Finland’s search for its next Eurovision representative is set to begin as the application period for UMK25, the New Music Competition, starts in August.
Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster, announced that the application window for UMK25 will be open from August 19 to August 25, 2024. This competition is a crucial part of Finland’s selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, offering a platform for new musical talent to shine.
Aspiring participants must submit their unpublished songs digitally via Yle’s official website, during the specified application period. The submitted demos should be of high production quality, showcasing not only the melody but also ideas for the final arrangement. Selected songs will require the final master and stems to be ready by October 14, 2024.
According to the competition rules, each solo artist can submit up to three songs, but only one song per artist will be accepted. The performer on the demo must be the final artist for the song if it’s chosen. Additionally, at least one songwriter and the main soloist must have Finnish citizenship or permanent residence in Finland.
UMK has significantly grown in prestige since 2020, becoming a major platform for Finnish music. The 2023 winner, Käärijä, achieved unprecedented success across Europe. In 2024, the competition moved to the Nokia Arena, selling out two shows within hours.
The UMK25 final will take place in February 2025 and will be broadcast live. The winner, determined by a combination of public and jury votes, will represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. In case of technical issues with public voting, an expert panel appointed by Yle will make the final decision. Competitors are required to maintain confidentiality about competition details until Yle makes an official announcement.
UMK continues to evolve, providing an ever-expanding stage for Finnish artists. Potential participants are encouraged to review all the rules and prepare their best work for submission. More information is available on the official UMK page.
Who do you want to see in UMK 2025? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube for our interviews and reactions ahead of Eurovision 2025.
