The decision by Finnish broadcaster Yle to exclude Eurovision winner Lordi from the final of the Uuden musiikin kilpailu (UMK) has sparked significant outrage among fans on social media. Many viewers expressed their disappointment and frustration, prompting Yle to address the issue publicly. In a response posted to Instagram, Yle acknowledged Lordi's historical significance in Finnish music culture and indicated that their absence from UMK was not taken lightly.

Yle's justification for selecting different artists for the UMK event included their plans to feature Lordi at other key events, such as the upcoming 100th-anniversary celebrations of the organization. They aimed to highlight Lordi's legacy during the Golden Venla Gala, which celebrated television history. Despite this, the choice to exclude them from UMK has led to conflicting sentiments among fans, who believe their Eurovision legacy should be honored on such a prominent platform.

As Yle seeks to reconcile with the audience, the incident raises larger questions about how Finland’s cultural icons are represented and recognized in mainstream events. The reaction on social media indicates a strong connection to Lordi's past win, emblematic of national pride, and underscores the expectations of fans regarding how past winners should be celebrated in national competitions.