FINLAND: SYKSYN SÄVEL RETURNS

Syksyn sävel, or Song for autum, used to be a big thing and has provided a string of huge hits in the late 1960's and 1970's especially when Euroviisut - the Finnish national selection was very far from commercial success, while Syksyn Sävel's function was shamelessly commercial and often humoristic. Syksyn Sävel run from 1968 to 2001 and again 2011-2013.

When it was announced the contest returns this fall one was hoping for the same; big names and hits in the making but when the list of participants was out it is clear it is not aimed for hit lists and streaming platforms but to the elderly schlager dance band audiences in the provinces. Sigh

Among the participants previous winners Mikko Alatalo (1978, 1980, 1981, 1986) and Anja Niskanen (1984) with many names from tango music circuit or ex-Tango Kings and Queens (Johanna Pakonen 2002, Saija Tuupainen 2003, Jukka Hallikainen 2008, Kyösti Mäkimattila 2013, Teemu Roivainen 2014. One can also add Antti Ahopelto, three times runner up! (2005, 2007, 2008) and so on. Among entrants also UMK veteran Eini and Milana Misic, Eurovision star Laila Kinnunen's daughter.

Add entertainer Joel Hallikainen (whose fame is stuck in the 1990's) and his son Eeli. And Taage of Kilpi from Euroviisut 2006. And Teemu is also Saara Aalto's long lasting boyfriend before she found herself. Nomi and Henry Friman have participated in various talent shows and Markus Salo is a completely forgotten The Voice winner 2019.

Sad to say the expectations aren't that high!

Semifinal one (October 2, 2021)

Saija Tuupainen - Kuurasydän

Kyösti Mäkimattila - Pihakeinu

Joel Hallikainen - Käyttöohje

Eeli Hallikainen - Huoletonta ja makeaa

Anna Kokkonen - Tuulen tyttö

Taage - Syyskuun 15. yö

Miika Mattila - Uusi alku

Teemu Roivainen - Hiekkalinna

Marko Hannuksela ja Jukka Hallikainen - Strösseli

Anja Niskanen - Loistaa kuu

Semifinal two (October 9, 2021)

Johanna Pakonen - Vähän valoa

Antti Ahopelto - Sydänpimeää

Mikko Alatalo - Lapsenusko
Eini - Mä en oo kekenkään
Pekkaniskan pojat - Köyhän miehen Danny
Henry Friman - Jatkaa voit muualle matkaa
Nomi - Repivää
Charles Plogman - Mä oon täällä
Markus Salo - Jäätävän kaunis
Milana Misic - Rakastumisiin

Final (October 16, 2021)

Enjoy below some of my favorite winners over the years:

Anja Niskanen - Ollan hiljaa vain 1984 winner

Kirka - Surun pyyhit silmistäni 1988 winner

Suvi Teräsniska - Täydellinen elämä 2013 winner

Jonna - Minttu sekä Ville 1983 winner

Marion - Rakkaus on hellyyttä 1977 winner

Jukka Kuoppamäki - Kultaa taikka kunniaa 1973 winner

Irwin - Poing poing poin 1971 winner

Comments

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Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

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