Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen Win UMK 2026 with ‘Liekinheitin’; Set to Represent Finland at Eurovision | Finland Today | News in English

Linda Lampenius plays the violin and Pete Parkkonen sings at the UMK in a photoraph by Nelli Kenttä for YLE.
March 1, 2026

LATEST NEWS

Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen Win UMK 2026 with ‘Liekinheitin’; Set to Represent Finland at Eurovision | Finland Today | News in English

TAMPERE

Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen win Finland’s Contest for New Music UMK 2026 with their song “Liekinheitin (Flame Thrower),” earning 570 points through a mix of public votes (75%) and international jury scores (25%).

This duo combines internationally acclaimed violinist Linda Lampenius and pop star Pete Parkkonen.

Despite their different backgrounds, both share a love for music and performing. “When we step on the stage, we own the place,”Parkkonen said in a release.

Lampenius is renowned as a classical violinist. Parkkonen rose to fame after finishing third on the Finnish reality television singing competition Idols in 2008. Since then, he has released several albums and toured across Finland.

The winners, if they wish, can represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, in May.

According to the UMK organizer YLE, the winners are not obliged to participate in Eurovision, so each finalist was asked beforehand whether they would represent Finland in Eurovision if they won.

Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen answered the question directly:

Yes. 

The duo’s performance can be watched here.

Share this post:

POLL

Who Will Vote For?

Other

Republican

Democrat

RECENT NEWS

Glamour and Grit at the 2026 Jussi Awards: Stars Shine Bright in Our Gallery! | Finland Today | News in English

Glamour and Grit at the 2026 Jussi Awards: Stars Shine Bright in Our Gallery! | Finland Today | News in English

“Wow” moments in Finnish nature

“Wow” moments in Finnish nature

Lower Secondary School Stabbing Incident on Monday Leads to Arrest; Crisis Support Activated | Finland Today | News in English

Lower Secondary School Stabbing Incident on Monday Leads to Arrest; Crisis Support Activated | Finland Today | News in English

Dynamic Country URL Go to Country Info Page