The first semi-final of the Next Stage showcase event features performances by the following acts:

Dreamilla

Onerva Kaijala

Phondo

Rina Januzi

Säilä

In the semi-finals, each performer performs three songs, after which they receive a verbal feedback from the professional jury. Jury members at the first semi-final are Heikki Puhakainen (Head of A&R, Kaiku Entertainment) and Katja Vauhkonen (Artist Manager, Backbone Management & COO, IndieCo ry). The event is moderated by journalist and DJ Renaz Ebrahimi.

The timetable of the evening will be spesified later.

Next Stage – new music showcase event is aimed for musicians and artists aged 18-26, organised by Espoo's Cultural Venues and Services in spring 2026. The aim of the event is to support young artists' in their career and bring forth new talents who have yet to make their breakthrough. Read more about the event: espoo.fi/en/nextstage.