UMK26: Finland’s Hunt for the Next Eurovision Legend Begins (and It’s Serious Business)
Fancy your chances on the biggest music stage in Europe? Then pack your song, polish your vocals and mark your calendars: Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu – or UMK26 for those in the know – has officially opened the floodgates. The submission period runs from 18 to 24 August 2025, and yes, they’re accepting bangers only.
Since 2020, UMK has transformed itself from quirky national pre-selection to a genuine music industry powerhouse. Thanks to Käärijä’s chaotic genius in 2023, Windows95man’s pixelated mayhem in 2024, and Erika Vikman’s full diva moment in 2025, the competition has become a launching pad for Finnish pop culture icons.
Now, UMK26 is ready to level up again. If you’ve got the tune, the guts, and at least a Finnish residence permit (seriously), you might just be the next big thing.
What You Really Need to Know (No Fine Print Here)
- Only new, unreleased songs will be accepted.
- Artists can submit up to three entries, but only one will make the cut per performer.
- Final masters and stems must be delivered by 31 October 2025. No extensions, no excuses.
- Artists must be at least 16 years old by 1 May 2026, and yes, that includes your energetic 15-year-old cousin.
- Maximum song length: 3 minutes. If it’s a symphony, edit it down.
- Live performances? Singback only, and six people max on stage.
- Lyrics and staging must steer clear of politics, swearing and brand names. No exceptions.
- The final will take place in February 2026, and the winner will proudly carry the Finnish flag to the Eurovision Song Contest in Austria.
Oh, and don’t forget: if your song doesn’t get picked, you’re still free to try your luck in another country’s selection (hello San Marino!).
The (Not So) Hidden Agenda
UMK isn’t just a talent show. It’s a celebration of bold creativity, boundary-pushing artistry and top-tier production. Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster, isn’t just looking for a hit — they want a phenomenon. And let’s be honest, with Eurovision turning 70 next year, the world is watching.
So whether you’re a synthpop sorcerer, a bedroom balladeer or a heavy-metal accordionist (this is Finland, after all), the stage is yours. Just don’t forget to submit everything properly. Yle does love a well-formatted .mp3.
Source: YLE
