🇫🇮 Windows95man "No Rules!" ANALYSIS & REACTION | Finland | Eurovision 2024

I react to the live performance video of Windows95man singing "No Rules!", who will represent Finland in Eurovision 2024.
I discuss his UMK staging, Finland's renaissance in the contest, and finally how this could do at Eurovision 2024.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:36 Live Performance Reaction
5:16 Artist Analysis
6:15 Staging Analysis
9:15 Song & Lyrics Analysis
11:15 Community Reaction
13:49 Finland's Rebirth
15:11 How will this do at ESC?
17:40 Odds & Can this win?
18:54 Other Victories
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Eurovision Hearts: Thanks to Smthngnw on Wikipedia
Outro Screen Music:
Song: MBB - Feel Good (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: • MBB - Feel Good (Vlog No Copyright Music)
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[@margemelloww]

I forced my Eurovision hating brother and mother to watch this against their will last night, and after the 3 minute performance my brother had bought a windows 95 shirt on Amazon and mum was clapping asking me to play it again 🤣 if that doesn’t communicate how good this is, I don’t know what does.

[@martaooooo1909]

I think people are seriously underestimating how elaborate this staging is, as ridiculous as that may sound. There's constantly _something_ censoring out windows95man's crotch area, a plume of smoke or the producer's clipboard or the dancers' choreography or even a fake(?) silhouette of a person dancing in the crowd, you can tell that the camera angle and blocking of _every_ shot has been really carefully considered - so even though he can't _actually_ be naked on stage it still gives the audience that illusion. It's a fantastic bit of visual comedy in my opinion, like something out of a movie/TV show rather than a live concert performance, and it works so well!

[@ESCTom]

agreed, theres a lot of planning and thought thats gone into this

[@Sipu97]

Absolutely, I love the camera work on this! My favourite moment is when it changes from Windows95man to Henri and the dancers starting to walk on the runaway, it so smooth!

[@HerrHaque]

Yes, this is a meticulously planned stage show, and I'm glad there are folks (like you) who appreciate it! By the way: I don't think it's a fake silhouette of a person dancing in the crowd - there's light from the lighting rig illuminating the silhouette's hand for a brief moment, the fuzziness around their contours matches the depth of field of the other shadows around them, and their movement is different in the competition and in the winner performance. I find it likely that this person (and perhaps someone else carrying them on their shoulders) is/are part of the stage concept. Which makes the show even more awesome, because that coordination between someone in the audience and the camera person being in the right spot at the right time to anticipate where Windows95man will stand (which varied slightly between both performances that night) and cover up Windows95man's lower body isn't all that easy. I'll agree with @ESCTom's comment: "It's magic!" I'm not at all a fan of light "Schlager" (as it's called in Germany) dance music, but this show with its irreverence, energy and actually a very uplifting message just does really well. Looking forward to seeing this act at both the ESC semifinals and finals!

[@96503412]

The next best thing to this genius and funny act is your comment on how incredible the staging is. This perception of him wearing nothing below the waist in amongst the organised chaos is a hard act to pull off. The camera work was fantastic. 🙌 I can’t wait to see what Windows95man brings to the stage in MALMÖ! 💥🔥💥🔥💥🔥

[@sagamaraia]

If Weird Al would go to Eurovision doing this same thing, nobody would complain. I think it is nice to see men doing the same thing women have been required to do, even if it's just to point out the double standard.

[@florentynakrupa5713]

I love Finland embracing chaos

[@lemonielala3080]

And at least for once, the chaos is funny and not just scary and sad like everything else in the world right now. 👌

[@Emizzlecakes]

It's funny when I see people say this is a sure NQ, like they thought with Croatia last year. Like, do they not know how Eurovision works? The general public are gonna eat this up!! It's 100% qualifying whether people like it or not! It's so memorable and catchy as hell!

[@ESCTom]

the only way that i can think of that this doesnt qualify is that all the remaining songs released in SF1 are AMAZING and a couple of them do humour even better

[@MadameChristie]

Are the in the same semi as Croatia? If they are and Baby Lasagna wins Dora, then they might have a bit of a challenge ahead of them lol ​@@ESCTom

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

It's a male bop which will stand out amongst all the women, so it should work!

[@Emizzlecakes]

@MadameChristie that's a fair point, but also Let3 were in the same semi as Käärijä last year, so I still think they can do it! 😊

[@Sipu97]

Yeah and we don't care about we are going to do in the competition. The juries make it pointless so we are just sending what we like and to have fun which I think should be the core of Eurovision.

[@waahtera]

I've never understood why people take eurovision so seriously. It's all about entertainment and bringing Europe together for a enjoyable evening. In my opinion the best song isn't the one that has most musical merit but the one that makes you laugh or cry or jump up and down. We Finns had for a while that 'We need to take this seriously' mentality and absolutely bombed every year. Obviously you need to bring your a-game, but it doesn't mean you need to be so serious about it that you kill all the joy from it. So I am looking forward to every year those memorable performances, 'joke entries' or not.

[@ESCTom]

Yep that’s a great point, there’s nothing wrong with laughing and having fun, particularly in an entertainment event

[@Ruinwyn]

I'm pretty tired of music in general trying to ve extremely serious. You can take your musical craft seriously, without making serious music. Music is entertainment, please entertain.

[@WriterLilyth]

​​​@@RuinwynPeople forget how filthy Mozart was. He even wrote pieces of music to fuck around with instruments he hated to make them sound horrible, he meowed like a cat frequently, played jokes on his cast DURING opera performances. Music is for love, not seriousness!!

