Iltalehti has reviewed all of the performances for the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish competition for selecting the country's entry to the Eurovison Song Contest. The final is set to determine which artist will represent Finland, and based on the newspaper's evaluations, Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen stand out as clear favorites with their song 'Liekinheitin'. They have captured the attention of the audience and critics alike, setting a high bar for their competitors.

During the live rehearsals at the Nokia Arena, Iltalehti rated various performances, noting a range of responses from the audience. While Lampenius and Parkkonen received praise, the competition also showcased other artists, including newcomer Sinikka Monte, who was identified as a surprise contender. The review process included a scoring system where performances received up to three lions for exceptional acts, and the lowest score was three sheep for those that did not meet expectations.

This detailed analysis from a local news outlet underscores the excitement and stakes of the UMK event, which not only highlights emerging Finnish talent but also builds anticipation for Finland's representation at the Eurovison Song Contest. Given Iltalehti's focus on local events and culture, this coverage is significant at the national level, drawing attention to the intersection of music, performance, and national pride in the upcoming Eurovision competition.