Its been announced by Finnish broadcaster YLE that 363 songs were submitted to the Finnish national selection UMK.
Only 7 acts were chosen. This year, choosing the finalists was especially challenging for the jury.
Tapio Hakanen, who is head of the UMK jury and YLex Head of Music, said:
”Expectations for this season are extraordinarily high after last year’s stunning sucess.The seven finalists include familiar faces and new, up-and-coming talents. We have, among others, the best dance song in UMK history sung by an unbelievably strong new singer, a song that just oozes sexuality by a well-known artist, a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad by one of Finland’s biggest export hopefuls, well-known and up-and-coming bands, and one of the strongest rap bangers in UMK history.”
7 finalists for UMK23 will be announced on 11th January 2023; the songs will be revealed one by one from 12th January 2023 to 20 January 2023.
Hints on the seven finalists are:
- Dance song by an unbelievably strong new singer
- Sex-oozing song by a well-known artist
- Heartbreaking ballad by one of Finland’s biggest export hopefuls
- Strong rap banger
- Well-known and up-and-coming bands
UMK 2023 will be held at Logomo, Turku, on 25th February 2023. During the evening, the audience will be treated to seven spectacular contestant performances as well as world-class opening numbers and intermission acts by top Finnish artists. The after-party will be held in Logomo at the UMK Club, YleX Street, and Viisudisco from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am. Artists performing at the event include DJ Orkidea, VJ Hellstone and Club La Persé and Fiona Timantti as dj’s of Viisudisco. The all-night party kicks off at Viisudisco at 7:00 pm. Tickets for the all-night UMK23 and Eurovision experience are now available at lippu.fi/umk. The ticket price is €19.90 (possible obstructed view)/ €39.90/ €49.90. All these tickets include the after-party. Tickets for the after-party only are €14.90.
The Rasmus represented Finland at Eurovision 2022 with the song ”Jezebel”.They came 21st in the grand final with 38 points.
