UMK 2026’s second song “Liekinheitin” out

Following the reveal of the artists that will compete in Finland’s upcoming Eurovision 2026 selection, Yle has released the second entry of UMK26. Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen will perform “Liekinheitin“ on the UMK stage in Tampere.

Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen release ‘Liekinheitin’

Recently, Yle confirmed the names of the seven artists that will participate in UMK26. Last night, Etta was the first artist to release her competing entry, “Million Dollar Smile”. Tonight, it was Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen’s turn, a newly-formed duo of two artists with two different but solid careers behind them.

We both feel at home on the stage. When we step on the stage, we own the place.
Pete Parkkonen

Lampenius was a major star in the 1990’s, having performed for Andrew Lloyd-Weber, and was at the time the best-selling Finnish classical artist with her solo album. Last year, she took part in the UMK Interval act, “Shangain Valot“, alongside other female artists, such as Bess.

As for Pete Parkkonen, he rose to prominence thanks to the 2008 edition of Finlan’s “Idol”, where he finished third. After this, he released several albums, including a Platinum-rated one in 2018, PETE.

The release schedule for the remaining UMK26 acts is as follows (each release at 23:00 CET) :

January 18 – Komiat
January 19 – Sinikka Monte
January 20 – Antti Paalanen
January 21 – CHACHI
January 22 – KIKI

Final set for February 28

UMK will once again be held over a single show, on the last day of February, on what will be a very packed Super Saturday of five finals (for Norway, Germany, Bulgaria and Italy, alongside Finland) as well as two qualification shows (the last heat of Melodifestivalen in Sweden, and the second semi-final of Portugal’s Festival da Canção).

The show will be held in Nokia Arena in Tampere, and will be used to select the Finnish representative to Eurovision 2026, with a mix of jury (25%) and public (75%) voting.

Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest

Making their Eurovision debut in 1961 with the entry ‘Valoa Ikkunassa’ by Laila Kinnunen, Finland has not always found life in the contest easy. Finland didn’t have a smooth start at Eurovision, placing last three times in the 1960s. Marion Rung was Finland’s first success, placing 6th in 1973 with ‘Tom Tom Tom’ – this remained as Finland’s best result until 2006.

Before the turn of the millennium, Finland placed last a further five times while they placed in the top ten on only three occasions. Finally, their fortunes changed in 2006 when Lordi won the contest in Athens with ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ – their only victory to this date. Since the revamp to the UMK format the Nordic nation are on a five-year qualification streak and have achieved two top ten results, including runner-up in Liverpool 2023 for Käärijä with, ‘Cha Cha Cha’.

This year it was the turn of Erika Vikman to represent Finland. During the Basel contest, Erika placed 11th and achieved 196 points with, ‘Ich Komme’.