Six artists will compete in this year’s Uuden Musikin Kilpailu (UMK), Finland’s national selection for Eurovision Song Contest 2020. On Friday, Tika’s entry ‘Break My Heart’ was released. Today, it was Erika Vikman’s turn as her entry ‘Cicciolina’ was released.
Listen to ‘Cicciolina’
About Erika Vikman
26-year-old Erika Vikman took part in Finnish Idol in 2013, but was eliminated before the semifinals. Three years later, in 2016, she was crowned as the Tango Queen at the Finnish tango festival Tangomarkkinat.
Since then, Erika has released four singles in Finnish and has moved from tango to more pop music. She is in a relationship with legendary Finnish singer Danny, who has also taken part in Finland’s Eurovision selection few times before in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
About the song
The song “Cicciolina” is described as the ‘boldest entry’ in this year’s UMK. Despite this being tongue in cheek, it also conveys a message.
“When we made this song, I instantly felt that this would make a great entry to the Eurovision Song Contest.
In a fantastic coincidence, I then heard that UMK is reinstating the open application process. We first thought that this is a crazy idea, but then we realised that this is how it should be.
I’m looking forward to a great and exciting trip! Even if I don’t make it, for me personally, this will be an exhilarating and liberating experience.”
Erika Vikman on her UMK entry
When asked about the writing process for her UMK entry, the songwriter Janne Rintala mentioned that the song did not seek minimalism. He also stated that there is a potential for her entry to win due to its topic, where she has mentioned the following:
It encourages people to be free and filthy and thereby enjoy their lives. Not living this life guided by fears, but being proud of what we are!
Erika Vikman on her UMK entry (translated)
Do not forget to stick around as more UMK entries will be released throughout the week. The next UMK20 entry that will be released is by Aksel Kankaanranta with the song ‘Looking Back.
Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019
After the success of the UMK 2018 format, Finland internally selected Darude to represent Finland in Tel Aviv. UMK took place once again, with the Jury and Public selecting Look Away, which was sung by Sebastian Rejman.
Darude and Sebastian Rejman performed ‘Look Away’ at the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. Unfortunately, they were unable to replicate their success in 2018 and did not qualify for the Grand Final. They managed to finish 17th with 23 Points.
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