Erika Vikman voittaa UMK: n ja edustaa Suomea Euroviisuissa

Erika Vikman voittaa UMK: n ja edustaa Suomea Euroviisuissa

Erika Vikman previously finished second place in Finland’s Contest for New Music (UMK) in 2020. Erika Vikman will represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland this May. Image: Miikka Varila / Yle

Erika Vikman, 31, has emerged victorious in Finland’s Contest for New Music (UMK) with her captivating song ”Ich komme,” securing the opportunity to represent Finland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland. The UMK final, a spectacular event held at Tampere Arena and aired live by Yle on Saturday, witnessed Vikman’s triumph with an outpouring of public support.

The public vote, which accounted for 75 percent of the final result, propelled Vikman to victory, despite trailing behind Goldielocks in the international jury vote. Defeating strong contenders like Neea River, Nelli Matula, Costee, Viivi, and Goldielocks, Vikman clinched the coveted title.

Amidst the jubilation and congratulatory embraces, Vikman expressed her disbelief and elation at her win. ”Now I’m going to have a glass of wine. This is just unbelievable. I’ll cry once I get through this situation,” she shared. Reflecting on the overwhelming experience, she added, ”I was in shock during and after the whole performance. It’s a sizable amount of shock.”

Looking ahead to her Eurovision journey, Vikman affirmed her commitment to delivering a memorable performance on the grand stage. ”If I’ve been given this trust, I will do everything I can in Basel so that Finns can be proud of choosing me,” she vowed. Embracing her bold style, Vikman hinted at potential tweaks to her current stage show, along with a nod to local culture. ”I will speak German in Switzerland, and the performance will be a blast,” she declared. ”I’m going there as a woman and with a rock-and-roll attitude.”

Adding a touch of humor, Vikman playfully shared, ”I’m going to charm Europe by being a fabulous Finn, just a little bit sinful.”

Second place redemption

Vikman’s journey to victory holds a special significance, as she had previously competed in UMK in 2020, finishing as the runner-up with her empowering song ”Cicciolina.” The track not only became a chart-topping hit but also established itself as a feminist anthem, propelling Vikman’s career to new heights. The success of the song led to the release of her self-titled album in 2021, further solidifying her position in the music industry.

While Vikman initially believed she would not return to the UMK stage as a contestant, fate intervened as she collaborated with producers Chisu and Jori Roosberg on her upcoming album. A song request during their work together resulted in the creation of ”Ich komme,” the very song that has now paved her path to Switzerland.

In the early stages of her career, Vikman’s talent shone through as she graced the stages of summer theatres and various television programs. Her breakthrough moment came in 2016 when she captured the hearts of the Finnish audience by winning the prestigious Tangomarkkinat festival, earning the title of that year’s Tango Queen.

As Vikman prepares to embark on her Eurovision journey, her unwavering determination, infectious charm, and musical prowess are poised to captivate audiences across Europe, showcasing the best of Finnish talent on a global platform. With her sights set on delivering a show-stopping performance in Basel, Vikman is ready to make her mark and leave a lasting impression on Eurovision enthusiasts worldwide.