Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Yle is going internal again in 2019 and it will be very curious to see who they choose (or get) after Saara Aalto - will they go for big international name or something big in Finland.  Or someone new and emerging? Chisu aka Christel Sundberg is one of the most succesful Finnish artists of the 2010's. She has won so far nine Emma awards (or Finnish Grammys) including Female artist, Song and album of the year awards. She also was the very first female to win the Producer award. She writes and produces not only to herself but also to other artists. Five albums (two #1s, two #2s and one #5) since 2008 but she's been rather quiet since her 2015 album Polaris , and her participation in Vain elämää season 5 in 2016.  Maybe #UMK2019 could be her big comeback? Her direct Eurovision connection is her bf and father of her child Mikki Kunttu who has been lighting director in Eurovision song contest 2007, 2013, 2016 and 2018 among others.  This blogger is a devoted fan a...

Chisu, one of the most selling - in my books by far the best - Finnish female artists the last decade or so I returning from maternity and has released the lead single from her fourth album Polaris to be released later this fall (her first in three years) titled Ihana (Wonderful). Her previous three albums have sold over 200.000 copies and she says she has no pressure as the process of writing the abum has been so different this time.  "These songs have been written over the period of 2012-2015 unlike the previous albums that were written, produced and recorded over a period of six months or so. It feels great to be back now that I have found again my path in music world!" In between she has studies arts, had a baby, and most of all had a long total break from the business moving away from Helsinki. One thing have remained: Her loyal fans have stayed and waited for her return. The single went straight to #1 in radio airplay list, something that has never happened i...

Today the Finnish media is filled with Krista's Ding Dong and the ice hockey world championships. Finland will play against Slovakia and if we win we are in top-4. If we lose we go home. Or stay home as the champs are here actually, joint with Globen in Stockholm. So, first that and then Krista on telly tonight! Long night! As I said Krista is everywhere and so is Eurovision. Ilta-Sanomat however features Krista's comments on her competitors which is rather interesting. here goes: Latvia: Cute guys, I could marry them! Ha ha. Good opener but not sure if singing first is good or not. San Marino: Lovely girl with a lot of fans here. Her song this year is much better than last year. Macedonia: Esma is really cool! She's got a long career and is known in Europe. I really like her but unfortunately not as much her song. Azerbaijan: Great song and great choreography. Very strong. This goes to final for sure! Finland: The funniest show in Eurovision, ding dong! Malta:...

Mikki Kunttu, who was in charge for the lightning in Helsinki Eurovision 2007 , has realized one of his dreams when he has given the opportunity to create a light and sound show Season of light in Senate's square in Helsinki. The 15 minute show is featured every evening a few times this week. Shame there is no snow but the very cold weather and clear skies add to the spectacle.... Have a look at some photos on my photoblog by clicking the link on this page or here: http://fotoilkar.blogspot.com/