Eight finalists chosen for Seinäjoki tango singing competition

Eight contestants—four women and four men—advanced to the finals of the Seinäjoki Tango Festival’s singing competition after Saturday’s semifinal in Hyvinkää, state broadcaster Yle reports.

The judging panel, led by chair Marko Maunuksela, included artists Annika Eklund and Maria Lund alongside music journalist Pekka Laine. The finalists, listed in random order, are:

Women Helena Haaparanta, Helsinki Kia Laitakari, Helsinki Maj-Lis Erola, Rovaniemi Raija Mäntyniemi, Kauhajoki

Men Ilari Hämäläinen, Vantaa Juho Punkeri, Hämeenlinna Mika Heinonen, Heinola Tommi Kostekivi, Muhos

The final, hosted by Katja Ståhl (Elämäni biisi) and Mikko Kekäläinen (Puoli seitsemän), will take place on July 11 at 19:30 local time in Seinäjoki, with live coverage on Yle TV1 and Yle Areena.