Finland's UMK has really turned itself around in just a couple of years from no hit machine disaster to a real chart topping delivering career launching hit machine. Two years in a row the Finnish Grammy aka Emma has gone to a song from UMK, all the songs hit the charts, it delivers several Top-10 hits, number ones and creates new stars. This year more than ever.
In my personal opinion every song this year is good or great, and any of them would have been a winner just 3-4 years ago but things have changed now. How to pick up the one from the goodies? Easy if you think about it: there's one that caused an international stir right after it was released, it sticks out like a slap in the face and all I can say is WE MUST CHOOSE IT.
The running order caused some commotion in the social medias but I believe it has something to do with the stagings and props etc. On the other hand with only seven songs it's not so important if you go first, last or somewhere in between. Especially when the songs have been out for weeks already and played everywhere.
Last year's winner The Rasmus and 4 x Emma awarded BESS (who placed 3rd but scored the most streamed song and the biggest hit of the year with her entry) are performing as well, as is the host Samu Haber (of Sunrise Avenue fame). I am, like most Finnish fans most concerned about the stagings and choreographs that have ruined quite a few entries over the years in otherwise well produced show.
The voting is 75% televote, 25% international juries. These entries were chosen among the 363 submissions.
The final takes place from Turku's Logomo and will be commented in 8 languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Ukrainian, Russian, Finnish sign language, Northern Sami, Inari Sami and abroad you can watch it on Yle Areena.
Chart action up to last week, it's updated on Sundays), Spotify streams and Youtube views (on official UMK channel) checked approx 24h before the contest.
Robin Packalen - Girls like you ***
Chart action: Radio #41
Streams: 765.119 (6.)
YouTube: 403.000 (6.)
Betting odds winning chance: 6%
Robin was an Eurovision wet dream for many when he has the teenage sensation singing in Finnish. Then he decided to become an international pop sensation. Things didn't quite go as planned and against all odds here he is with the song he says is his best ever. The public haven't agreed and generally his career is considered gone and over by most. This said, I never was a fan really.
This song isn't bad, I kinda like its vibe and the arrangement, especially the 80's sounds. In the end, after initial shock a good song but not for Eurovision. I can't even imagine the general collapse should he win after all...
Kuumaa - Ylivoimainen ****
Chart action: Singles #1 , Radio #39
Streams: 3.260.922 (2.)
YouTube: 564.000 (5.)
Betting odds winning chance: 4%
The hottest band in Finland at the moment with string of radio hits, chart toppers and millions of streams and now also sold out gigs and a few awards on their office's shelf. Until the past few months they were still quite unknown despite radio hits but no more. The song is exactly like their most previous hits and I like it. They come across also as very friendly, normal and laid back guys, what's there not to like? In any other year I'd be thrilled to have them win, but....
Käärijä - Cha cha cha *****
Chart action: Singles #2 , Radio #27
Streams: 3.659.127 (1.)
YouTube: 1.600.000 (1.)
Betting odds winning chance: 71%
The only totally unknown artist in the line up came with a real bomb. Everyone was talking about his song after its release and he's been all over the place ever since literally. He's Käärijä persona is goofy, fun, a bit bad mannered, over energetic and appeals to masses, especially the drunk ones in bars. The lyrics are what they are, never mind, but the beat, the melody, the mix of genres is genial. It has caught the attention of even those who don't care, listen or really know UMK. Not mentioning the reaction abroad. This. Must. Win.
Keira - No business on the dance floor ****
Chart action: Singles #10 , Radio #41
Streams: 2.90.164 (3.)
YouTube: 724.000 (2.)
Betting odds winning chance: 6%
Keira of talent show fame and her debut single. Very un-Finnish but so good. Some have criticized the flute but I think that's what makes this song stand out. It's different, catchy and exotic. And has nothing to do with Kalush Orchestra - who can even think such a thing?! All I can say I'd be over the moon if this won - in any other year. The standard this year is so solid and good.
Benjamin - Hoida mut ****
Chart action: Singles #7 , Radio #30
Streams: 1.974.435 (4.)
YouTube: 631.000 (4.)
Betting odds winning chance: 5%
Another goodie, as they all are this year. Benjamin really has the momentum going after winning Dancing with Stars late last year, and scoring a couple of minor hits pre-UMK. This is his real breakthrough in Finnish after his teenage years and coming out. Very solid pop song. He has showed he can move and dance, but the live vocals are a bit of a question mark, not his strongest asset. All I can say again: In any other year.....
Lxandra - Something to lose ***
Chart action: Radio #65
Streams: 418.669 (7.)
YouTube: 266.000 (7.)
Betting odds winning chance: 3%
The one I waited the most pre-UMK. She has done some great tracks in the past but this ballad took me a bit by surprise and I still haven't fully digested it. It's beautiful, great vocals and all, but there's something missing to make me fully connect with this. But that day will come I am sure, maybe when she goes live on stage?
Portion Boys - Samaa taivasta katsellaan **
Chart action: Singles #5 , Radio 31
Streams: 1.681.888 (5.)
YouTube: 659.000 (3.)
Betting odds winning chance: 6%
Portion Boys has their audience, and it's wide, and their humor retro pop would have been wonderful in any other year I suppose. Then again, this is the only song that screams "Hey, let's write an Eurovision entry" and that's where it goes wrong. The lyrics grew old already in the 1990's. This is probably the only one I hope won't win (if we can't have Käärijä, that is).
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