UK: Josh Standing enters X Factor with The First Kings!

The X Factor returned to our screens last week here in the UK - and among the hopefuls aiming to please Simon Cowell and co. was a very familiar face. As y'all recall, Clarissa and Josh Standing performed Top of the World in UMK 2014 hoping to represent Finland. The song was a favourite with the fans however failed to make the top three. Since this, they have gone their separate ways and Josh is now trying his luck on The X Factor with The First Kings. They smashed their first auditions and are already seen as early favourites. Enjoy their audition below:

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: FINLAND!

Finland's entry has raised some eyebrows. The handicapped punk group, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät, will stand out in Vienna and will no doubt be the most talked about for obvious reasons. But what about the song? Is it good enough? Here's what we think...

Ana: I absolutely respect the members of this band but I can’t say that their song is good and it’s even worse if you translate the lyrics. The only good thing about it it’s its length: only one minute and a half. I’m sorry for Finland but the 40th place in my top it’s taken for them. 1/10

Ilkar: This is an insult to other artists that took part in the Finnish selection. It's also an insult one can't even critizise them without being labeled a racist or not supporting handicapped people's rights. It has nothing to do with that. It's a bad song performed badly. They could have done so much better. I hope Europe won't fall for the trick to vote for the act, not the song. 0/10

Jack: What can one say? Of course I respect the members of the band -  this should go without saying although I somehow feel this needs saying encase I'm labelled as being disrespectful and harsh towards the members, That's so not that case whatsoever. I'd love nothing more to see Finland and PKN do well - IF they had a stronger song. For me, their entry is simply atrocious. Maybe I just don't get punk but it's 1:27 minutes  of noise... Sorry! 2/10

Jess: Well, PKN have great voices, however I am not a big lover of the song. 7/10

John: A throwback to the punk rock era of the mid-seventies this song would have been out of place in ESC even when punk was at its zenith . Four dacades later it is not only out of place but is proving also to be a painful assault on the aural senses of a very vast majority. Straight from the house of horrors . 1/10

OUR VERDICT - 11/50
OVERALL SCORE - 2.2/10

Finland: Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät make headlines in the UK!

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät won the right to represent Finland last night - which has been a very controversial choice to put it mildly. This handicapped punk band are already making headlines internationally; including here in the UK. The Metro has reported their win and according to the article, PKN's main aim isn't only to raise awareness of those with learning disabilities but also to have a f***ing good time. Good luck to them!

PERTTI KURIKAN NIMIPÄIVÄT TO REPRESENT FINLAND!

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivä have won the right to represent Finland in Vienna. This is a very controversial choice to say the least. Satin Circus came 2nd - and they were much better tonight by all accounts. I don't know how PKN will be received in Vienna. I have no problems whatsoever with their disabilities, I applaud them in that respect as it must take so much courage to participate in such an event - but there's one problem; the song is poor and it doesn't even last two minutes. Hmm.. defiantly not Finland's best but I predict they'll do pretty well in Vienna. Don't know why but I reckon people in general might vote for this, just for the sake of voting.. if that makes sense. Here are the full results from tonight - courtesy of Ilkar at Blog After Helsinki :-)

So here's Finland's entry!

Finland: The final line-up is complete!

Photo - Ylva Linda OneVoice on Facebook

The line-up for Finland's national final is now complete. The remaining six acts battled it out tonight and the following three were lucky enough to make it through to the final stage of UMK:

• Solju - Hold Your Colours
• Järjestyshäiriö - Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla 
• Angelo de Nile - All for Victory

The final is set to take place on 28th February and it promises to be an amazing show..

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #5!

Another national final weekend awaits us, ahh I love this time of year :-) Three countries will be selecting their song for Vienna whilst Finland, Hungary and Sweden continue their selections.

ESTONIA
Eesti Laul concludes tonight. Ten songs are in the running to represent Estonia and the winner will be decided by a 50/50 combination of jury and televote.

1. Luisa Värk - Minu päike
2. Maia Vahtramäe - Üle vesihalli taeva
3. Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday
4. Kali Briis Band - Idiot
5. Robin Juhkental & The Big Bangers - Troubles
6. Daniel Levi - Burning Lights
7. Elisa Kolk - Superlove
8. The Blurry Lane - Exceptional
9. Elephants From Neptune - Unriddle Me
10. Triin Niitoja & John4 - This is Our Choice

Will Elina Born & Stig Rästa win as predicted or could there be a major upset? This blogger would devastated if they didn't win.. it's an amazing song!!

