The Finnish selection for the Eurovision song contest, Euroviisut, has kicked of. Yesterday we got to know the artists and today more information on the theme of the stage and show. YLE�s website has also short self introduction videos by each artists and the division of who will sing in which semi final is now out as well.

"Euroviisut 2007 was a very heavy rock themed show, but next year the theme is ice. We will have a great show with a lot of lights and explosions and dangerous situations" producer Matti Grönberg says. "There is much more pop and schlager this year!"

Most of the singers said they were honoured and very proud to be invited by YLE, especially the young artists like Konttinen and Meurman. Ninja said she was first shocked and then surprised but is now working full time for this opportunity and will play the gay card. “I believe I have something to offer to the gay people” she says. Cristal Snow said more or less the same and promises a true Cristal Snow show, no compromising for the Eurovision. Jippu seemed happy and relaxed just stating “things happen when they are meant to happen” when asked if she expected an invitation and says she still has four songs in the process and has not decided which one to bring.

Hanna Marsh told her song is ready, not written with Eurovision in mind but still a bit different from her previous songs. Movetron promises dance beat in real Movetron style while Konttinen and Jenna promise pop schlager.

The Finnish press reacted calmly to the list of names, or almost indifferently. Ilta-Sanomat headlines “Again heavy metal to the Eurovision!” as Teräsbetoni won their on line poll with 30% of the votes. Kristian Meurman was second with 25%. The band itself seems very self secure. “If we win in Finland a victory in Serbia isn’t impossible. We have a lot of fans all over Europe” they say. “The song is not ready yet but it will be a true Teräsbetoni track: heavy drums, Finnish lyrics and real he-man performance!”

The FINNISH SEMI FINAL SPLIT:

First semi final on February 8th

• Hanna Marsh
• Movetron
• Crumbland
• Kari Tapio.

Second on February 15th

• Mikael Konttinen
• Jippu
• Ninja
• Kristian Meurman

Third semi final on February 22nd

• Jenna
• Vuokko Hovatta
• Christal Snow
• Teräsbetoni.

The two most voted acts will go to the final directly while the others still have a chance to make it in the second chance round, taking place immediately before the final.Two acts from the six willjoin the six finalists makinga final of eight entries on March 1st.

The three semi finals will be at the Tohloppi TV-studios in Tampere again. The location of the final is still a secret.