This week Yle, the Finnish broadcaster announced more details about next year’s edition of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK 2021). From 278 submissions, seven will compete in the national final on February 20. An official announcement of the artists will commence on January 19. With the eventual winner becoming Finland’s representative for Eurovision 2021 to be held in Rotterdam.
Lucky number seven for UMK 2021
Once more Finland will select their Eurovision entrant through the national final format, Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Now Yle has revealed more details of their 2021 ambitions and what we can expect from the competition. A professional jury headed by Tapio Hakanen whittled down 278 submissions to just seven. With the public announcement of who these seven are due on January 19th. After which each song will published on consecutive weekdays.
The level of the songs and artists was incredibly strong and I am confident that we have coming in the spring of 2021, the most competitive UMK of all time. I’m really happy and grateful to each musician and every song that was sent to Yle.
Tapio Hakanen
So far no names have been revealed or rumoured. However Tapio has given hints to the potential calibre of artists we can expect to see next year. Several former Eurovision entrants applied. As well as winners of Finland’s prestigious Emma Awards. Tapio also hinted that a diverse range of genres are in consideration for the final seven. Which shows that rising stars, and established acts see this as a great opportunity. Once again the national final will take place in the Mediapolis Studios in Tampere, on February 20.
Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest
Finland made their Eurovision in 1961 with the entry ‘Valoa Ikkunassa‘ by Laila Kinnunen. Over the years Finland has seen moderate success in their 53 appearances. Making 43 finals with 12 top 10 placings in that time. But also receiving nul points on three occasions and almost a dozen last places. However this never deterred the plucky Nordic nation. Which eventually tasted victory with Lordi and the metal banger ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah‘ in 2006.
Earlier this year Aksel won the 2020 edition of UMK with the song ‘Looking Back’. The entry written by Joonas Angeria, Whitney Phillips, Connor McDonough, Riley McDonough, and Toby McDonough, was set to participate in the second half of the second semi-final. However in March the EBU had to announce the unfortunate news that Eurovision 2020 would be cancelled.
Despite the cancellation of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, Aksel has confirmed his intention of submitting a song to the 2021 edition of the competition. Is he among the chosen seven? We will have to wait and see.
Which acts do you want to see compete in UMK 2021? Let us know! Stay up to date by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! As well as subscribing to our YouTube channel. Where you can watch our reactions to the news in the upcoming months. You can also follow our Spotify for more music from your favourite acts!