LITHUANIA
Mia, Monika Linkytė and Vaidas Baumila will tonight fight for the Lithuanian ticket to Vienna. All three have previous national final experience.. The song was decided last week and it's This Time. Interestingly, Monika and Vaidas both performed the song amazingly together. They even kissed - it was a lovely performance and I would love to see them both win. But I don't know if that's possible as it would be rather unfair on Mia I guess.....

• Mia - This Time
• Monika Linkytė - This Time
• Vaidas Baumila - This Time
• Monika Linkytė and Vaidas Baumila - This Time

You will be able to watch the show at 19:00 CET

FINLAND
The final semi final of Finland's UMK is set to take place tonight.

1. Ida Bois - Kumbaya
2. Aikuinen - Kyynelten lahti
3. Solju - Hold Your Colours
4. Järjestyshäiriö - Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla
5. Angelo de Nile - All for Victory
6. Heidi Pakarinen - Bon voyage

Find out here what myself and Blogilkar thought of tonight's line-up!

SWEDEN
Another seven acts are aiming to make the final of Melodifestivalen as the 3rd semi final will be held tonight. I will be focusing on Estonia and Lithuania and therefore won't watch the show tonight..

• Andreas Weise – Bring Out the Fire
• Isa – Don’t Stop
• Kalle Johansson – För din skull
• Kristin Amparo – I See You
• Ellen Benediktson – Insomnia
• Jon Henrik Fjällgren – Jag är fri (Manne Liem Frije)
• Andreas Johnson – Living to Die

HUNGARY
Nine acts will be hoping to qualify to the final of A Dal although only four will make the cut.

• Bálint Gájer - That's How It Goes
• Bogi Dallos - World of Violence
• Gabi Szűcs - Úgysem felejtesz el
• Gergő Oláh - A tükör előtt
• Gyula Éliás Jr. feat. Fourtissimo - Run to You
• Ív - Fire
• Kati Wolf - Ne engedj el
• Other Planet - Untold Story
• Passed - Mesmerize

Of course I want to see Kati Wolf make the final.. I expect Passed and Bogi will also sail through to the final too, but who will join them?

LATVIA
All attention will be on Latvia tomorrow, as Supernova finally concludes. Only four acts remain in the competition. Aminata Savadogo seems to be the big favourite, with Markus Riva also a big contender for victory. Maybe. Although don't rule out MNTHA. Her song is weird yet somehow wonderful - and the Latvians don't always select the most internationally friendly songs..ElektroFence's song isn't bad but come on.. the other three are so much better! More here

Finland: Three more acts qualify for UMK final!

The 2nd semi final of UMK has just concluded in Finland and the following acts made the cut:

• Shava – Ostarilla
• Opera Skaala – Heart of light
• Jouni Aslak – Lions and lambs

Some surprises here. Siru is out!!! Bollywood inspired Shava made it though. They are not my favourites but it's fun and colourful! Opera Skaala's performance was actually very good, I have to admit. They definitely would stand out if they won UMK and made it to Vienna.

I still think the winner will be either Satin Circus or PKN.... Anyway, the third and final semi final will be held next week! Stay tuned for more from the wonderful world of Eurovision tonight :-)

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #4!

No less than ten selections are taking place this weekend - including two national finals and Sanremo!

ICELAND
Iceland will be selecting their Eurovision entry tonight. The show will take place at 19:45 CET and be seen here. Who should win? I did a little review and you can read that HERE

• Haukur Heiðar Hauksson - Milljón augnablik 
• María Ólafsdóttir - Lítil skref
• Sunday - Fjaðrir
• Cadem - Fyrir Alla
• Björn and friends – Piltur og stúlka
• Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir – Í kvöld
• Friðrik Dór – Í síðasta skipti

This blogger would be delighted to see Sunday win - although I expect the Icelanders will opt for either Cadem or Björn and friends.. but who knows!

SWEDEN
Eric Saade and Jessica Anderson qualified directly to the final last week - so who will join them in Friends Arena on 8th March?

• Mariette – Don’t Stop Believing
• Emelie Irewald – Där och då med dig
• Linus Svenning – Forever Starts Today
• Magnus Carlsson – Möt mig i Gamla stan
• Samir & Viktor – Groupie
• Neverstore – If I Was God For One Day
• Marie Bergman & Sanne Salomonsen – Nonetheless

Y'all can watch Melodifestivalen here at 19:00 CET.

ITALY
Throughout the previous week, the amazing festival of Sanremo will conclude tonight. The winner will maybe go to Eurovision but if they decline, a special jury will select the Italian representative although it won't necessarily be from tonight's participants. Arisa, who openly wanted to go to Copenhagen, said she'll be up for it IF the winner of Sanremo isn't interested. More of this weeks goings on here. Nek and Il Volo are joint favourites to win tonight!

• Annalisa – Una Finestra Tra Le Stelle
• Bianca Atzei – Il Solo Al Mondo
• Malika Ayane – Adesso E Qui (Nostalgico Presente)
• Alex Britti – Un Attimo Importante
• Chiara – Straordinario
• Dear Jack – Il Mondo Esplode Tranne Noi
• Lorenzo Fragola – Siamo Uguali
• Irene Grandi – Un Vento Senza Nome
• Gianluca Grignani – Sogni Infranti
• Il Volo – Grande Amore
• Marco Masini – Che Giorno È
• Grazia di Michele & Mauro Coruzzi – Io Sono Una Finestra
• Moreno – Oggi Ti Parlo Così
• Nek – Fatti Avanti Amore
• Nesli – Buona Fortuna Amore
• Nina Zilli – Sola

Watch the show here.

LITHUANIA 
The Lithuanian song will be chosen tonight. Once the song has been selected, the three remaining artists will perform it next week and then the overall winner will be chosen. The show will start at 19:00 CET and can be watched here. These songs remain in the competition....

• Dangerous (S.O.S.)
• This Time
• The Right Way

FINLAND 
The 2nd semi final of UMK will be held tonight and these are the participants will be aiming to make the final in a fortnights time:

• Jouni Aslak – Lions and lambs
• Eeverest – Love it all away
• Otto Ivar – Truth or dare
• Opera Skaala – Heart of light
• Shava – Ostarilla
• Siru – Mustelmat

This blogger predicts that Siru, Shava and Opera Skaala will qualify. Catch the show here. I only care for Siru tonight and Eeverest are pretty good too. Here's some special reviews myself and Blogilkar did - read them here.

ESTONIA 
There very well may be ten acts participating in Eesti Laul tonight, although all eyes will be on Elina Born & Stig Rästa's Goodbye to Yesterday. Will they sail through to next weeks final as expected?

• Wilhelm - Light Up Your Mind
• Kruuv - Tiiu talu tütreke
• Demie feat. Janice - Kuum
• NimmerSchmidt - Kellega ma tutvusin?
• Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday
• Daniel Levi - Burning Lights
• Triin Niitoja & John4 - This is Our Choice
• Kali Briis Band - Idiot
• Luisa Värk - Minu päike
• 1Mari - Kolm päeva tagasi

HUNGARY
A Dal also continues tonights at 19:25 CET - and the show can be seen here. This is tonight's lineup:

• Ádám Szabó – Give Me Your Love
• Boggie – Wars For Nothing
• Karmapolis – The Time Is Now
• New Level Empire – Homelights
• Pankastic! – Kicsi A Világ, De Nagy Világ!
• Spoon – Keep Marching On
• Timi Antal – Woke Up This Way
• Vera Tóth – Gyémánt
• Zoltán Mujahid – Beside You

SERBIA 
Serbia are going to chose their song for Vienna tomorrow. Although first, there'll be an introduction show tonight. The three competing acts will be officially reveal their songs and the the winner will be chosen tomorrow night via a 50/50 mix of televoting and a jury.

• Danica Krstić - U ime ljubavi
• Bojana Stamenov - Ceo svet je moj
• Aleksa Jelić - Vodi me

LATVIA 
The first semi final will be held in Latvia tomorrow night.

• ElektroFolk - Sundance
• MNTHA - Nefelibata
• Antra Stafecka - It's the Night
• Framest - Ziemā
• Aminata - Love Injected
• Markus Riva - Take Me Down
• Rihards Bērziņš - Your Eyes
• Euphony - Home

Big favourites to take the crown next week are ElektroFolk, Antra Stafecka, Markus Riva and Aminata.. will they all make the final or could there be any surprise elimination?

Here's the favourite (or at least my favourite) to win in Iceland:

Finland: Satin Circus, PKN and Norlan ‘El Misionario qualify!

The first semi final of UMK 2015 has just concluded in Finland and thus we have our first finalists. As expected, both PKN and Satin Circus made the final however this blogger is a little shocked to read that Norlan ‘El Misionario also made it but his song is fun and different I guess. This blogger would've preferred Hans On the Bass though....

Vienna 2015: Super Weekend #3!

Another Super Weekend awaits us with no less than eight shows for us to enjoy. Here's a little breakdown of what's planned for the weekend, including Denmark's national final tonight.

DENMARK
The Danish entry will be chosen tonight. Ten participants will all be hoping to win the right to represent Denmark and they are:

1. Sara Sukurani – Love me love me 
2. Tina & René – Mi amore 
3. Marcel & Soulman Group – Når veje krydses 
4. Cecilie Alexandra – Hotel A
5. Andy Roda – Love is love 
6. Julie Bjerre – Tæt på mine drømme 
7. Anti Social Media – The way you are 
8. Anne Gadegaard – Suitcase
9. Babou – Manjana 
10. World of Girls – Summer without you

Read my little review here! The show will take place at 19:00 CET and international viewers can watch the show here.

