Windows95Man has confirmed that he will represent Finland at Eurovision 2024.
After winning the final of UMK 2024 on February 10th, Windows95Man (Teemu Keisteri) and singer Henri Piispanen were unsure if they would go on to represent Finland at this years Eurovision Song Contest, due to Israel’s participation in the contest.
However, Teemu and Henri, along with Finnish broadcaster Yle, have released a statement today saying that they will be participating in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö as they feel that withdrawing from the contest would not make an impact.
“We do not feel that we could influence this by staying out. Instead, we have started discussions about joint opportunities for influence with representatives of other countries and we are using our own position to put pressure on the EBU, which holds decision-making power. The decision was difficult, but now it’s done. We thank you for all the support we have already received. From now on, we will focus on music and building the show.”
The Head of Creative Content for Yle, Ville Vilén, has also chimed in on this matter, saying that he respects the EBU’s ability to evaluate the television companies participating in the contest this year.
“Yle has decided to respect the EBU’s judgment on the TV companies participating in the contest. We understand that there are various justified perspectives related to this issue. Yle has informed the EBU about the discussion in Finland and the Finnish representative’s view on the situation. We hope that the situation in the Middle East will resolve as soon as possible.”
Teemu Keisteri is a Finnish DJ and visual artist who goes by the name of Windows95Man. For UMK 2024, he teamed up with Finnish singer Henri Piispanen for the song “No Rules”, which they will perform in the second half of semi final one on Tuesday 7th May.
Are you happy to see Windows95Man and Henry Piispanen going to Eurovision 2024 for Finland? Do you think “No Rules” has a chance to qualify to the final? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Photo credit: Miika Varila / Yle
