In a recent interview with Iltalehti, Tomi Putaansuu, lead singer of the Finnish band Lordi, voiced his disappointment regarding their exclusion from the UMK finals this year. He explained that two major record labels had expressed interest in featuring them, yet they were ultimately deemed incompatible with the event's musical direction. This has sparked a conversation on social media about the band's absence, especially as this year marks the 20th anniversary of their Eurovision win.

Putaansuu highlighted that the production team had proposed a different role for him, suggesting he could attend as an audience member seated between Käärijä and Erika Vikman, or possibly just to present an award. He described this offer as an "undervaluation" of the band's legacy, stating that he wouldn't travel all the way from Rovaniemi to Tampere for such a minimal presence. His frustration is not just about performance but also about how they perceive their impact in the Finnish music scene.

The situation prompted Anssi Autio, the main producer of UMK, to contact Putaansuu recently to apologize for the oversight. However, Putaansuu remains displeased and has announced that he will not participate in the UMK event in any capacity in the future. This sentiment underscores a broader discussion on the recognition and respect for artists who have contributed significantly to Finland’s cultural identity through competitions like Eurovision.