Finland’s UMK: Sonja Lumme in a Yle 100 anniversary number, Erika Vikman with a surprise guest, and a star-studded lineup of Finland's most-listened-to artists

In the UMK interval act announced today, legendary Sonja Lumme returns to the UMK26 stage to perform her iconic 1985 Eurovision entry Eläköön elämä, one of Finland’s most beloved Eurovision classics.

The performance celebrates Yle’s 100th anniversary and the shared moments UMK has created for Finnish audiences over the years. Known for her powerful yet sensitive voice, Lumme brings timeless nostalgia to the stage — refreshed with a modern twist.

Sonja Lumme comments: "UMK has become the most important major music event of the year in our country, and it's wonderful to be part of this amazing and high-quality show. It's especially fantastic to perform my own Eurovision entry Eläköön elämä, which has become an evergreen both in Finland and internationally. Its message of love, peace, and sympathy of souls is very relevant today as well. The magnificent show number has lovely nostalgic elements updated to this moment — the atmosphere will definitely be amazing!"

In addition to the interval act starring Sonja Lumme, the UMK stage will also feature last year's winner Erika Vikman with a surprise international guest in the opening number, and in a second interval act to be announced later, a star-studded lineup of most-listened-to artists from one of Finland’s most popular music genres.

This year's UMK entries in performance order are:

1. Komiat – Lululai
2. Etta – Million Dollar Smile
3. KIKI – Rakkaudenkipee
4. Antti Paalanen – Takatukka
5. CHACHI – Cherry Cake
6. Sinikka Monte – Ready To Leave
7. Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin 

UMK26 show and event at Tampere's Nokia Arena on 28 February

The winner of UMK will be chosen on 28 February 2026 at the Nokia Arena UMK26 event in Tampere. The UMK show is broadcast 9–11pm EET live on Yle TV1, Yle Arena, YleX and Yle X3M. International audiences can follow the UMK show on Yle’s streaming platform Yle Arena with English commentary. 

A change was made to UMK's public voting last season, which means that the Finnish audience can again this year vote for their favorite right from the start of the first UMK performance. The goal is to give even more music fans the opportunity to influence the selection of UMK's winner. UMK's winner is determined by public votes (75%) and international professional juries (25%). 

Media Material:
UMK26 media folder
Yle.fi/umk

Media Contacts:

UMK26 artist interview requests: contacts.

UMK and Eurovision Song Contest:
Juhani Lassila
Head of Media
ext-juhani.lassila@yle.fi
+358 40 541 2365

Juha Lahti
Managing Editor
juha.lahti@yle.fi
+358 40 830 2886