Austria Eurovision Song Contest

Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, who compete as Liekinheitin for Finland at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, sit in a Finnish sauna after an interview with The Associated Press in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, May 14, 2026.

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Finland's hotly tipped Eurovision performance features flames, a valuable violin and a safety plan

Finland's hotly tipped Eurovision performance features flames, a valuable violin and a safety plan

At the Eurovision Song Contest, performers get just three minutes to impress. This year, Finnish duo Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius are favorites with their song "Liekinheitin," or "Flamethrower." Their act combines pop and classical music with dramatic staging, including jets of flame and a valuable 18th-century violin. Eurovision rules usually require prerecorded instruments, but they secured special permission for Lampenius to play live. The pair has been rehearsing since November, trying to ensure their performance is flawless. Behind the scenes, a team of stagehands known as "ninjas" help manage the complex staging, keeping everything safe and seamless.