Finland Gears Up for Eurovision 2025: Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu Set to Select Representative
Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster, has officially confirmed the country’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held in Switzerland. In line with this announcement, Yle has also confirmed that the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) will once again serve as the selection process for Finland’s Eurovision entry. Since 2012, UMK has been the platform through which Finland chooses its Eurovision contenders.
The submission period for UMK 2025 will open on 19 August and close on 25 August. Here are some key rules for the contest:
- Publication Date: Songs must not have been published before September 2024.
- Song Submissions: Lead singers can submit up to three songs, but only one will be eligible for the contest. Band members can participate in multiple songs, and composers, lyricists, and songwriters may submit several entries.
- Singer Consistency: The singer featured on the demo must be the final performer of the song.
- Exclusive Submission: Songs must not be submitted to selection processes in other countries.
- Residency Requirements: At least one songwriter and one lead singer must hold Finnish citizenship or have permanent residency in Finland.
- Song Length: Songs must not exceed three minutes.
- Age Requirement: All participants must be at least 16 years old by May 2025.
An expert panel appointed by Yle will review all submissions and select the songs that will compete in the live final, scheduled for February 2025. The specific date and venue for the UMK 2025 final will be announced later. Last year, the UMK final was held at the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland’s largest indoor arena.
In Eurovision 2024, Finland was represented by Windows95man with the song «No Rules!» and finished 19th in the final, earning a total of 38 points.
A Brief History of Finland in Eurovision
Finland made its Eurovision debut in 1961 and has had a mixed record over the years, experiencing both highs and lows.
- Historic Victory: Finland’s most notable success came in 2006 when the rock band Lordi won with «Hard Rock Hallelujah,» marking Finland’s first and only victory in the contest. This win remains a significant moment in Eurovision history.
- Memorable Performances: Besides their win, Finland has had other noteworthy entries, such as Käärijä’s «Cha Cha Cha» in 2023, which achieved an impressive second place, and Softengine’s «Something Better» in 2014, which finished 11th.
- Challenges: Despite these successes, Finland has often struggled to qualify for the final, underscoring the highly competitive nature of Eurovision.
UMK continues to be a crucial platform for showcasing Finnish musical talent, offering artists the chance to shine on the Eurovision stage. With the upcoming UMK 2025, anticipation is building to see which new talent will emerge to represent Finland in Switzerland.
