For the first time in Eurovision history, a Finnish group will represent Sweden at the contest. The highly anticipated Melodifestivalen saw Måns Zelmerlöw as the clear favourite to win with his song Revolution. While the juries awarded their highest points to Måns, the public vote swayed in favour of KAJ, a beloved cult group from Finland. In a shocking turn of events, KAJ emerged victorious, leaving Måns visibly disappointed.

KAJ is composed of Kevin Holmström, Axel Åhman, and Jakob Norrgård, with their band name formed from the initials of their first names. The trio was founded in 2009 in Vörå, near Vaasa, a region where 80% of the population are Finland-Swedes. Known for their distinctive use of the Vörå dialect, KAJ has built a strong following through their witty and nostalgic songs, which celebrate Finnish-Swedish culture. Their music blends Nordic folk melodies with modern pop and theatrical performances, creating a unique artistic style:

• TACO HEJ (me. GU$TA)
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Over the years, KAJ has released seven albums, written and performed two musicals at the Wasa Theatre in Finland, and even staged a massive arena show for their 10th anniversary. Now, they are set to take their music to an even bigger stage—representing Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Song:  Bara Bada Bastu
Writer(s): Anderz Wrethov, Axel Åhman, Jakob Norrgård, Kevin Holmström, Kristoffer Strandberg & Robert Skowronski
Composer(s): Anderz Wrethov, Axel Åhman, Jakob Norrgård, Kevin Holmström, Kristoffer Strandberg & Robert Skowronski
Broadcaster: SVT

On stage, KAJ brought an authentic Nordic touch by incorporating a sauna and birch branches—perfectly fitting for their song, “Bara Bada Bast”, which translates to “Just Taking a Sauna Bath” in English, but the song will be performed in Swedish, which hasn’t been the case for decades. The song celebrates the joy of unwinding in a sauna, leaving behind the stresses of the day, and embracing the ultimate remedy for both body and soul. Sauna culture is all about relaxation, camaraderie, and laughter, far more soothing than arguments.

Even ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus joined in on the fun, sharing a short video of himself singing “Bara Bada Bast” (on Instagram)  while stepping into a sauna. With such an endorsement, the song has the potential to become a hit not just in Sweden and Finland, but across Europe.