Laura Voutilainen (Finland 2002 with Addicted to you) has survived the Finnish show business already for 12 years even if she has been making some controversial choices. Lately she has been doing a stage show Viisumania based on Eurovision that she hopes to bring to Helsinki in May, and will return to schlager with the release of the new album Kosketa mua this month.

Laura is known for her great voice and showwomanship. There are not many artists in Finland who do these big productions in Las Vegas style. Danny brought them to Finland in 1970’s and Marion has been the leading lady in this scene until late 1980’s. “There aren’t many places where we can still do these shows. Grand Casino in Helsinki has been a pleasant surprise and this spring it has had a full house every night!” Laura tells. “Even the big concerts are going a bit better lately but Finns have funny habits of attending these – that means in autumn only for some reason.”

Laura has been heard a loton the radio lately, too. After her participation in Euroviisut 2007 with Kosketa mua and Take a chance (4th place) also the first single from forthcoming album Rakkautta ei piiloon saa (You can’t hide love) has reclaimed her schlager crown from newer artists. “The new album is made for my fans, it’s a step back to pop and schlager, but not only that” she describes. “Maki Kolehmainen has worked with many other writers on this album from various countries like Russia, so their influences will be heard on it.”

With this new album Laura will return to be the favourite of the whole music loving audience instead of her die hard fans only. She is also a true gay icon in Finland and proud of it. After her engagement onboard she will give an acoustic concert with a guitarist and piano player in Pub Britannia in Helsinki on April 14, and the album launch party will be in Lux Nightclub in Helsinki on April 26.