Catchy hooks, sex-positive pleasure romps, indie-pop mastery and controversy. This year’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu entries have Europe and our Aussievision team itching with anticipation for the live show on 8 February.
Promising an intense burst of national final sugar, UMK 2025 has just six artists competing following the disqualification of early favourite Puppy by metalcore band One Morning Left.
15 members of the Aussievision team have poured over the Suomi selections for UMK - ranking the songs 12-10-8, then 4-3-2. All points for Puppy were removed once voting closed and our adjudicators have made the required adjustments to the team’s rankings.
Here are the results!
6. costee – Sekaisin (41 points)
costee is a Finnish pop star who earnt a fan base during his time in band Sima. Sima released a string of singles between 2014 and 2017 but, now solo, costee has turned his focus to securing a Eurovision berth with the sweet and catchy Sekaisin.
Highs: 10 points (Melanie), 8 points (Tim)
Lows: 2 points (John, Emma, Craig, Kiel, Laura, Saskia, Dale)
“Found myself grooving along with it. Definitely catchy” - Melanie
5. Nelli Matula -- Hitaammin hautaan (68 points)
No stranger to the Finnish charts, Nelli Matula enters the UMK fray with her Ariana Grande-esque pop declaration that she will be enjoying life to its fullest, going Slower to the Grave (the title’s translation). Diagnosed with an immune condition called CVI, the song surely has strong personal significance for the prolific Finnish chart entrant.
Highs: 10 points (Liv, Craig), 8 points (Cooper, Emma)
Lows: 2 points (Jamie, Melanie, Fleur, Joel)
“I suspect that the three straightforward pop girlie tracks in UMK this year may end up blending together a bit on the night – but they don’t deserve to, and I think this one is the best of them. A really airy, light bit of Scandi pop that goes interesting places melodically and has a really strong chorus. Has rightly done well on Finnish streaming charts and will hopefully become a local hit, even if I can’t see Nelli making it to Eurovision this year.” - Craig
“There is something about the throwback sound with her delicate little vocals that scratches my brain *just* right.” - Liv
4. VIIVI – Aina (83 points)
This captivating Finnish love ballad transports you to arctic tundras, windswept under the Northern Lights. Another familiar Finnish face, VIIVI was runner up for Finland’s The Voice Kids in 2013. Since then, VIIVI has had considerable Suomi-chart success, even scoring a number one hit with single 'Wonderful Pain' feat. Robin Packalen.
Highs: 12 points (Dale, Joel), 10 points (John)
Lows: 2 points (Cooper, Liv)
“I'm a sucker for a big bold ballad and VIIVI brings it in spades. Throw in the use of the Finnish language and it really transfixed me for the whole three minutes. I think this could be quite special on stage in the madness of the others songs (as long as she can sing it!)” - Dale
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Finland’s novelty acts in recent years, but if there’s ever been a moment to switch gears, VIIVI is the perfect choice. Every Eurovision stage craves a powerhouse ballad delivered by a commanding diva, and this could be Finland’s chance to break the mould and truly stand out from the crowd.” - Joel
3. Goldielocks – Made Of (104 points)
With its upbeat blend of danceable electro rhythms, slick production and contemporary indie-pop vocal stylings, Made Of is a radio-ready bop that we know would do well on the airwaves down under. Goldielocks, who was born in Finland but is now based in Berlin, cites Aussie icons Tame Impala as one of her inspirations when developing her characteristic sound.
