Tampere, Finland – Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen secured a decisive victory at Finland’s Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with their song “Liekinheitin,” earning them the right to represent the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna this May. The duo garnered a total of 570 points, significantly outpacing the runner-up, Antti Paalanen, who received 210 points, according to Yle, Finland’s national broadcaster.
The win was propelled by an overwhelming 492 points from the public vote, exceeding even the popular support enjoyed by Käärijä, Finland’s representative in 2023, as reported by Yle. Lampenius and Parkkonen’s success reflects a strong national backing as they prepare to showcase Finnish “sisu” – a cultural concept embodying stoic determination – on the international stage.
“It’s hard to understand such a huge number of votes, but we now have strong support from the Finnish people to represent Finland in Eurovision,” Parkkonen said in a post-competition interview, as cited by Yle. The pair intends to celebrate with fellow artists, describing a warm atmosphere among the UMK competitors.
Finland’s prospects in the upcoming Eurovision contest are already reflected in betting odds, where the country has maintained a leading position since Lampenius and Parkkonen’s victory, according to Aamulehti. This has fueled hopes for a second Finnish Eurovision win, tapping into a renewed national enthusiasm for the competition.
The combination of Lampenius and Parkkonen is seen as a strong asset for Finland. Lampenius, known internationally as Linda Brava, brings a background in classical music, while Parkkonen gained national recognition through the Finnish Idols competition and later won Dancing with the Stars Finland in 2014. Eurovisionworld.com details their individual careers, highlighting their extensive experience and stage presence.
“Liekinheitin” itself is described as a dramatic song that blends pop elements with classical influences, a trend increasingly prevalent in recent Eurovision winners, such as Nemo’s “The Code” and JJ’s “Wasted Love.” The song’s appeal extends beyond Finland, with international fans praising Parkkonen’s vocals and Lampenius’s violin skills, as reported by Yle. However, the song’s title has presented a minor challenge, proving difficult for some to pronounce.
The return of national jury voting in the Eurovision semi-finals is expected to benefit Finland, as “Liekinheitin’s” classical elements are likely to resonate with music professionals. However, the competition is expected to be fierce, with Greece’s Akylas, performing as Käärijä, already emerging as a strong contender among the public, and Israel’s entry, to be revealed next week, likewise anticipated to garner significant support.
The potential for a showdown between Finland and Israel in the final is complicated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has sparked debate about Israel’s participation in the contest. Some observers suggest that a Finnish victory could be crucial for the future of the 70-year-old competition, which has faced criticism over its inclusivity and political neutrality.
Finland will compete in the first Eurovision semi-final on May 12, with the second semi-final scheduled for May 14 and the grand final on May 16, all taking place in Vienna.