Who is Erika Vikman, why has Finnish Eurovision song caused controversy, and why did Finland’s President snub star?

“Nightfall, heart beats, into the trance, the moon rises, the earth arches, the gates open,” sings Vikman within the opening verse, earlier than declaring “ICH KOMME, ICH KOMME” within the refrain.

The music has been described as being about sexual climax and launch, with lyrics that embrace references to “uncovered” dancing and features like “Hit me once again, grab my ass”.

The bisexual Finnish music star has created what Eurovision officers reportedly think about a provocative efficiency which will want firming down for the family-friendly competitors.

Vikman is already thought-about one among Finland’s brightest pop artists. She first rose to prominence in 2016 after profitable the well-known Tangomarkkinat pageant, the world’s oldest tango pageant held yearly in Seinäjoki, Finland.

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In 2020, she made waves along with her music Cicciolina, which reached the highest 5 of the Finnish singles chart. The next 12 months, her self-titled debut album topped the Finnish charts.

She beforehand tried to signify Finland at Eurovision in 2020 with Cicciolina, however got here third within the nationwide choice.

Since then, Vikman has launched different profitable singles in Finland, together with Syntisten Pöytä and Ruoska, a collaboration with Käärijä, Finland’s 2023 Eurovision finalist.

Based on studies, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, has expressed issues that Vikman’s efficiency of ICH KOMME could also be too risqué for the family-friendly competitors.

Finnish broadcaster YLE’s govt producer Anssi Autio confirmed that discussions have taken place with the EBU, however clarified that they’ve solely offered “preliminary comments” on the efficiency fairly than making direct calls for.

Vikman herself has been quoted as saying: “It’s not just one thing, it’s everything. My clothes, what the song is about, how I move on stage. The EBU has said it’s a bit too sexual. They want to cover my butt. I’m wild, I have more to give. I’m sexual on stage.”

Finland has been represented at Eurovision 57 occasions however has solely received as soon as, in 2006 with Lordi’s exhausting rock entry Exhausting Rock Hallelujah. Vikman now has the possibility to turn out to be solely the second Finnish winner within the contest’s historical past.

Her participation has not been with out controversy at residence. Finnish President Alexander Stubb initially snubbed Vikman’s entry in favour of supporting KAJ, who regardless of being Finnish are representing Sweden. After criticism, Stubb contacted Vikman to apologise, saying he had not wished to offend her and hoped for a “double victory” for Finland.