Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius alleges the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest voting was a scam, targeting Israel’s near-victory after finishing sixth.
Following last month’s spectacular Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, where Bulgaria claimed the ultimate victory, a wave of controversy has erupted from the upper echelons of the scoreboard.
Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius, who represented Finland alongside singer Pete Parkkonen, has publicly accused the international competition of rigged voting results. The duo, who performed the fiery track “Liekinheitin“, had dominated betting odds for months as the undisputed favorites to win, but ultimately finished in a disappointing sixth place.
Finnish Eurovision Star Linda Lampenius Slams Voting System
Speaking to the Swedish newspaper Expressen this week, Lampenius did not hold back her frustration regarding the outcome. She openly questioned the integrity of the public televote and suggested that outside manipulation altered the true standings.
“I think the referendum is a prank, and that there are bought votes and all kinds of nonsense behind it”, Lampenius told the publication.
The comments have sent shockwaves through the Eurovision Song Contest community, as the event prides itself on its complex, audited voting structure combining professional music juries and public call-in votes from across Europe and the world.
Criticism Ignited by Israel’s Near-Victory over Bulgaria
According to public records, Bulgaria walked away with the 2026 trophy, but Lampenius aimed her sharpest critiques at Israel’s representative, Noam Bettan, who finished in second place.
“Israel was second and on the verge of victory… it’s such a scam, I think, with everything in the competition,” Lampenius claimed to Expressen. “I don’t understand anything, I don’t trust it.”
The violinist also expressed outrage on behalf of other nations, noting that France’s singer, Monroe, whom she called “the best singer in the competition”, finished far lower than expected. She also defended Swedish representative Felicia, who finished 20th – marking Sweden’s worst result since 2010, alleging the results were unfair across the board.
A Surprising Shift in Backstage Behavior
The scathing interview marks a dramatic departure from the camaraderie displayed during the broadcast. Weeks ago, Lampenius was seen hugging Israel’s Noam Betan in the green room and praising his vocal talents.
However, looking back at the event’s kickoff on the Turquoise Carpet, a pattern of tension emerged. Lampenius and Parkkonen reportedly interviewed with almost every media outlet except for Austrian and Israeli broadcasters.
Furthermore, on the morning of Finland’s national selection show, UMK, Lampenius had issued a statement clarifying that competing in the international final did not imply political support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While Lampenius failed to mention the actual Bulgarian winners in her critique, her targeted comments against Israel have left fans wondering if her allegations are rooted in genuine voting concerns or geopolitical grievances.
Finland at Eurovision 2026:
“Liekinheitin” is the title of the song that was performed by Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen, who represented Finland at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Finland finished 6th at the Grand Final, receiving 279 points.
Eurovision 2027: This will be Finland’s 60th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Finland joined the competition in 1961 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2006, winning the contest with Lordi and their song “Hard Rock Hallelujah”.
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