Feb 8 • 16:50 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

UMK contestant Sinikka Monte has never lived in Finland – Still names a cold Finnish delicacy

Sinikka Monte, a finalist in the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), has a diverse international background and expresses her desire to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest despite her fears of criticism amid the current political situation.

Sinikka Monte, a finalist in the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), is notable for her unique international heritage, being born in Scotland to a South African father, a Finnish mother, and an Italian grandfather. Although she has never lived in Finland, her strong connection to her roots is evident as she references Finnish culture and identifies a cold Finnish delicacy. The family, having resided in Austria due to her father’s job opportunities, currently lives in Vienna, which is also the host city for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.

In a candid discussion with journalist Ismo Puljujärvi on Iltalehti's Viisupodi, Sinikka expresses her enthusiasm for the Eurovision event, indicating her strong desire to attend if she wins the UMK. However, she acknowledges the challenges posed by the current political climate, specifically referencing tensions surrounding events in Israel. This context introduces a layer of complexity to her aspirations, as she grapples with the intersection of culture and politics inherent in international competitions like Eurovision.

Sinikka also voices her worries about potential criticism she might face regarding her participation, especially given the politically charged atmosphere that has emerged around the contest. Her experience reflects the broader challenges faced by artists representing diverse backgrounds in global platforms today, illustrating how personal and cultural identities are often influenced by current events.

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