FINLAND
This years edition of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu will start tonight with the first semi final. Six acts are aiming to make the grand final on 28th February. Big favourites Satin Circus and Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät will both participate tonight.. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät have even made headlines here in the UK, as they want to raise awareness for Down's Syndrome. Will they sail through to the final as expected? The show can be seen here at 18:00 CET.

• Hans on the Bass - Loveshine
• Vilikasper Kanth - Äänen kantamattomiin
• Pihka & Myrsky - Sydän ei nuku
• Norman El Misionario - No voy a llorar por ti
• Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät - Aina mun pitää
• Satin Circus - Crossroads

SWEDEN
The much anticipated return of Melodifestivalen will be take place tonight, in Gothenburg. The favourites seem to be Eric Saade and Jessica Andersson... will they both make the final? Will Eric flop? The first semi final of Melodifestivalen can be watched here at 19:00 CET.

• Jessica Andersson – Can’t Hurt Me Now
• Behrang Miri feat. Victor Fritz Crone – Det rår vi inte för
• Dolly Style – Hello Hi
• Molly Pettersson Hammar – I’ll Be There
• Elize Ryd & Rickard Söderberg – One By One
• Daniel Gildenlöw – Pappa
• Eric Saade – Sting

LITHUANIA
The sixth show of Lithuania's selection will also air tonight. It's going to be a very hectic night, y'all!! Mia, Monika Linkytė, Vaidas Baumila, Edgaras Lubys and Jurgis Brūzga will all be hoping to make the next stage of competition. Who will be eliminated and who will survive? The show can be watched here at 19:00 CET

ICELAND
The 2nd semi final of Söngvakeppnin is set to take place tonight. Six artists will be hoping to make the final but only three will make the cut. This bloggers favourite Regina Ósk will compete tonight and I really hope to see her qualify!

• Regína Ósk - Aldrei of seint
• Bjarni Lárus Hall - Brotið gler
• SUNDAY - Fjaðrir
• CADEM - Fyrir alla
• María Ólafsdóttir - Lítil skref
• Haukur Heiðar Hauksson - Milljón augnablik

The show will take place at 19:45 CET - and you will be able to watch the show live here..

HUNGARY 
The final heat of A Dal is also scheduled for tonight. Once again, ten acts will be hoping to make the next stage of the Hungarian selection. Kati Wolf is one of those acts.. will she grace the Eurovision stage once again? Here's the line-up for tonight:

• Bálint Gájer - That's How It Goes
• Barbara Péter - Listen to the Universe
• Boglárka Csemer – Boggie - Wars for Nothing
• Fool Moon - Back 2 Right
• Ildikó Keresztes - Hazám hazád lehet
• Kati Wolf - Ne engedj el
• Other Planet - Untold Story
• Proof of Life - Hol a határ
• Spoon - Keep Marching On
• Zoltán Mujahid - Beside You

And if you fancy seeing Kati's big return tonight, you will be able to watch the show here at 19:25 CET.

ESTONIA 
And if all that wasn't enough, Eesti Laul will also be held this evening. Y'all can catch the show at 19:15
here. The Estonian semi final will feature the following songs:

• Karl-Erik Taukar - Päev korraga
• Miina - Kohvitassi lugu
• The Blurry Lane - Exceptional
• Liis Lemsalu & Egert Milder - Hold On
• Airi Vipulkumar Kansar - Saatuse laul
• Maia Vahtramäe - Üle vesihalli taeva
• Robin Juhkental & The Big Bangers - Troubles
• Elephants From Neptune - Unriddle Me
• Elisa Kolk - Superlove
• Bluestocking - Kordumatu

LATVIA
On Sunday, Latvia's Supernova will be held where another ten acts will be hoping to make the next stage of the competition. Watch the show at 19:20 HERE.

Stay tuned... 

Special Reviews: UMK 2015 Semi Final 3!

Enjoy the final part of mine and Blogilkar's series where we have reviewed the Finnish hopefuls. The the winner of UMK 2015 come from this semi final? Maybe.....

