The first three finalists for UMK 16, Finland’s national final for the Eurovision Song Contest , have been chosen.

Tonight saw the first of three semi-finals take place where six acts compete for one of three places up for grabs in the UMK grand final.

Saara Aalto, Stella Christinea and Eini topped the vote and now progress to the final on 27 February.

The finalists were chosen by a public vote.

Remaining UMK 16 schedule:

• Semi-final One – 6 February
• Semi-final Two – 13 February
• Semi-final Three – 20 February
• Final – 27 February

Last year, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät won UMK and represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. However, their song Aina mun pitää failed to impress in Vienna and they finished 16th in their semi-final.

Do you agree with the chosen finalists?

Stay tuned to ESCToday for all the latest news from Finland and the Eurovision Song Contest 2016!