During the final of the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK), contestant Etta's performance of 'Million Dollar Smile' drew significant criticism from the audience. Many viewers expressed their dissatisfaction over her vocal performance, stating that it was mostly out of tune. The feedback was vocalized in real-time on Yle Areena's chat and the anonymous platform, Jodel, where people discussed their reactions to the performance. These discussions indicate not only discontent but a range of speculations about the reasons behind her vocal issues during the live performance.

Comments ranged from questions about whether stage fright might have affected Etta's delivery to concerns about technical issues, such as the microphone being too quiet. Viewers empathized with Etta, suggesting that perhaps singing wasn't her strong point. They acknowledged that while her vocal execution may have flaws, the message of the song itself remained significant. The incident seems to have had a considerable impact online, as discussions continue in comments on social media platforms like YouTube and Jodel, highlighting how audiences engage critically and passionately with live performances.

The controversy surrounding Etta's performance reflects broader themes in the music competition landscape, where audience expectations are high, and even slight missteps can lead to substantial public scrutiny. Yle's response will likely need to address these criticisms while validating the emotional investment that audiences have in such national competitions. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of performance platforms in ensuring participants are adequately supported, both technically and emotionally, during their live appearances.