[@corgi69]

I totally agree with what you said about "Joke acts" who decided all music has to be super serious? You'd never call the creator of a comedy movie a "Joke director" and dismiss the movie of all seriousness, so why are we pretending it's not rude to do the same to a song writer?

[@florenna]

Exactly! Even worse is calling this "trash" or "crap", which I've seen many do - ones who drool over this year's Belgium, Italy & France especially. :( Same as calling a director of a comedy movie a "crap director", by your analogy!!

[@user-pg7nt8us3l]

@@florenna I really want Finland to win.

[@agentkarl]

‘Not everything is an existential crisis’ is my quote of 2024 😂😂

[@anssia3123]

I went into the final ready to vote for almost anyone else but I was a little underwhelmed by the other acts, there was always something missing, vocally or staging-wise. Then this happened and it actually made me laugh out loud and that's it. It's so over the top silly in the most charming way. We know this will not win. We don't care. Love it.

[@user-dy8xh5eq5p]

I laughed all the way through this and it has been playing in my head since Saturday. I love it

[@ESCTom]

omg ITS STUCK IN MY HEAD AFTER EDITING THIS VIDEO

[@Tianda1111]

I love them and their energy. Makes me feel good every time I hear this❤🔥

[@maniamuse1319]

'Not everything needs to be an existential crisis.' - A good motto to live by I think.

[@omanmc]

It's simply fabulous. To make a joke that appeals to almost everyone means that they truly know what they are doing

[@hauskalainen]

The most intelligent and observant analysis i have seen. Well done Tom.

[@debsiduracel]

I totally agree🎉

[@Teme26]

I really want Windows95man to win. He was immediately my favorite in umk and now he's going to Eurovision!

[@selmasbjornsdottir5204]

I LOVE them. Yes Sara was my nr 1 BUT when I saw these guys on stage I was laughing so much so I was so happy when they won in the end. Honestly, if they had been competing in Söngvakeppnin(I'm Icelandic) they would also have been televoters favorites. We Icelanders love humour and Finland will absolutely get many votes from Icelanders in the televote(that is, if we wont withdraw😢)❤ from 🇮🇸

[@florenna]

Please don't withdraw!!

[@vohol6158]

​@@florenna It's a tough call, I'm sure there are people in every country wanting not to compete with Israel. Windows95man has also commented that he hopes Israel won't participate.

[@florenna]

@@vohol6158 He has? Oh no... EBU has already stated that they see no reason to ban Israel, which I agree with (after all they are just defending themselves, every country has the right to do that, and it's nothing like Russia's case), so it's very clear Israel will take part, and I really wish people would just stop with that nonsense of "ban Israel" or "let's withdraw"... And Eurovision should be about unity & togetherness, not trying to cause divisions like this! Oh well.

[@heroborgswe5418]

As a swede i hope iceland 🇮🇸 wins eurovision one year ☺️🙏

[@Joxterr]

I love it! it's camp 🇫🇮

[@DukeNauticus]

You hit the nail on the head with your description of "We have one person on the stage, with some lines behind them, singing about fire and desire" That is pretty much the only reason why I didn't vote for Sara this year. Everything about the song itself was amazing, but the stage show... ehhh, your words describe it quite perfectly. Thus I ended up voting for Windows95Man instead. Plus, Teemu and Henri are just so sweet. Even if they don't qualify, I'm already so proud of them for making it this far. They totally deserve it.

[@malevich92]

I’m obsessed!! This is my number 1 and I’m sticking to that 😈

[@lolzi2040]

Some really hate it and some absolutely love it. I love it! It's very ironic how this gets hate comments when the lyrics kind of reflect that: Is there something wrong with who I am? If I'm not alright, tell me why do I Feel so beautiful tonight? Haha

[@patrickuotinen]

And of course: "Call me what you may, see if I care, see me slay!"

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

Exactly! They are playing right into Windows95Man's hands with these immature comments!

[@SparkyWright]

They should be called FUNLAND instead of FINLAND,that's 2 years in a row...2 madcap songs 🎵 but I absolutely love it,they don't take themselves too serious ❤ great job 👍

[@sairhug]

You'll be happy to know they ARE called Funland in New Zealand ... same as Fish and Chips are Fush und Chups 🙃

[@helimerimaaa471]

I love Henri and Windows95man 🩷🔥🙌🇫🇮 I am sooo happy ☀️ No Rules!

[@mollieirvine1026]

the greatest part is that windows commented on this video on the UMK channel.

[@ESCTom]

haha i saw that

[@CSherry247]

🎉🎉🎉

[@MH-cj9dz]

Where can I see that ? UMK's YT channel ?

[@laura-leenavahala-zuramska6306]

What did they say?

[@mollieirvine1026]

@@MH-cj9dz yeah, it's on the live video, but I think there may be 2 videos, but it's the top comment (at the moment) on 1 of them so it shouldn't be too hard to find.

[@mantailuaa]

Finally your reaction, I’ve been waiting like crazy!!!

[@mantailuaa]

You did not disappoint me, I’m with you 1k % Sara was my favourite too before the final but I must say W95man won me over with his energetic persona. I was in the arena and I was so hooked by him, I followed his goofines around the stage so much that I almost forgot to listen to Henris beautiful vocals 🫣 I think he will qualify, jury points… Not so much, but, see if I care, See me slay!!! Lol!

