Eurovision 2025 is a very exciting year for Finnish fans—we have not just our official representative, Erika Vikman, but as a bonus, the Finnish comedy group KAJ represents Sweden. Finland probably never has been as invested in following the winning odds—because KAJ’s song is so Finnish through and through, it really feels like we do have two representatives!
In addition to the two acts, I was surprised to find that Finns have had their fingers in other countries’ Eurovision pies, too: besides Erika Vikman’s stage show, designer Ari Levelä has participated in creating the visuals for Austria and Cyprus, and Estonia’s song Espresso Macchiato is co-written and produced by Finnish songwriter Johannes Naukkarinen. It is indeed a very exciting Eurovision year for Finland!
The grand finale takes place late tonight, 22.00 / 10 p.m. our time, and it’s going to run at least four hours. (Gosh, I almost have a headache from the mere thought of staying up that late!)
I’m really torn. I really hope KAJ wins, because Bara bada bastu is so joyful, cozy, and sweet, exactly what the world needs right now. But only if KAJ guys get to keep their quirkiness, happiness, and wholesomeness, because it’s part of their charm, and you can’t do that if you’re sleep deprived and exhausted and harangued by media and fans alike. Plus, it would give Sweden their 8th Eurovision win, pushing them ahead of Ireland (both have seven wins ATM), which as a Nordic person I would LOVE.
At the same time, though, Erika Vikman’s win would be stupendous—it would be the second time Finland wins, the first win for a female solo artist from Finland, and a win for female empowerment. It’s a catchy song with a great beat at the end, and a challenging tune (i.e., meant for a skilled singer). Apparently, after Thursday’s second semifinal there’s been a surge of interest; some have even wondered whether she might really turn out to be this year’s dark horse.
Moreover, Erika’s is an act where a grown-up woman dresses and sings how she wants, instead of a serving of bare female flesh centered around stereotypical male sexual desire (i.e., a slip of a girl decked up in barely-there sparkly cover-ups furiously gyrating and tossing her hair). (*cough* Cyprus 2018, Cyprus 2019, Cyprus 2021 *cough*) Acts are acts, sure, but like KAJ’s, Erika’s seems to contain a certain amount of authenticity that people respond to.
Ohwell. In the end, I suspect I’ll just be overjoyed that Finland has two such strong contenders this year. Following Käärijä’s second place in 2023, recent years have been exceedingly good from the point of view of Finnish Eurovision fans, and that’s not something to sneeze at. 🙂
As a cherry on top, all of the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland) AND all of the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) qualified for the grand final. All at the same time, for the first time. Yay for us smaller countries in the north! 🙂
Images: Odds screencap via WaterNeedsYou on Reddit Eurovision. All Nordics and Baltics via Henroriro_XIV on Reddit Eurovision (cropped).
An occasional feature on music and sound-related notions.
Co-Geeking 
Gosh, what a night. Goes to show anything can happen in Eurovision! Also, it turns out I didn’t even have all of the Finnish involvement in its entirety. There’s more: Austria’s set piece was made in Finland, and JJ came here multiple times to practice the choreography. Futhermore, Finnish fashion designer Teemu Muurimäki drew JJ’s outfit, which I believe was also sewn in Finland. In Malta’s dance team, there was also one Finn, Mette Linturi, who works in the UK at the moment.
The most astounding and exhilarating part of the evening for me ended up being the Käärijä x Baby Lasagna battle / eurodab performance. It rocks so hard! Awesome how many of my compatriots have worked to bring this year’s gala to us. 🙂 ❤
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After giving it a week to let the sting of some disappointments fade and the happy moments of the show blur into a pleasant haze, I can say that I will always come back to this year’s Eurovision with fondness. Having KAJ and Erika Vikman in the final offering two different but equally authentic versions of Finnishness will always make this year a standout, regardless of the results.
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It really does feel that special!
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