Yle, the Finnish national broadcaster, has revealed the record number of song submissions for UMK 2026 – their national selection for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna.

Yle have revealed that they have received a record number 491 song submissions ahead of UMK 2026 – 9 up from 2025, when 482 song submissions were made. Seven finalists will be revealed during a live TV broadcast on Wednesday 14th January, before each competing entry, along with a music video, is released individually between Thursday 15th and Friday 23rd January.

Tickets for both the live show, as well as for the first time, the afternoon dress rehearsal, from 07:00 BST/08:00 CEST/09:00 EET tomorrow morning. Tickets will be available from HERE – prices to be confirmed.

Tapio Hakanen, Chair of UMK’s professional jury, had the following to say:

“This season’s artist and song lineup includes a charismatic performer making their debut at UMK, an artist representing today’s most current sound, an internationally sought-after crowd-pleaser, a pioneer in their own genre, a charismatic duo of two unique voices, a dramatic pop piece from a singer with a stunning voice, and a captivating ballad from an artist radiating international appeal.”

Let us know what you think about Finland and the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix