Today, the sad news came to us that Finnish singer Laila Halme passed away. Laila Halme, born Laila Soppi in the Finnish town of Jääski, was a Finnish singer and actress. She began her career in the 1950, singing in several orchestras. Her first single “Kaunis rakkaus” was released in 1959. In 1960, she released several singles and EP’s at the Philips label. In 1961 she debuted as an actress in two films: “Penkki” and “Tähtisumua”.
In 1963, she participated in Euroviisut, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Olen mikä olen”. She became 3rd, while the song “Muistojeni laulu” won and Irmeli Mäkelä was chosen to sing it in the Eurovision Song Contest. However, Finnish broadcaster YLE decided to let Laila Halme sing it in the international final. She did not receive any point at all. A year later, Laila Halme represented Finland in the festival of Sopot in Poland. She released a couple of singles but left showbusiness in 1967. We only saw her back in 1987, when she hosted Euroviisut. Her son Jussi Halme is also a singer, he took part in Euroviisut in 1990.
Laila Halme was 87 years old.
Vienna 12 points: Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026: watch the opening show live
📷 EBU The Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 opens Eurovision week in Vienna on Sunday 10 May. All 35 delegations will attend the event. You will see the artists together before the live shows begin. The Turquoise Carpet is one of the biggest moments before the Eurovision Song Contest. It gives each act a chance to meet the press, greet you and show their style. The event also marks the official start of the contest week. Where does the Turquoise Carpet take place? This year, the artists will walk from the Burgtheater to Vienna City Hall. Austria will appear last as the host country. Each delegation will receive a musical welcome. The event will also include a special Austrian moment. JJ, who brought Eurovision back to Austria, will perform “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra. Where can you watch the Eurovision Turquoise Carpet? You can watch the Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 live on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel. ORF 1 will also broadcast the event in Austria. The live stream starts at 17:00 CEST. That is 16:00 CET. Why should you watch? The Turquoise Carpet gives you a first look at the artists outside the rehearsal setting. It also brings all countries together in one place. That makes it a key moment for Eurovision fans. Expect interviews, fashion, music and many familiar Eurovision faces. The event will set the tone for a busy week in Vienna. The Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 takes place on Sunday 10 May. Watch it live from 17:00 CEST, or 16:00 CET, on the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Fact check: Eurovision confirms the YouTube stream, the 17:00 CEST start time, all 35 delegations, the Burgtheater-to-City Hall route and the ORF 1 broadcast.
