Finnish Duo Secures Live Violin Performance at Eurovision Grand Final in Vienna

The Finnish act of pop vocalist Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius entered the Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Vienna as one of 25 entries. Their song “Liekinheitin” (“Flamethrower”) blends pop vocals with rapid violin passages and is staged with flame jets, a leaf-blower-fanned dress, and stagehands dubbed “ninjas.” The performance ends with Lampenius perched on chairs, violin raised, while Parkkonen sings and serves as a safety spotter.

Associated Press

Eurovision rules require lead vocals live, while instrumental tracks are normally pre-recorded. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that “live audio capture of instruments may exceptionally be permitted where artistically justified.” The Finnish delegation applied for an exception so Lampenius could play live; the request was approved after a live rehearsal before an audience.

Associated Press

Lampenius brought two violins to Vienna: a treasured 1781 Gagliano for the live segment and a backup for playback. Parkkonen, besides singing, monitors the stage to catch Lampenius if she loses balance during the final pose. Both have rehearsed the routine since November and performed the song hundreds of times after winning Finland’s national selection in February.

Associated Press

The visual spectacle includes flame jets erupting from a stage platform while Lampenius is fanned by a leaf blower. Black-clad “ninjas” manage her dress and intervene when she runs across the stage, keeping the garment clear of fire. Parkkonen remains positioned as a security spotter, ready to assist if Lampenius topples.

Associated Press

The EBU’s clarification allowed the live violin under artistic justification, and the Finnish request was granted after showing the need for simultaneous live vocals and violin. Organizers said the exception fits Eurovision’s flexibility for unique performances. The performers stressed that the live element is essential to the duet’s structure and to convey the song’s “burning love” narrative.

Associated Press

• “Flamethrower” was “written as a duet,” and both performers need to be live for it to work. — Linda Lampenius, violinist

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• “It’s a woman and a man, it’s a female voice and a male voice. So I do all my lyrics through my violin, by playing, and you (Parkkonen) are singing it with words. But we are talking. We are (equally) as important, both of us.” — Linda Lampenius

Associated Press

• “They’re running with me – first one guy carrying my dress when I’m running, then the other one catching me during my run,” — Linda Lampenius

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• “That’s my work,” — Pete Parkkonen, vocalist

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• “live audio capture of instruments may exceptionally be permitted where artistically justified.” — European Broadcasting Union

Associated Press

The duo’s live-violin act will be broadcast during the final, potentially shaping future requests for live instrumental exceptions at Eurovision. Their performance also highlights the logistical coordination required for high-risk staging, setting a precedent for later contests.

Associated Press