In the lead-up to the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), artists have expressed strong opinions regarding their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Following Yle's announcement that the winner is not obligated to represent Finland in Vienna, many artists shared their personal aspirations and perspectives on the matter. Some expressed excitement at the prospect of representing their country, while others raised concerns regarding political issues, particularly about Israel's involvement in the competition.

The responses from various artists were a mix of enthusiasm and caution. For example, Chachi and Antti Paalanen expressed clear intentions to participate, underscoring the importance of the discussion surrounding the festival. They noted that engaging in the dialogue about Eurovision is crucial, reflecting on broader societal issues. Conversely, artists like Etta highlighted moral dilemmas, indicating that while the honor of participating is significant, they feel conflicted about certain political realities.

Overall, the discussions reveal a blend of personal ambition and social consciousness among the artists. Their willingness to openly share their thoughts illustrates how the competition is not only about music but also reflects wider societal sentiments, with implications for how the event might be perceived domestically and internationally. The final decisions of the artists will likely contribute to how Finland presents itself on the Eurovision stage this year.