[@KK19825]

Henri wanted them to find a "real singer" to perform the vocals. They were like "yyeeaaa, sure. We'll do that...eventually" And this is what we get 😆😆

[@katriperttuli427]

Did you see his face when he realized that they had won. Sheer panic.

[@KK19825]

@@katriperttuli427 Yep, the look of shock and absolute disbelief.

[@kimslice9993]

I think it’s hilarious!! It’s the first entry to ever make me laugh out loud 😂😂😂 watching by myself and still burst out laughing! It’s catchy and it’s total satire of 90s pop and I agree with you about the lyrics the biggest giveaway being the wind beneath my wings 😂 it’s all done on purpose and it’s kinda genius because of it! ❤

[@cannesahs]

Wow. You made really good analysis. Like an adult. Instead of joke entry claimers. Or those closing eyes because of "impurity"

[@algrave]

This was head and shoulders above the other acts in UMK. Cleverly made and completely bonkers! And I swear I spent the first minute trying to figure out if W95 was wearing anything below the waist. People will remember this one.

[@JaniOllikainen]

Same here. Every time there seemed to be opportunity to see that, it was blocked and after couple of those, you realized, oh, this was planned all along! Nice one!

[@dannaylor8716]

"You can't just fiddle the jury and televote to suit your favorite with each contest" PREACH TOM

[@doyourmath826]

I want a 100% jury system and the only jury member to be me - every eurovision fan

[@florenna]

@@doyourmath826 Preach!! 😂

[@vohol6158]

Thank you so much, once again, for sharing your thoughts. Not just regarding the song, but also the ESC community. You make so many good points here. I think a big part of the "toxicity" that exists is that a lot of the discussion is happening online instead of IRL. People have a tendency for expressing themselves harsher online, no matter the subject of discussion. I appreciate the kind and positive vibes you're bringing to the community!

[@Awa1955]

Kiitos! Thank you for the positive and supportive analysis!

[@ESCTom]

Thank you so much Awa ❤️🙏🏻🇫🇮

[@myrawatters1036]

Tom, I think this is your best ever review. Honestly I had cast this song into the “fun but bad” pile but you’ve made me re-think and notice elements I didn’t appreciate before. I LOVE your thoughts on the once a year ESC viewers who think it’s all a joke and your advice to not worry about them. That was my first thought/worry when I saw this but you’re right, they’re bitter people entrenched in that view regardless of what songs enter. Lastly I appreciate your take on the fan community’s response to this. You have a great ability to stand back and see the big picture. It’s impressive when I know you’re in the trenches right now with so many reviews to complete. That’s why we follow you, that’s why we value your opinion.

[@kuvattelija]

wow, im always amazed by your analysis. this video was great and shows how dedicated you are with making these! happy to hear you enjoyed the performance - it was so fun 😂 love from finland ♡

[@ESCTom]

❤️

[@CableAnna]

I really appreciate you seeing the artistry as well as the funny aspects of the performance. I love humorous stage appearance and this top notch. I don't think it's taking away from the song but I can understand how some of the more "serious" ESC fans might feel like this is embarrassing. To me THIS IS the essence of Eurovision. This is why I would turn up to watch it.

[@Garbox80]

Sometimes the humor participants either have a "meh" song, can't sing, or both. This one, while done with tonque in cheek, is actually a well made song (for it's genre) and Henri can also sing (I bet he's going to practice a TON befofe the EV in order to get those tough in-between high notes a bit more power).

[@user-uu4zj4fl5k]

​@@Garbox80Henri is professional voice actor(since he was 8 years old), singer, songwriter and producer. He has done a lot of roles and work in studios. So, performing on the big stage to juries was really nerve wracking experience for him. He was about to pass out. In saturday night's main performance singing and performing went much better😊

[@Garbox80]

@@user-uu4zj4fl5k Yeah, I heard that he wasn't prepared for this at all 😂 And I know he's a singer, but I don't think he's used to singing in THAT register. The highest notes didn't really have a problem, but there's that difficult spot for everyone where you must have just the right technique or leave the sound a bit "soft".

[@user-uu4zj4fl5k]

@@Garbox80 At this point he will get a vocal coach who will be by his side all the way to Malmö 👍

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

The fandom are in an uproar and need to CALM DOWN. This is a good song! The performance is iconic, vocals great by Henri and the staging hilarious! And the fact it won the televote is proof that the Finnish loved it! You cant say you want the system changed after just saying you wanted to get rid of the jury because you didnt like the result!

[@flaekon]

Exactly! And to me it's like... Excuse me, you have the right to prefer another song, but in the end it's up to Finland what they want to represent their country, and as a random ESC fan, you need to accept that! There are other songs this year, I'm sure you can find one you like!

[@Tianda1111]

Winner🎉

[@user-pg7nt8us3l]

Yes, I want them to win

[@emeraldgreen1973]

This is utter chaos and I'm totally here for it 😂

[@user-de7uu8ce9y]

I was one of those thousands of people in Finland who thought they were going to vote for Sara Siipola but ended up voting for Teemu and Henri. None of the first six performers made me feel anything and Sara didn't sing well live, and then - this disco beat, the energy and no pants! I laughed with tears in my eyes and in the end I felt it would have been dishonest to vote for anyone else because these guys made my evening! I know (and everyone in Finland knew as they voted) that Windows95man will never win ESC but unlike some countries who take this very seriously I never vote for the performer based on that. I want people to smile. :) I think we did it. YAY.

[@user-de7uu8ce9y]

It also annoys me when some people say that this is a joke entry, like they don't care. They do. They've put a lot of effort into this. This is humour/comedy, but definitely not a joke.

[@Piia2023]

I changed my mind too....just couldn't vote for Sara, this made all difference. If you make 15 000 chear of joy, you have done something right.

[@KK19825]

There's thousands of us, me included. Teemu and Henri just gave the most fun musical performance ever and i laughed from start to finnish. How could I not vote them after that?

[@WriterLilyth]

I love that the United Kingdom gave them 12 points!! They definitely saw the layers to the performance. I hope the Auatralian jury see the same. They gave 12 points to Gustaph last year and we love a party - especially after a 4am wakeup!! We are gonna love this song so much and I'm stoked I can vote for Finland this year. Hope we have a song just as worthy as this one ❤

[@user-pg7nt8us3l]

I believe Finland will win.

[@KK19825]

I was pretty sure i'm gonna vote for either Sara or Sini before the UMK final but fucking hell!! The show these guys put up just made me laugh from beginning to the end and I'm all for humour in music so they got my vote. LOVE IT!! NO RULES!!

[@ESCTom]

❤️

[@ZakhadWOW]

It's a triple blast of awesomeness between THis, the Kuumaa/BEnjamin opening mashup, and the Erika/Kaarija mashup. UMK is now absolutely inthe top 3 or 4 National shows.

[@ZakhadWOW]

and the fact the held it in the largest venue in FInland os the proverbial cherry. I doubt anyone who trekked the extra distance from Helsinki to Tampere minded it one bit

[@Masaim6]

​@@ZakhadWOWTo be fair it was in Turku before so it's actually a shorter time form Helsinki-Tampere.

[@tappytoeclaws2233]

I completely agree with you Tom. Maybe it's also just bc I'm an old millennial but I unironically think this is a total jam with massive ear worm potential - in a good way, for me at least it gets me dancing every goddamn time. I was watching live on a discord call with a Finnish friend and we both absolutely lost our minds when the JEGG opened and he popped out half naked. The way the camera moved around to keep his lower "naked" half hidden behind the dancers was a super clever addition too. The whole thing is JART. (Though I'm already hearing rumors they're redoing the staging for ESC 👀) I also loved Sara and Paskana is definitely a song that's going into my playlist as a welcome, regular addition. Two things can be good at the same time, especially since they're so different. Sadly I've also seen people defending Windows95 Man's selection by shitting on her performance and calling it out for being a Loreen copy. Leaves a really bad taste in my mouth, really just "jumping on whatever bandwagon" behavior. Wish people would put the emphasis on what they liked and what they're happy about when we get cool stuff like this.

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

I'm a Zoomer and I get it! 90s music can slap if done right and this is done right!

[@cannesahs]

I hope they wont change the staging

[@ESCTom]

It’s part of an ongoing problem that we have of this football hooligan style of following Eurovision where these people only like their niche few songs and then hate on everything else, especially if it’s a rival to their beloved. It’s really negative and not in the spirit of the contest

[@florenna]

"An old millennial", isn't that an oxymoron 😅😅 (Seems very much so for Gen X person.) But yes, Sara was my favourite too, and all these "Loreen copy" slurs are really, really far-fetched!

[@vohol6158]

​@@florenna People who want to hate will come up with reasons to do that, sadly. It's completely unproductive and makes the space less enjoyable for all of us. Paskana wasn't my jam but I also think the criticism about copying Loreen is unfounded. It's a bit same as saying that a song is plagiarizing another song just because they have similar elements

[@martinpavlak7052]

Iconic :D

[@arjunsharma7619]

Although I’m still gutted for Sara Siipola this is so fun and will 100% qualify

[@FeeESC]

yeah exactly and i was superrr sad

[@Awa1955]

Thank you for this positive analysis, I support this, peoples choice, live performance was iconic, no rules :)🤩can not stop smiling, people who were there are telling that the audience was going nuts for this

[@ansku974]

Hey! Pay attention! There is a deep meaning in this song: Be who you are! Be who you are and be proud of it! Stronge message to all of us to appreciate. Pay attention!

[@florenna]

I was 100% invested in Paskana as our this year's entry, and was shocked & heartbroken when it didn't win (the performance was also breathtaking!), as was everyone I knew. I didn't initially rate this at all, and when the results came, had about the same reaction as when Finland lost to Sweden in the end in ESC last year: "No no no, this is *NOT* how it was supposed to go!!! WTF!!!?!" But after the initial shock, I've now grown to like this a lot - yes, it's fun, happy, goofy, and the melody is also actually good ;D Now I'm all for this & hope it will go far in Eurovision!!!

[@omanmc]

I voted for Sara but after seeing Windows95Man incredible performance I was sure this would win. The whole package is so entertaining and carefree but Sara's great performance was destroyed by the visuals and even clothing, reminded too much of last year's winning songstress. All the best for No Rules. Let's hope it will do what Käärijä did last year and more.

[@florenna]

@ I wish all the best for this too, but disagree about Sara's performance - IMO it was mesmerizing, probably the best I've ever seen YLE ever do! Visuals supported the song and not vice versa, as too often is. And that comment about her clothes is so far-fetched - no one in their right mind thought that, and it's as if no one else is ever again allowed to wear beige anymore, just because Loreen did?!? Not that I like beige, anyway, but that's just ridiculous.

[@lizellis2661]

I feel like, even if this isn't your taste or you prefer your music to be meaningful and serious, you need to appreciate this as a change of pace. Even the best 26 ballads in the world would get exhausting if that's all there is. To be clear, I love this. The staging is *so well done.* Every moment is carefully planned. But even if I didn't like it for what it was, I can appreciate it for framing other things.

[@maximum_75]

I don't care what anyone has to say this was, is and will be my number 1 for this year. I think if the henry can get a tad stronger on the high notes this genuinely could get top 10, obviously it's going to do great in the televote. Also most people will be listening to this for the first time, and this song hits hard on your first listen

[@tanjanikola9489]

Henry did a great job and he has time to improve on the vocals if necessary. It remains to be seen if W95M will decide to go to Malmö. He is getting so much toxicity thrown at him at the moment, it is just awful. Käärijä & Erika Vikman's latest video is so on point on the social media trolling.

[@vohol6158]

I also hope Henri will have time to improve his live singing, but the most important thing is that he actually hit the correct notes (not 100% but enough). More strength and incorrect notes would be just painful. I think he absolutely has the technique down, as he sounded great on the recording -- it's just more challenging when performing.

[@eltzuchan]

honestly, henris vocals were already here quite strong considering how insanely high those notes are (ALSO SINGING THEM WHILE LAYING ON THE FLOOR???) and since there is still plenty of time before the semis im sure they will be polished even more, but nonetheless they are already atleast to me super impressive

[@CoxaBranca]

The most entertaining part for me is something I haven't seen anyone comment yet. It is the choreography of all the people on stage aiding in hiding the "nudity" of Windows95Man before he gets his shorts. In particular, the crowd member cheering that blocks the view is a planted mole that the camera perfectly captures. Even the camera only shoots him waistline up when he is in clear view. It is all so brilliantly done.

[@alionele]

I noticed the mole in the audience too. So much thought was put into this performance!! It’s brilliant. And the camera men are doing a great job keeping up with it all!

[@johannesmajamaki2626]

The egg is a reference to the Kalevala and its story of the birth of the world, the artist has said in an interview

[@rexation8952]

Remember....Semi-Finals are now televote only

[@kristel8991]

This is a comedic entry for sure, but that doesn't make it a joke. Usually the over the top "joke entries" in ESC have chaotic "wtf" -elements, but here every piece of the performance was carefully crafted to build many layers of actual comedy. I love it!

[@petepeto9335]

Just wait semifinal.. ofcource they will boost it up 🕺😂

[@user-pg7nt8us3l]

I want Finland to win.Really want to

[@SayaKur0Zer0]

I'm a BIG defender of this song. I love it, I love them. I don't lie if I say it's my most streamed song of the season. It brings me joy, happiness and so many memories of my childhood/adolescence. I'd love a Backstreet Boys-like close shot of Henri as in the official video though hahaha I love all of it. Suomi kiitos!!

[@someothername7886]

What I love about this performance is that you can keep going back to it and find something new to laugh at. Eurovision Histories mentioned someone being potentially planted in the crowd to cover Windows95man during one shot and looking at it again killed me. 😂

[@loveless_sorrow1487]

I understand why it might not be to everyone's taste. However, this is why I like Eurovision. I love when there's something fun, something unexpected and something just camp. I feel if Eurovision stopped bringing acts like this, I'll be bored and stop watching. I feel like they are taking this seriously but they're just having fun. And that's the best part.

[@vohol6158]

I agree, I'd very possibly stop following ESC if there were no humorous acts. It would be boring. But also the opposite. I think there's a good balance of different performances. Everyone has something they'll like.

[@sharissara]

@@vohol6158 I completely agree! I LOVE that there are so different styles: serious heartwrenching ballads, catchy pop songs, rock n roll, rap, and crazy campy acts. We need them all to have the best song contest in the world.

[@IsMiseAnthony]

The staging of this is immaculate. Captivating for the tv audience and the people there. Catchy beat, funny as fk, replay ability is through the roof. I’m sorry for the act after this in the semis and final.

[@sairhug]

Hopefully it will take the final slot in both the semis and the final.

[@erinnadia0409]

I actually am so happy this won over Sarah and I feel so alone in that opinion! The song is just fun and honestly life has been so challenging for me right now and this performance made me laugh and I just had a good time. I also went straight to Etsy and bought a windows 95 shirt to wear for Eurovision 😂 I have a pair of shorts just like his too from 10 years ago but they Probably won't fit me anymore 😂 I'll have to give it a try

[@ESCTom]

yea honestly some people watch Eurovision cos they want to escape from their problems or everyday life. I loved Sara's song, but it was pretty heavy, and if youre going through a tough time, maybe you dont want a heavy song in your life at that moment

[@erinnadia0409]

@@ESCTom exactly I have a broken hand which is so unbelievably painful and I just survived a scary flood in my neighbourhood and lost so much, I got up at 5am to watch UMK and I got to have a laugh and feel some happiness, honestly Eurovision national finals have been the glue holding life together for me at the moment, it's amazing how music can help us so much. I loved watching all of San Remo this year too 🫶

[@mollieirvine1026]

I'm with you in that!!!

[@Marzi29]

I'm with you! I didn't listen to the songs before the show and Sara was honestly my least favourite on the night. I didn't like her vocals and it just felt flat. No Rules was my favourite!

[@duzzzz94]

I was on team Sara till the live show. Then her performance was so boring with the swinging light bulb and outfit that looked like a Loreen copycat from last year. Then this started and I couldn't stop laughing/smiling. I voted win95man because it is not all about winning the competition. This will bring smile and happiness to those who watch and I feel that is important, especially today's time.

[@kaiknlast]

i was at the arena and this absolutely KILLED live. i have to admit it had flown under my radar (pun not intended), but once i saw the bonkers liveshow i HAD to give them one of my votes. never expected it to go through but i'm not mad at it actually! i think Sara was beautiful and sang alright, but i've heard a LOT of casual viewers getting a Loreen-esque vibe from her styling and staging, and being put off by her performance because of that, which is a shame. she is her own individual artist and the song is great - and i really liked the spinning sun.

[@ellem8990]

Exactly, it's wild that so many are convinced that people just wanted to troll or were drunk while voting. Like it should not be hard to see that this genuinenly was the most enjoyable performance of them all and people really need positivity right now. Just because it's fun, doesn't mean it's a "joke entry" or trolling.

[@tanjanikola9489]

I also loved Sara's staging (was at the dress rehearsals). It was mesmerising.

[@florenna]

Yes, I too loved Sara's performance & staging!! And was really shocked at the results, as this had flown totally under my radar, too. Well, now I already love this, after getting over my initial shock ;D But the Loreen comparisons are SO far-fetched, I mean WTF??! Is no one allowed to wear anything beige on stage, besides Loreen?!

[@Ruinwyn]

I didn't originally like the song, I didn't care for the video and I didn't vote for the song on NF, but I absolutely respect that they completely committed to the performance. They aren't giving a wink and a nod trying to get you to smile. They are hamming it up to 11 to make you laugh until you're light-headed.

[@willardprenfrew4303]

"I USED TO CARE about what casuals think!" LOL, love that Tom 💙

[@Zheviah]

I watch a lot of reaction videos but your's I always wait the most. You take a lot of effort doing these and it's very interesting to watch the analyzis and your opinions. I voted for Windows95man. It was the only act that made any kind of impression on me of the 7 acts. Most of us who gathered to watch voted for this, one for Sara and one for Sini. Most of the songs were rather mediacore to my taste so the vote went to the entertaining option. I don't really care how it will do in the competition but I do hope it would get to the finals that everyone could see the fun show. As to those who are so hurt about "joke entryes", like you said.. they should stop caring what other people think.

[@arlokay6859]

Im so glad that you're being more positive about this, because I really do think this is the vibe I prefer at Eurovision. Not everything has to be deeply serious????

[@Piia2023]

If this song gets all these hateful comments just because Sara didn't win, it's really sad. This will not be the final show in Malmö, it will change. The egg has it's story from the Finnish epos Kalevala. It has lots of meanings in it. Just listen to the crowd. Love your video. Love the dancers jeans 👖

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

This is like Blanka all over again and guess what happened to her? TOP TEN WITH THE TELEVOTE

[@HejaSverige]

It’s the same as the hate towards Loreen because Käärija didn’t win

[@VenlaKaroliina]

Yes, in Finnish epos Kalevala world was born from an egg. Also there is a reference into Kalevala's eagle that Henri is playing with his "feather" jacket.

[@Piia2023]

@@HejaSverige yes, it is really sad. Loreen von with jury votes, these guys with public votes, Loreen sang in English Käärijä in Finnish, Sara sang in Finnish and these guys in English. It's funny how this world works....and this was national final, not even Eurovision yet.

[@chiasanzes9770]

That mythologigal legend is not only from Kalevala though same legend has been told all around world in various cultures.

[@ar50000]

It's absolutely fantastic. I want this to win. The denim coat is amazing. The only niggle I have, is that it looks a bit fiddly on stage buttoning and zipping up the shorts in front of us. It needs a bit more finesse/speed.

[@ESCTom]

They’ve got loads of time to practice

[@Leena79]

I was looking for your analysis earlier today, and now I found it! I didn't initially vote for No rules, but I didn't vote for Sara, either. I do think the song we eventually picked is just the right song for this year, and the more times I watch the live performance, the more I enjoy it. Just before watching your video, I watched a review calling joke entries like this harmful for the ESC institution. I couldn't disagree more with them. Yes, it's humourous, but it's also quite darn catchy, the vocals are good, it has a positive message, and an interesting staging, which probably will only improve before May. This is what we love here in Finland, and this is the kind of humour we enjoy. The best thing is, you either love or hate this song, but it seems very few are completely indifferent.

[@sansazq]

Excellent analysis!

[@_Nova_2009_]

Your video is fantastic, love your thorough analysis and the way you don’t brush it off as just a joke entry. I absolutely love it, 3 minutes of pure joy and happiness and the best song to sing along to in the car 😅❤

[@DarkFlareGC]

I personally, absolutely love this song. I can't help it, this rediculous power ballad is on top of my list (regardless how much heat I get for it) It's just so fun and energetic. I think I needed the optimism of the 90s in my life right now 🤣 The 2020s has been such a brutal decade so far, we should take a page out of the 90's book and have some fun! Plus I really want him to bring Clippy to the greenroom in Malmö 📎

[@07012969]

I loooove it ❤❤❤❤❤

[@christianj5950]

the backstory of them not finding anyone else to sing it mirrors subwoolfer perfectly, who also struggled to find anyone to sing the song until they decided "screw it, we gotta sing it ourselves."

[@katiemacaulay6819]

I watched the live performance with the mouth open 😮 then started laughing then applauded. It makes me feel happy and entertained and isnt this what ESC is all about. Im fed up being fed up and listening to sad depressing songs is not for me i want upbeat, dancing songs. This ticks so many boxes and sorry not sorry.

[@sagamaraia]

In Finnish Karelian origin story the world was born from an bluebill's egg. So logically Windows95man is born from a denim egg. For Teemu those denim short shorts are important, they gave birth to this character and later on gave him a way out of alcoholism and brought him life, love and happiness.

[@rita.amstlv]

Normally I like to have some rules but the evening of Eurovision Song Contest I will drop all rules!!! No rules! 😁💞 Some fun, it is not forbidden to have some fun!! 🦜🌞🍀👾👻😍🤖😸🎉🎉🎉💫✨🕺🕺🕺👯👯👭👬

[@rita.amstlv]

So, no rules and have fun!!🤩🥳🌞🤸🤸🕺🕺🕺👯👯👯

[@Oliver_S]

Yes this will be perfect to close the semi. I love that Finland chose this especially seen as this will stand out and be a bit of fun to break up some of the Ballard's and witchy songs.

[@florenna]

But some people will surely start to complain if Finland is "allowed" to close the semi 2 years in a row ;)

[@Oliver_S]

@@florenna fair point

[@sairhug]

I understand"Ballard's" (ballads) ... but what are "witchy songs", please?

[@Oliver_S]

@@sairhug Slovenia and Irelands entry's are Witchy songs in my personal opinion

[@MH-cj9dz]

You do The Best reaction/analysis videos Tom, love ya. I was team Sara until she sang live ... This team just blew me away and made me laugh and be happy ! He'll smash the televote , but I do fear what the juries will make of it ...

[@KK19825]

For malmö they have to get an eagle to lower the shorts and the song ending to a blue screen of death.

[@tanjanikola9489]

Blue screen of death 🤣

[@ESCTom]

Omg yes! 😆

[@sairhug]

An eagle with denim feathers, like Henri's coat!

[@donkkkong]

There’s no jokes in this entry. Plenty of entertainment and nostalgic references, that for sure makes you smile. No Rules just doesn’t care, because all that matters is you have your favorite denim shorts and you get to party!

[@cheesecube1486]

I'm so happy they won. At first I thought the song was okay but the performance completely elevated it and the song grew on me a lot because of it. Absolutely loving how Henri brings a certain kind of elegance to the performance, while W95man brings all the fun high energy. I don't get how this is a joke to some people. Just because something is fun and tounge in cheek doesn't mean it's a joke. Also the attention to detail clearly says that they care about what they're doing. My favourite entry so far.

[@ESCTom]

Yep I totally agree 👍🏻

[@HiskiHit]

Always the best analysis, cheers!

[@theymerLoviatar]

I read somewhere (and am now too lazy to check where) that the jegg (jeans egg) might be a reference to the beginning of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, where the world is either hatched from or created from the shards of a goldeneye bird's egg that had been sitting on the knee of the goddess of air.

[@ESCTom]

Yep you’re right, it is

[@sarahenchanted]

I think what we all need to remember for most songs is just because you aren't the target audience doesn't mean it's the worst song ever (sometimes there are songs that are straight up bad but still lol) or doesn't deserve praise. There were eccentric/quirky entries in the 2000s and early 10s that were WAY worse than this. No Rules isn't on the same level as Dancing Lasha Tumbai or anything for me but it's charming, it's catchy, and I had fun watching it and I can absolutely see the artistic value in it.

[@Lappali]

it's bit funny how the setup of the splitscreen was quite similar to last year's ESC. There's this very professional song that is the fan favorite with the person singing it acting like Loreen during the points giving process and then there's the more fun song that's not so liked by the jury. The only major difference is that the funny song actually won and it was due to the voting system being 75/25, which most finns wanted it to be like in ESC after last year

[@GaryWalshDublin]

I think this is a fun song. I can definitely see this qualifying and after that- who knows. I would be surprised if it won as it’s a little too out there.

[@perlaserrano1791]

I think songs like Sara's should win at the Grammy Awards. For Eurovision I want fun, dance and music for workout (not such heavy songs).

[@chiasanzes9770]

Well said.

[@jongunranta4425]

Also, one of producers is JS16. This song is nice addon to his masterpieces like Sandstorm and Rockamatöfakö (Freestyler).

[@lumivarpunen]

You did such a good job analysing the performance and the song! This is my power song on my way to work every day. Love the message and the joy.

[@Drag_on_king]

I'm going to Semifinal 1 evening preview this year (first time seeing anything ESC live. I'm really excited that this is part of it.

[@evahynonen4851]

I am a Finn. I feel you nailed it!

[@ar50000]

Also the way he punches the air towards the end is great. They are co-ordinating it, so he doesn't hit Henri, who is directly in front of him.

[@ullarajala4784]

That was a positive reaction! I for one was supporting Sara but couldn't vote due to app jamming. As a Finn I cringe a bit with the silliness of the stage show that reflects Finnish sense of silly humour and love for an underdog. Masses against the highbrow art in rebellion as with other popular comedy tropes in Finland. That said, the song is half-decent and Henri's voice very good. If the goofiness of this package sells it to the world, I am for it! Just the painful memories of the dark years of the Finnish Eurovision history have made me twitchy and to expect no success. I just hope the stage show in Malmö will be awesome to make an impact. Juries will probably hate this so it will be somewhere mid-table unless huge televote.

[@katiemacaulay6819]

In the UK we know all about these feelings how many years have we been at the bottom of the scoreboard!! This song will qualify to the final it will resonate with the televoters UK already gave 12 points from “the jury” and we have the same sense of humour. The vocals need to be on point and im sure the staging will be improved too.

[@elinahamalainen5867]

It may not be the most incredible song but maybe an incredible show!😅🤣

[@iinn8055]

Thank you Tom. I was actually crying watching your reaction. Thank you for understanding our entry and being so enthusiastic about it. Teemu and Henri are currently re-evaluating if they will be going to Eurovision or not, and I'm so afraid that we'll lose the opportunity to see this gem on the Eurovision stage, which is why I got a bit emotional. It's such a great show (saw it on the arena, the crowd went wild), it's such a great song, and both Teemu and Henri seem like such nice people and it would be great to follow their journey in Eurovision. I hope they can feel the support they have for this and I truly hope they will feel comfortable enough to make the decision to continue to represent Finland with this gem, regardless of politics and the pressure.

[@archie5753]

Imagine the grand final with Windows95man, Zorra, and We will rave So many throwback/nostalgic songs and we’re not even halfway through Tali’s “Fighter” also has early-mid 00s feel to it Marie Reim would be the another retro song of the year if Germany chooses her on Friday (unlikely but still possible) And Konstrakta’s synth melody also screams retro

[@Aquelll]

This behind the scenes compilation is great to show how much Teemu actually puts effort into the whole thing and always with a smile on his face... kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2m8p5dng7xmfKssi=cmmkqD-2wYJa45VD

[@IanSowers]

Thanks for posting!

[@Roosa612]

👍🏻👏🏻🇫🇮

[@TessuTerrier]

It was the only performance that produced genuine tears (of laughter) in my eyes 😂 I voted for Sara, but I had a feeling after this performance, that this was going to win. It just stood out so much, and made my laugh out loud, and I knew that this is excactly what a lot of finns love

[@rinjoo3]

On the surface this seems like just another chaotic funny-song on stage on first watch, but the staging actually has so many clever details (easter eggs 😄) and everything is quite well planned. And the song has important message too, "do not care about what others say about you and do what you want to do". That egg refers to the birth of the world in Finnish mythology and he is born from it in the beginning. Which is why he doesn't have pants at first and then gets them on later. We had shirtless men for two years in row so why not pantless one too. The ropes that bring down the pants are eagle-shaped (there are eagle sounds in the song). Also the dancers/the one audience person are intentionally blocking the view to his legs untill he gets the pants, and that really requires precise camera work. For me the kind of most hilarious part is after he is jumping around half-naked, then the singer almost overly perfectly smoothly walks around him and towards the camera blocking the view and singing "is there something wrong in the way i look". There are so many other details too but i probably havent even figured out all yet. For me the song is good and very catchy (and one of the best songs chosen for Eurovision so far this year), but its one of those songs that some people are just going to hate 🤣. The *cough * singing voice of Windows95man probably is the worst part for some people, but i think it is fine for this song, creates nice contrast for the smooth voice of Henri. I voted for Sara Siipola -Paskana, but she did not sing very well live so i can see why this won instead of it. This is not really Käärijä copy, its more of a big middle finger to Sweden and juries from Finland 😎.

[@Sinivalkoseepra-yz1ke]

I feel like I agree with everything that's been said in this video. ❤ Some people seem to think that because Finland did so well last year, we now should take the thing even more seriously and go for the win. Funnily enough most of those people seem to not be finnish. I am sure there are people in Finland that think like that too, but it seems to me that most of us just don't care this year. Some are still pissed because of the jury result last year, and being either rebellious or given up even trying. Some, like myself, just want to enjoy the ride this year, because last year got so intense. Last year we were really trying to win. This year not really, because being so invested got really exhausting. If there was a song that would have real undeniable winner potential, then maybe, but just didn't seem to happen this year. And that's fine. Not every country needs to be there claws out trying to be the absolute best and winning the bloodbath every year. We'll see what next year brings, but this year, let's just have fun and enjoy the show!

[@tagaway6173]

❤ 💜

[@eoghandowney537]

It is not winning the song contest. However, Finland 🇫🇮 will easily qualify for the final. It is a catchy and entertaining song.

[@user-dl5zl5ph6q]

Amazing video! Yeah no one is expecting this to win, but it was so damn hilarious what else could you do but vote haha. And tbh no one else from umk was going to win Eurovision anyway, so I'm super glad we're going with something as joyous as this!

[@ESCTom]

yep 100% there was no Euroviison winner in the lineup, so i totally get the mentality then of saying "well, whats something cool/fun to send" I dont think Sara's song in the end was strong enough to contend for a win at ESC

[@KK19825]

That's my thoughts exactly. Sara was good but not good enough to win. Windows95man on the other hand was just so much FUN. I've seen countless reaction videos where people are laughing their asses off and to me that's a win. @@ESCTom

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

For sure! Sara would have tanked with the televote.

[@florenna]

@@ESCTom "I dont think Sara's song in the end was strong enough to contend for a win at ESC" - well, IMO it actually was, and seeing online reactions to the song, I'm not the only one by far! That's one reason I was so mad when it lost to this. But loving this already now.

[@florenna]

@@TheManInBlueFlames Well that would at least have been a fun change, as we usually tank with juries 😆😆 (As I fear this also will, undeservedly.)

[@Lucian86]

Thanks

[@ESCTom]

Thank you so much Lucian 🙏🏻❤️