setup before granting permission.
The decision makes Lampenius one of the very few Eurovision performers in the modern era to be authorised to play live on stage.
Following last year’s precedent
The rule exception follows a similar decision at Eurovision 2025, when Italy’s Lucio Corsi was permitted to perform a harmonica live during his entry.
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.
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News source: YLE
Photo credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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