Second Finnish Semi-Final
20^th January 2006

By Jukka Väisänen

It was probably one of the coldest days in January. I arrived at Tohloppi Studios and the first thing that I noticed was Geir Rönning and other background singers practising This is what we came for.

The press conference was withdrawn, because no other journalists except myself were present. So, I then had the possibility to make personal interviews. I decided to use the running order.

The first artist was Ms. Johanna Pakonen. She is very beautiful and a kind person. She told me that she has a good feeling about the competition. Her opinion about the language was that it is better to sing in a language that the singer fully understands. The authors are on Johanna's side, so they did suitable songs for her. She also told that both songs will be in her new album.

Mr. Ville Pusa was very relaxed. Though his production is better known in the Swedish language, he also sings in English. He told me that Over You was created rapidly at Patrick Sarin's studios. Both his songs will be included on his new album and the other one will also be out as a single.

Ms. Nina Tapio, who was singing with Hanna-Riikka had also a good feeling. Singing in English wasn't new to her at all, so it was not difficult. They got also many suggestions as to their songs. Nina is looking forward to nice final in Turku.

When the semi-final started, we heard Tom Tom Tom sung by Marion Rung. She mentioned that both her entries have been very important to her career. The audience was very interested in her presence.

The first song was Liian Monta Yötä by Johanna Pakonen. It was a very beautiful ballad, the lyrics of which spoke about love. Over You by Ville Pusa was a kind of rock song. This Is What We Came For by Nina & Hanna-Riikka was a nice pop song, which had some interesting reggae effects.

After these three entries the stage was set for Markku Aro and the Koivisto sisters. They had not performed together since their entry in 1971!

Then we got the second round of new entries. Johanna Pakonen sang Kerta Viimeinen and it was a very up-tempo pop-schlager. ESC fans will certainly love this song. Eternally by Ville Pusa and Christa Renwall was a rock ballad. Last but not least, we heard Who I Am by Nina and Hanna-Riikka. It was an effective pop song with rock elements. All of these three entries were selected to proceed to the Finnish final.

The next semi-final will be totally in Finnish. We can see and hear Ms. Annika Eklund, the girlband Jane and the heavy metal band Kilpi.

Nina & Hanna-Riikka

Ville & Christa

Johanna Pakonen

Marion Rung