Angelo de Nile - All for Victory

Jack - Angelo de Nile's song is rather dramatic but boring at the same time, if that's possible. It wouldn't sound out of place in a theatre production but this isn't the theatre.. I don't think the song is good enough to win the Finnish ticket to Eurovision however he could squeeze through to the final, if he performs it amazingly.  2/5

Blogilkar - With the first hearing I was still kinda excited, he sings (or shouts) well, there's a melody, even if heard a zillion times before. But like other reviewers have already mentioned it's not going anywhere. It's not hardrock enough, it's not pop enough but a not working compromise = dull. Then I also made the mistake of checking his videos on his youtube and his attemps being funny (I suppose) are just a bit pathetic and not funny. If you have created this mysterious alias, stick to it in a proper way. Don't be an unfunny joke. This is a wasted opportunity 2/5

Aikuinen - Kyynelten lahti

Jack - Now I can completely understand that some people won't like this but I think it's cute. The video-clip is hilarious, weird and intriguing. I can't understand word and I know the song sounds rather dated although I do like it. I can't help myself but like it. I don't expect him to qualify, sadly. 4/5

Blogilkar - In some weird way I like this. The lyrics are funny and the song itself so idiotic (in a good way) I can't but listen and smile and hum along. This said, this could become a local hit but would propably never work in Eurovision. "This drink is called bay of tears and it is to be enjoued alone....." as the lyrics go.... 4/5

Heidi Pakarinen - Bon voyage

Jack - Bon voyage somehow reminds me of Norway's entry in 2007 and we all know what happened there. A non qualification in Eurovision. I fear Finland would have the same fate if they sent this song to Vienna. 2/5

Blogilkar - I have been exposed to this style of music all my life. As a youngster I used to hate it, now as a bit older and less critical I kinda like it in the right place and at the right time. And this song in its genre is perfect, very catchy and full of good mood, sung well. I just don't think Eurovision is the right place for it. I wish her a big local hit with this that will be played all summer all over Finland, but Vienna? No. Therefor only 3/5

Järjestyshäiriö - Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla

Jack - Järjestyshäiriö's entry is good but it isn't amazing. Hmm.. I do personally like the song however it isn't a winner. I just cannot see people picking up the phone to vote for this. The problem is that the song doesn't stick in you head after listening to it, and if the Finnish people have the same problem.. they won't vote. A borderline qualifier. But it isn't a bad song at all, just not very memorable. 3/5

Blogilkar - With first hearing I kinda liked this, the second and third left me cold. Not bad at all, but not really good either. Indeed something that would sound nice while driving a car but hitting it home in Eurovision in Vienna? I don't think so. Just a bit boring, isn't it? 2/5

Ida Bois - Kumbaya

Jack - I think this song is fabulous. It has a great beat and I really hope she will do well. Ida deserves to qualify for the final - I'm looking forward to seeing her perform it live. Loving the EDM vibe as well. I don't think she will win but she will make the final. I hope! 4/5

Blogilkar - In theory this could be great. Nice voice, good sound and arrangement. Pop at its best. But everytime the song gets going and gears up the beat it stops after awhile and nothing really comes out of it. Like the EDM vibe was only there to tease us a bit.... Annoying. I would take the pieces, tear them apart and rebuild the whole song.... 3/5

Solju - Hold Your Colours

Jack - Stunning. Hold Your Colours has a beautiful message and I personally would to see Solju represent Finland.. but I don't think it will happen. If they perform it well, they might make the top three. You never really know what will happen until the songs are performed live. Some songs will become a hot mess and others will blossom. Solju's entry is within my top five and I really hope they perform it beautifully, because it's a excellent song. 4/5

Blogilkar - I love the idea. A little bit Sami exotism mixed with modern music, interesting performers, fancy look and styling, absolutely stunning art work... The mother-daughter combination representing the old traditional joik and modern music. It has all the ingredients yet fails a little. Maybe it'd need a key change? More underlined joik? Something. All this said, in the end this is one of my top-3 favorites, right up there with a bold techno opera and sugary boybandpop. I can only hope those three would be in top-3 in the end, too...  4/5

A massive kiitos to Blogilkar for helping me out with these reviews! And a massive thank you to all you guys for taking the time to read 'em! :-)

Special Reviews: UMK 2015 Semi Final 2!

These special reviews continue with the 2nd semi final of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Here's what myself and Blogilkar thought of the acts who will participate in this semi: 

Jouni Aslak - Lions and Lambs

Jack - Meh, it's not bad but not that great either! I just find it avarage. This song doesn't interest me. Most likely a non-qualifier. 2/5

Blogilkar - This makes me think a bit GWN's Flags from UMK 2013. Anthemic pop that doesn't quite get going after all. Maybe this needs to be perfoemed on stage with live audience? It's not bad, but... it isn't anything special either even if I do like the lyrical concept. 2/5

Eeverest - Love It All Away

Jack - Eeverest's song is one of the strongest for sure! It's modern, catchy yet also unique. I love her voice, too. Oh I really do hope to see them in the final. A contender for victory? Hopefully, definitely one of the best! Me likes. 4/5