Highs: 12 points (Saskia, Tim), 10 points (Kiel, Fleur, Joel)
Lows: 2 points (Sam, Laura)
“I think this has a great hook that really works with the song. It’s probably not the most fast-paced song in the selection but it has an easy sound to it. It’s got something going for it and it’s got something for everyone in it.” - Tim
“Love this alternative style and Goldielocks' presence and artistry stands out not only in the lineup but for UMK in general. Additionally, the music video presents a great concept reminiscent of Mae Muller's with its model cars and houses.” - Saskia
“I quite like this indie-Scandi pop song. Not quite made for Eurovision but Goldielocks is a performer to look out for in the future.” - Fleur
“There were a few strong contenders for my 10 points, but Goldielocks ultimately won me over with her uniquely captivating voice. In a year packed with female acts at UMK, her standout vocals might just be the edge she needs to rise above the competition.” - Joel
“If I wasn't a metalhead, I'd be giving this 12. Goldilocks is serving up a catchy, cruisy pop track with some indie tones, and judging by the video, could deliver some superb staging. Throw in the English lyrics and this would be a great non-stereotypical choice to earn more jury cred for Finland this year, whilst impressing the public as well.” - Kiel
2. Neaa River – Nightmares (111 points)
With inspirations such as Britney Spears, Rhianna, and The Weeknd, it’s easy to see why Neaa River’s first entry in UMK is so polished, making waves in the lead up to the competition. Neaa is a singer songwriter from Nurmijärvi, in Finland’s south. She released her first single in 2023 and has achieved success as an independent artist, penning the Finnish number 3 hit 'Elämän ABC' for Finnish dance-pop band Portion Boys. Nightmares is bound to catapult her to a new, more global audience that is always hunting for a beat-driven, captivating pop bop with vocal edge.
Highs: 12 points (Cooper, Emma), 10 points (Sam, Tim, Laura)
Lows: 3 points (Joel, Saskia, Melanie)
“If Alessandra from KEiiNO and Cascade had a musical Finnish baby, it would Neea. This song is so much fun and unashamedly dives head first into the 2000s europop vibes of the track. This would do the best for Finland in Eurovision come May and I really hope to see it there.” - Cooper
“What a banger! I love the lyrics and production on this one... I'm getting Ellie Goulding vibes with the vocals and they could do so much with the staging. IMO the best all round song in UMK this year.” - Emma
“Ok this song is a quite generic and little dated and basic. But I’m an absolute sucker for this genre of music. The techno instrumental in particular pounds the listener into wanting to dance and jump about. It reminds me of the mood music that would play in laser tag stadiums I would frequent as a kid in the early 2010s. This song is the opposite of a nightmare, and I hope it does well in the Finnish charts.” - Sam
“It has a bit of a rejected Saara Aalto sound to it. A vocally strong song that has a heavy EDM sound to it. It’s pretty decent and is pleasant to the ears. Not much else I suppose.” - Tim
“‘Nightmares’ might be reminiscent of other dance pop tracks that haven’t quite had the success they deserve at Eurovision, but it’s catchy from the very first listen! Its instant appeal and accessibility make it a memorable track. Neea River is a talented vocalist and the song would be a Euroclub staple!” - Laura
1. Erika Vikman – Iche Komme (140 points)
Fan favourite and Finnish femme fatale, Erika Vikman is back for another campaign for UMK glory. After her 2020 entry Cicciolina launched her straight into success, Erika has been lighting up the Finnish charts with multiple hits including a collab with Eurovision icon Käärijä, Ruoska. Cicciolina, a pulsing dance-pop anthem about a famed pornstar, earned Vikman the highest votes from the UMK voting public, but was held back from the win by the jury’s score putting her in third place.
Sticking to the sex-positive “there’s no shame in pleasure” theme, Iche Komme leaves little to the imagination with barely veiled innuendo set to a bold and contemporary sound that climaxes in wild abandon… if you follow the metaphor. At the time of writing, Iche Komme is at No.4 on Spotify’s Top 50 Finland chart.
