HELSINKI, FINLAND – As the Finnish selection “Uuden Musiikin Kilapilu – UMK” is about to start, national broadcaster YLE and producer Anssi Autio, have made an unexpected move.
Though it was announced earlier this year that there would be no jury for this year’s edition, it was revealed that a “civil jury” will be used for the live performances of the show.
In newspaper “Iltalehti”, Anssi Autio announced that Finnish citizens will be chosen as jurors, in accordance with their age and lifestyle. No more music professionals, YLE will use the same method as opinion poll panels. Nevertheless the jury’s points will count less than tele voting.
UMK will kick off this Saturday with the first semi-final. 2 other rounds will be held on February 14th and 21st, before the grand final on February 28th!