Blogilkar - Ida has an interesting voice and the intro of the song is great, but promising a lot more than it delivers in the end. This is once again an entry that will die or triumph on stage depending on the staging and live vocals and how they get the audience going. I doubt they will have any problems with the live audience jumping along hands in the air but how they manage to transmit that atmosphere to TV-screens where the voters are is another matter. 3/5

Opera Skaala - Heart of Light

Jack - Opera Skaala's song is fun and I am sure her performance will be very entertaining. Personally, I don't think it's the best however I can see the appeal and therefore I'm sure she will qualify with ease. 3/5

Blogilkar - Many are comparing this to La voix or Svet z juga, but those two were pure schlager, this one isn't. In fact this break the main rule of an Eurovision entry with its almost total absense of a chorus. It's daring, crazy, weird and fascinating. You keep listening and wondering what comes next over and over again as you just can't remember what comes next indeed. First hearing left me very confused yet interested. Then I started imagining how wonderful staging one could do for this. If we take hint from the video what would be better place than Imperial Vienna? A real opera diva on stage, some baroque dancers going wild, those kaleidoscopic images in the LED-screens (that would be a nice reminded or Helsinki 2007 as well). Can't help but give it a full 5/5

Siru - Mustelmat

Jack - Siru seems to be one of the big favourites to win the whole thing and I certainly wouldn't mind if she did. I love her song and she's beautiful.. and as mentioned, she won The Voice of Finland so we know she'll be great live. Yeah, a definite finalists and a potential winner for sure. Good luck, Siru! 5/5

Blogilkar - Interesting how foreign reviewers like this song so much (and Eurofans apparently all over Europe). We Finns are maybe more taken by the lyrics and their effect on us. If her goal was to make us think, she really manages in that and we don't pay attention to the rest; the melody, arrangement, her voice... This is a bit like Mikko Pohjola's Sängyn reunalla last year that finished second. A song with a very interesting and important text. I'm not yet totally won over by this, but if this won I wouldn't be sad. 4/5.

Shava - Ostarilla

Jack - Shava are bringing Bollywood to Finland's Eurovision selection it seems. I do actually really like their song because it's different. However I don't think it's good enough to win the whole thing. Will they make the UMK final? Probably and that isn't a bad thing at all. 3/5

Blogilkar - This is much better than I expected beforehand. The rather tragic love at first sight happening in the mall and Finnish melodrama meeting Bollywood. It is catchy, memorable, fun and colorful. But would I like to see this in Vienna for us? No. Call me a stubborn old fart but I want a proper song and not something that would be labelled as a joke entry. This can become a summer hit and UMK should serve also for that, but for Vienna I want something else. 3/5

Otto Ivar - Truth or Dare

Jack - Truth or Dare is a decent pop tune and he looks the part but I feel something is lacking... Otto could make the final if his performance is good enough but at the moment, I'm not seeing this one as a non-qualifier. It's decent although a big average 3/5

Blogilkar - I have to agree. I had it hard to concentrate on listening as my mind started wandering elsewhere. Uninteresting, heard before, nothing original. Can't really remember a thing afterwards. He's ok, the song's ok, all's ok. Yet it's not working. Imperfectly perfect. 2/5

Stay tuned for the final installment of these reviews with the third semi finalists :-)

Special Reviews: UMK 2015 Semi Final 1!

In the lead-up to Finland's Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, myself and Blogilkar at Life After Helsinki 2007 will review all of the participating songs with predictions. Enjoy:

Hans On the Bass - Loveshine

Jack - This entry has a very laid-back feeling to it. It's cute! If Hans On the Bass perform it well, I'm sure we will see them in final. In fact the more I listen to it, the more I like it!! A winner? Hmm. Probably not but you never know! 4/5

Blogilkar - This would be easy to label elevator music but it's more than that. Actually the feel good factor comes across and makes me dream of palm trees and cocktails. Yes, this is once again one of those songs! But would it hit it home in Eurovision? I'm not so sure. But then it has some Anna Rossinelli vibes, doesn't it?  This could make the UMK final but probably it will be left out in this semi, and it's a shame. Maybe..  3/5

Vilikasper Kanth - Äänen kantamattomiin

Jack - This is nice and quirky. He could make the final with a strong convincing performance but at the moment, I am predicting a non-qualification. It's also a bit too repetitive and I don't think the song is strong enough to make an impact. Not bad but not great either. 2/5

Blogilkar - The song isn't bad but there are so many similar around. He says his voice sets him apart from the others and indeed it does. Or rather his way of singing. One could argue is he raping the Finnish language in verses with his pronunciation and it's very close to being annoying rather than interesting. I like him but expected more from him judged on his previous efforts. Shame. 2/5

Norlan El Misionario – No voy a llorar por ti

Jack - No voy a llorar por ti isn't among my favourites but it's okay. Could work live but could also be a disaster... A non-qualifier at the moment but I wouldn't mind seeing him in the final. Not a winner. 3/5

Blogilkar - As much as I like Latin music and have a fondness for Cuba and I kinda like this song something is missing. Or is it just misplaced? It's not very original, one of those 13 in a dozen but wouldn't be at all out of place in some compilation of relaxed Caribian sounds album. Eurovision? Simple just not strong enough and most of all wrong country. When I go to Cuba I'm more than happy to have this playing in the background when I sip my Cuba Libre. 2/5

Satin Circus - Crossroads

Jack - OMG, I love this one! A super cute boyband, a great pop song and it's so catchy... what's not to love? Crossroads is a fantastic song and we should see them in the final of UMK and possibly Vienna, too! Satin Circus would be a great choice for Finland. 5/5

Blogilkar - Propably the biggest name in this year's UMK and a perfect act for Eurovision. A honest boyband pop act and song, a first for Finland if selected. Nothing to bad to say about this, it's easy on the ear and on the eye and an entry Finns can be proud of and expect a decent end. In short this is a perfect package. Depending on the staging this could do well even in Vienna. It will be harder to win in Finland first though. 4/5

Pihka Ja Myrsky – Sydän ei nuku

Jack - I think this entry is fantastic. It's so hard to predict who will and who won't qualify, but I really think this song should. Pihka Ja Myrsky could even win the whole thing and I wouldn't complain if they did :-) They need to be great live though - otherwise it could be a disaster.. 4/5

Blogilkar - I really like the arrangement and the two singer mix is nice. The song is kinda nice, very 90s pop and makes me think of some French songs at that period. Yet it is also very Finnish one. But somehow I really want to like this band! Is this song strong enough for Eurovision? Propably not unfortunately but I will surely keep eye on them in the future (and dig deep into their past releases)! I'm a fan and hope they will make the final! 4/5

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät – Aina mun pitää

Jack - If polls in Finland are to be believed, this handicapped punk band could be the ones heading to Vienna. Definitely a potential winner, and if they do win UMK, the Finnish entry in 2015 would be one of the shortest Eurovision songs in decades. Aina mun pitää doesn't even last two minutes. They would certainly stand out in Eurovision whether it be for the right reasons or not.... This song is already dividing opinions. Some people think it's amazing whilst others label it as a disaster.. I'm in the latter category. 2/5

Blogilkar - Many in Finland compare this to Lordi and Conchita Wurst for being different and standing out for various reasons and for minorities. But they forget one crucial thing: both had a good song and Conchita can even sing well. PKN doesn't have a song, nor can they sing. Punk syndrome's place is not in the Eurovision and it proves YLE still isn't serious by letting this in the line up (or they are desperate for media attention after poor ratings in the previous years) And if we want punk with attitude, this one is zillion times better, for example. This could be a zero pointer in Vienna semifinal but it doesn't even deserve that. If they go, I hope they get 3 points and be forgotten, zero pointers remain in history books. Being handicapped doesn't justify being plain bad. 1/5

If you haven't heard the songs yet, listen here. Stay tuned for Part Two! 

Finland: UMK songs revealed, final on 28th February!

The eighteen songs in UMK 2015 were revealed today through a special press conference and you can listen to them here. Other details regarding the Finnish selection have also been announced. The final will take place on 28th February - and there will be three semi finals. These will be held on 7th, 14th and 21st February with six participants in each. This is how the semi finals look:

Semi Final 1 – February 7th

• Hans on the bass – Loveshine
• Vilikasper Kanth – Äänen kantamattomiin
• Norlan El Misionario – No voy a llorar por ti
• Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät – Aina mun pitää
• Pihka Ja Myrsky – Sydän ei nuku
• Satin Circus – Crossroads

Semi Final 2 – February 14

• Jouni Aslak – Lions and lambs
• Eeverest – Love it all away
• Otto Ivar – Truth or dare
• Opera Skaala – Heart of light
• Shava – Ostarilla
• Siru – Mustelmat

Semi Final 3 – February 21

• Aikuinen – Kyynelten Iahti
• Ida Bois – Kumbaya
• Järjestyshäiriö – Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla
• Angelo De Nile – All for victory
• Heidi Pakarinen – Bon voyage
• Solju – Hold your colours

Finland: Siru to be disqualified?

My good friend at Life After Helsinki 2007 reports the news that Siru may be disqualified from UMK. Why? Well it seems her song leaked intentionally, before the official premiere next week. Anssi Autio from YLE said:

It was record label's mistake. All is automatic these days, even the digital releases. Aso many different parts have access to manipulate the data, including date of release. It's very sad the artists names and song titles were leaked this way. But we still have a lot to reveal next Tuesday so all is not out there, including the songs itself. If it's intentional, she will be disqualified and may be replaced with another song and artist. 

