The hype was in the air for Käärijä's chances to win Eurovision song contest 2023. And it shows also in viewing figures: 1.264.000 (78%) for the first semi-final, all time record. Taking account the grand final that usually gathers a lot more viewers it's the 7th most watched Eurovision final or semi-final since 1999. The record is obviously Helsinki 2007 Eurovision final with 1.905.000 (83%). I have a feeling we will break that next Saturday. Ladies and gentlemen: 2,8 million Finns reached out and tuned in to watch the show on television or various Yle's platforms. The average was 1,7 million while over 800.000 views were started online in Yle Areena. (And how many we will get still today for those few who didn't stay yp and watch last night? Or re-watch it today?). Last year the average was 1,07 million with total reach of 2,1 million. The fever was high also in 2006 when Lordi won. 1.479.000 (75%) gathered in front of their tv-screens. But in spring 2006 there was ...