For the first time in Eurovision history, two acts from Finland are set to compete against each other on the international stage, one flying the Finnish flag, the other representing Sweden.
Pop artist Erika Vikman will perform for Finland with her provocative entry Ich Komme, while Ostrobothnian comedy trio KAJ, Swedish-speaking Finns, will represent Sweden with their humorous ode to sauna culture, Bara bada bastu.
Vikman's track, sung largely in Finnish, was an early favourite according to bookmakers. Its bold themes around female sexuality and its energetic delivery quickly sparked attention across Europe. KAJ, on the other hand, gained momentum after winning Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, a feat that led to their selection as Sweden’s 2025 Eurovision act — making them the first act in over two decades to represent Sweden with a song in Swedish.
International betting odds now place KAJ at the top, with a 40 percent chance of victory, while Vikman currently ranks eighth. The Finnish public has embraced both acts, despite them technically being rivals in the competition. According to Yle’s Eurovision commentator Johan Lindroos, “If KAJ wins, Finns will still celebrate like it's their own.”
KAJ’s popularity has surged since their selection. The trio — Axel Åhman, Kevin Holmström, and Jakob Norrgård — have performed to full houses in Finland and recently met President Alexander Stubb during a visit to Ostrobothnia. Their light-hearted image and catchy tune have resonated widely. Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic remarked that if KAJ wins, it would mark the first time a comedic song takes the top prize.
While Finland has only won Eurovision once, in 2006 with Lordi, recent years have seen improved performances. In 2023, Käärijä’s Cha Cha Cha nearly won the contest, and that energy appears to have carried into 2025.
Meanwhile, Vikman’s more adult-themed performance may divide audiences. Vuletic noted that racier songs sometimes struggle to win over Eurovision juries and voters. Still, Ich Komme has a strong following and represents Finland's evolving Eurovision identity.
According to sociologist Riie Heikkilä, initial skepticism among Finnish-Swedes over KAJ’s sauna-themed song shifted after Sweden’s enthusiastic reception. The performance has since been reappraised as a positive cultural export.
Should either act win, celebrations are expected in Finland’s market squares regardless of the flag under which the trophy is claimed. As Lindroos put it, “We’ll make it our victory in any way possible.”
HT
