Finland’s visa representatives admit that there have been too few exercises. The two have even more enthusiasm.
This year, Finns trust the power of humor and jean shorts in Eurovision.
The current five representatives, Windows95man i.e. Teemu Keisteri and Henri Piispanen, have decided to keep a cool head, although many hope that the duo will bring home the victory trophy.
However, there is a slight ripple in the air.
– I got my first thrill a week ago. I’ve been feeling pretty calm about that show and everything. One night before going to bed I started to remember how the choreography is going, Piispanen admits in Iltalehti’s Viisupodi.
Windows95man and Henri Piispanen represent Finland in Eurovision with the song No Rules. UNDER LIESIMAA
Like last year, a Swede will help create the Finnish five-piece show Fredrik “Benke” Rydman.
– Too few exercises, Keisteri continues.
– Benke does the choreography for many five-piece performances, he is a busy man, Keisteri states.
The two have practiced with Rydman in Finland, after which they have been helped by choreographer Reija Wäre. According to the artists, there are some challenging parts in the show.
– At what points did I have time to take oxygen? The pace is quite fast and during the breaks you have to climb down from the top of the denim egg and run to (another) place. You have to have time to even out your breathing in order to sing many bars high and loud, Piispanen says.
However, the duo is confident in their performance and they confidently take the stage in Malmö.
– When we get as much of our Eurovision show as possible, we will really stand out from that gang, Keisteri analysed.
Windows95man believes that their humorous performance will be successful at Eurovision. UNDER LIESIMAA
A stone in the shoe
However, the happy carnival atmosphere is overshadowed by Israel’s participation. The country’s military operations in Gaza continue and the humanitarian crisis has deepened.
Keisteri and Piispanen signed a petition together with other wit artists, in which they showed solidarity with the victims of the war and demanded peace. Among the signatories were, among others, the representative of Great Britain, Olly Alexander, and the representative of Denmark Saba.
– The petition had the same tone as our earlier statement, says Piispanen.
Not all parties were pleased with the artists’ appeal. PACBI, the organization that coordinates the Palestinian boycott campaign, rejected the appeal with strong words.
– By participating in the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Israel, which is committing genocide against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, enabled by many European governments, the contestants are complicit in the art-washing of these crimes, PACBI wrote.
Finland’s five representatives have come under criticism from Palestine activists right after their UMK victory. Down Liesimaa
Finland’s visa representatives do not take a stand on the organization’s criticism.
– We want to focus on the competition and our show. We said everything in our statement, Keisteri says.
What are you going to do if a representative of Israel wants to take a picture with you?
– I won’t comment, both artists succinctly answer in unison.
Nordic friendship
The Finnish duo visited the Spanish visa event at Easter. For the first time, they got to properly meet representatives of other countries and, of course, eager fans.
Sweden is represented by the Norwegian brothers Marcus and Martin made acquaintance with Finns.
– Marcus and Martinus took such a safe haven from us. They spoke Finnish to us: “What’s up?” Piispanen recalls with amusement.
Piispanen admits that he even practiced his five-piece performance in bed before going to sleep. UNDER LIESIMAA
Also representing Spain Maria Bas had told through his interpreter that he was a fan of the Finnish duo.
Keisteri and Piispanen will compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö on May 7. At that time, it will be clear whether the blue cross flag will fly in the final as well. Even if the duo doesn’t manage to win a five-a-side win, the cooperation is meant to continue. They plan to perform together at the biggest festivals of the summer.
– The negotiations are still ongoing, Piispanen playfully hints.
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