Annika Kontio, a prominent Finnish schlager singer, passed away on February 8 at the age of 57 after a battle with cancer. According to Tanssiin.fi, Kontio had been open about her struggles with the disease on social media, revealing that she underwent surgery last November and started chemotherapy in December. Her death marks a significant loss for the Finnish music community and her many fans.

Kontio was well-known in the Finnish music scene, having won multiple singing competitions throughout her career. She celebrated notable victories in the Laila and Olavi singing competition in the fall of 2021, as well as receiving the top prize at the Iskelmätähti singing competition in the fall of 2022. Her contributions to the schlager genre have left an undeniable mark, and her passing is mourned by her peers and fans alike.

Just days before her death, on February 5, she released her latest recording titled "Tyhjänä paikkasi," which highlights her enduring spirit and dedication to music right up until her final moments. Kontio had signed a recording contract with the Turku-based Tähdittämö record company in the fall, indicating that she continued to pursue her passion for music despite her health challenges. Her legacy will live on through her recordings and the impact she had on Finnish music culture.