I haven't heard her song yet, I'm waiting until Tuesday, but her song has received a very positive reaction from fans online. Apparently.

Finland: Spotify leaks UMK participants and song titles!

The eighteen acts, who will participate in UMK 2015, have been leaked on Spotify. Ooops.

• Angelo de Nile - All for victory
• Hans on the Bass - Loveshine
• Satin Cirkus - Crossroads
• Siru - Mustelmat
• Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät - Aina mun pitää
• Eeverest - Love it all way
• Shava - Ostarilla
• Pihka & Myrsky - Sydän ei nuku
• Aikuinen - Kyynelten lahti
• Opera Skaala - Heart of light
• Solju - Hold your colors
• Järjestyshäiriö - Särkyneiden sydänten kulmilla
• Norman El Misionario - No voy a llorar por ti
• Otto Ivar - Truth or dare
• Ida Bois - Kumbaya
• Jouni Aslak - Lions and lambs
• Vilikasper Kanth - Äänen kantamattomiin
• Heidi Pakarinen - Bon voyage

Siru Airistola won The Voice of Finland and Axel Kalland from Satin Circus is the hottest guy in Scandinavian music, according to Scandipop. Already an interesting and promising line-up. Good luck, Suomi!

Finland: UMK will return in 2015!

Finland's national broadcaster, YLE, has recently announced some details regarding their 2015 selection process. UMK, Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, will once again be used to select the Finnish representation for Austria! There will be some major changes, though. All shows will be live, and there will be no jurors. Submissions will open September 1st and 9th. More details will be revealed later...

Missed Opportunities 2014: Finland!

Softengine placed 11th in Copenhagen, which is Finland's best result since Lordi. UMK, the national selection in Finland, provides us Eurovision fans with a number of great songs. It was one of the stronger selections. Softengine were probably the best choice, but it's worth remembering these awesome songs! :-)

Mikko Pohjola - Sängyn reunalla
Mikko Pohjola was one of the favourites to fly the Finnish flag - and he was so close. Mikko came 2nd with Sängyn reunalla. A stunning ballad. Black and white effects were used in the live performance, until the last chorus. The juries would have appreciated this, however it would not have made top ten.

MIAU - God/Drug
MIAU achieved 3rd place with God/Drug. A wacky yet wonderful song! It's insane. Their live performance was memorable, to say the least. It is very catchy though and I sometimes find myself singing "Are you a god?, Are you a drug?, You must be god!, You must be drug!" 

Hukka ja Mama - Selja
Hukka ja Mama are a duo made of two childhood friends and I believe they should have represented Finland. Selja contains folk elements and it's really a sweet little number. A cute song. I just feel so relaxed when listening to this. Finnish is a beautiful language and I would love to hear it more in the contest. However, I fear Hukka ja Mama's effort would have gone unnoticed in Copenhagen.

Finland: Softengine win UMK!

They did it! Softengine will represent Finland in Copenhagen! Great choice - I feel kinda sad Mikko didn't make it, but Softengine are awesome nevertheless so I'm not disappointed. A great strong rock entry from Finland this year.

The Swiss national final is still taking place, I unfortunately couldn't get a decent stream so I've been giving all my attention to Sweden and Finland. Oh, and Latvia when Samanta Tina performed <3 I'm not sure how this will go do in Copenhagen - it'll probably make the final but then who knows? Maybe a result similar to Krista's...

Finland: Representative to be selected tonight!

It's not only Switzerland who are selecting their entry for Copenhagen tonight, as Finland's UMK will come to an end this evening. There are 8 participants in the running - and I have high hopes. I predict either Softengine, Lauri, Mikko or Hukka ja Mama will win - although I also think Hannah Sky has good chances too. Clarissa and Josh's song is very radio friendly but it doesn't really work live. I doubt they'll win. If I had to make a prediction to win - I'd probably opt for Mikko. Lovely ballad.

The Finnish selection has been great - there have been many great performances in the semis/heats. Krista Siegfrids will give a special performance tonight. #TEAMDINGDONG! The outcome will be decided by televote and a jury. Personally, I wanna see Hukka ja Mama win!

1. Softengine – Something Better
2. Hanna Sky – Hope
3. MIAU – GodDrug
4. Lauri Mikkola – Going Down
5. Madcraft – Shining Bright
6. Mikko Pohjola – Sängyn Reunalla
7. Clarissa feat. Josh Standing – Top Of The World
8. Hukka ja Mama – Selja

You can watch the show here at 20:00 CET and is expected to last roughly two hours. Onnea Kaikille!