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  "path": "/celebrity/linda-lampenius-pete-parkkonen-finland-eurovision-entry",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-16T02:31:01.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Israel's Eurovision entry Noam Bettan breaks silence on semi-final booing ahead of grand finale",
    "Emmerdale fans divided as ITV soap confirms return of Patsy Kensit character after 20 years: 'Why?'",
    "Former UK Eurovision finalist calls for Ricky Gervais to land commentary role after Scott Mills axe",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nFinland has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 thanks to the dramatic and genre-blending performance of Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen.\n\nThe duo are representing Finland with their explosive entry Liekinheitin, which translates to fllamethrower, and bookmakers have tipped them as serious contenders for victory.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMs Lampenius is one of Finland’s most recognisable classical crossover performers and rose to fame in the 1990s.\n\nShe became internationally known for combining classical music with pop culture glamour.\n\nShe released the successful album Linda Brava in 1999 and has performed at prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall.\n\nOver the years, she has collaborated with major entertainment figures, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeff Goldblum.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMs Lampenius also became a tabloid sensation during the late 1990s after appearing in Playboy and making a guest appearance in Baywatch.\n\nAt 56, she is also one of the oldest artists competing in Eurovision this year - and could become the oldest winner in the contest’s history if Finland triumphs.\n\nMs Parkkonen is a Finnish pop and rock singer who first found fame after competing on the Finnish version of Idols in 2008.\n\nHe, too, has built a successful career in Finland with a sound that blends pop, rock, funk, and R&B influences.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Israel's Eurovision entry Noam Bettan breaks silence on semi-final booing ahead of grand finale\n  * Emmerdale fans divided as ITV soap confirms return of Patsy Kensit character after 20 years: 'Why?'\n  * Former UK Eurovision finalist calls for Ricky Gervais to land commentary role after Scott Mills axe\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe is known for energetic live performances and a powerful vocal style that contrasts sharply with Ms Lampenius’s classical violin work.\n\nTheir Eurovision song Liekinheitin mixes orchestral violin with rock production and electronic elements.\n\nWhile the title translates as “Flamethrower”, the pair said the song carries a much deeper emotional meaning than fans may initially expect.\n\nIn interviews, the duo described the track as “deep and sad”, exploring emotional intensity, heartbreak, and inner turmoil beneath its fiery staging.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nEurovision rules have largely banned live instruments on stage since 1998, with most instrumental parts required to be pre-recorded.\n\nHowever, organisers reportedly granted Ms Lampenius special permission to perform her violin live during Finland’s performance.\n\nFans have also praised the song’s dramatic fusion of classical music and modern pop-rock, while bookmakers have consistently ranked Finland among the favourites to win the contest.\n\nFinland has only won Eurovision once before, with Lordi's Hard Rock Hallelujah in 2006.\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Who are Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen? All to know about Finland's Eurovision entry as experts tip glory"
}