Highs: 12 points (Jamie, John, Sam, Craig, Laura, Liv, Fleur), 10 Points (Cooper, Emma, Saskia, Dale)
Lows: 3 points (Kiel)
“This song just gets better each time you listen to it and is so addictive. I prefer this to Erika's previous UMK entry Cicciolina from 2020. This will become a viral Euro banger. I also love how the song builds up to a climactic ending. Hopefully Erika will be able to do similar staging on the night of UMK.” - Jamie
“Finland has been serving slayage of entries over the years, but I think it's time for a woman to win UMK, and there's no better act than this one. I don't care what the naysayers would think, but I reckon that this is as good as Cicciolina. Some might like it, some might not, but if it goes to the Grand Final, I am sure it will finish within the Top 10.” - John
“Erika Vikman is back!! I’ve been waiting for her return like Merlin waiting for King Arthur after the total robbery that happened to her in UMK 2020. Cicciolina was always going to be a tough act to follow, but Erika definitely pulls it off with this disco-inspired banger. This track is addictive as… well, what Erika sings about in this song. ;) The only part I’m not a fan of is the climax – no pun intended. But overall, this song also has a liberating, empowering feel that really fills the whole package. I want to see Erika finally make it onto the Eurovision stage!” - Sam
“As odes to onanism go, this is blissful. Surprisingly musically interesting (the chord progression is madness), creative in its choices of influences, and fronted by a performer that knows her brand and is happy to lean into it, I think this might be my song of the season so far. Come on Finland - you edged Erika once, so now it's time to come together and send her to Eurovision!” - Craig
“We love an anthem about Finnishing! I love how bold, brash and in-your-face this song is, it would be a very fitting choice for the 69th edition of Eurovision in a German-speaking country. This is my favourite song of the national final season so far, it’s so musically clever, I LOVE the tempo change and the ending is flawless (IYKYK). Every good Eurovision song needs spectacle and ‘Ich Komme’ provides it in spades. Finland, please make Erika Vikman come…to Eurovision!” - Laura
“Give Erika Vikman a solid colour, a stage and some questionable white powder and watch her eat up any national final competition.” - Liv
“I said it in 2020 and I will say it now - Erika Vikman needs to go to Eurovision. Honestly though, this is a very well-produced song. There is plenty going on musically and Erika nails her vocals. This is by far the standout in UMK 2025.” - Fleur
“I LOVE Erika and I so would like to see her go to Eurovision. The only reason this didn't get my 12 points was because of the kind of maddening over production of the song at times. When it works, I love it - it's camp, catchy and harks back to some of the great 80s Finnish Eurovision entries. While at other points it's just a little overbearing. Hopefully it comes together live!” Dale
“The aesthetics and heavy production differentiates this from most pop efforts, and will no doubt stand out in any Eurovision. The only thing that keeps this from the top spot is the lyrics, which I find too heavy-handed and makes me worry if it will deter a portion of the Finnish public in the all important televote.” - Saskia
“I am speechless but am giving this my 10 points purely because I'd love to see the crowd at Basel yelling 'Ich Komme' at the top of their lungs. Plus I think the staging would be awesome!” - Emma
“As the great Petra Mede once said, "Grab your towels it's time to come together." Erika is bringing that sentiment back in 2025. 'Ich Komme' on first listen seemed like a mess (and that is because it is) but after a few listens, I'm coming around to it (pun intended). The big question mark around this is staging. For this to come together (another pun intended) Erika needs to have the staging polished and cohesive, if it is then I'd be happy to see this in Basel.” - Cooper
So, will Finland come together for Erika, or will one of the other five acts get the ticket to Basel?
UMK 2025 will be held at the Nokia Arena in Tampere on Saturday 8 February (early on the morning of Sunday 9 February in Australia). The contest will be hosted by popular Finnish female artist SANNI and youth presenter Jasmin Beloued. The winner will be chosen from a 75/25 split of votes from the public and seven international juries.
You can watch the contest via a live stream by broadcaster YLE, which is likely to have English commentary too!
For continued updates on all Eurovision Song Contest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Bluesky and Instagram. All the links can be found at: https://linktr.ee/aussievisionnet
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