JOY Eurovision

28 Feb 2016

Finland: Sandhja sings her way to Stockholm

National Finals, News

All the polls were pointing to a Saara win, but the Finnish public backed the underdog in the final of Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK).

After three semi finals, nine acts battled it out for a ticket to Stockholm, with Sandhja taking the prize with her song Sing It Away.

The Finnish singer and songwriter performed seventh in the final with favourite, Saara Aalto, following in proceedings with No Fear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdrmxib5JwQ

There was a 50/50 split between the juries and public vote. This year, the ten juries that each provided 5% of the vote consisted of different groups, including Eurovision fans, media, children, gay and lesbian, Finns, Swedes, parliamentarians and, the most popular group of the night, the Asfalttimiehet (Asphalt Men).

Sandhja was the popular choice of the juries, placing her at the top of the ladder before the public votes were added, with Mikael Saari in second place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAw0JOSGzc8

When the televote was added, Sandhja came in at 160 points, winning by 4 points over Saara Aalto.

What do you think of Sandhja’s win over Saara?

Share your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.

20 Jan 2026

Vienna glitters for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest

News

Image credit: EBU The Eurovision Song Contest takes place for the 70th time in 2026. And once again, Vienna gets to ...

31 Jan 2026

Living a fantasy: Previewing Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2026

Comedy, JOYEurovision: The Show, Music, National Finals, Society & Culture

The Nordic Grand Prixes are getting underway. The first cab off the rank is Denmark, with Dansk Melodi Grand Prix ...

24 Jan 2026

Rockin’ the Duchy: Previewing Luxembourg Song Contest 2026

Comedy, JOYEurovision: The Show, Music, National Finals, Society & Culture

We're ready for a big show in a little country, as Luxembourg decides on their Eurovision representative for 2026 via ...