The media has put in the front line Amadeus Lundberg - as expected - with Maria Lund, Veeti and Eläkeläiset. The fans seem to think mostly that there are better, bigger and more interesting names amongst the 30 artists that made it to the internet selection than the 12 artists directly invited by YLE and chosen with the record companies. One must say none of the major record companies is dominating this time as the 12 artists come from 10 different companies. Or rather 11 as one of them, Heli Kajo has no contract at the moment.
Iltalehti is running a poll "Are you happy with the chosen artists" and when writing this 83% saying NO.
Ilta-Sanomat has a poll of who would be the best represant and after 3000+ votes Eläkeläiset is leading (30%), followed by Maria Lund (27%), Amadeus Lundberg (15%), Veeti Kallio (11%) and Pentti Hietanen (7%).
UPDATE: The situation in polls has not changed even if the number of votes has doubled or tripled over the evening.
UPDATE: The situation in polls has not changed even if the number of votes has doubled or tripled over the evening.
Comments
But at 80+% this is a very strong public opinion stating that the people have no confidence in YLE's selection. The process seemed good, but the judgment was clearly poor. It's never a good decision to let TV people make music decisions. This may be why the Idol format will produce more popular results.
Too many Finns have good music on their iPods - great music from around the world - and it is tragic for them to think they're going to be represented by someone on YLE's list..... truly tragic.
Sun Tzu's "Art of War" suggests that the battle is won before it begins. And with YLE's lineup, I am confident Eurovision won't be broadcast from Finland in 2011. Sad to say.
Of course Finns will vote for their favorites, but it won't mean they think the songs are good enough to win.