Novia Master’s Programme Students Featured in Eurovision Selections in Two Countries
Two students from the Master’s Degree Programme in Creative Music Production at Novia University of Applied Sciences are making headlines as songwriters in the national selections for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in two countries: Finland and Latvia.
A song included in Latvia’s national Eurovision selection, Supernova, has been co‑written by Novia student Gilbert Gauci. The song “Oh My My”, performed by Latvian artist Agnese Stengrevics, has been selected for the competition's semifinals.
This is Gilbert’s first time participating in a Eurovision context as a songwriter, something he describes as a major step in his international career. In addition, Gilbert has achieved several international placements for his music, including in the long‑running American TV series The Young and the Restless, as well as in Lidl Finland’s national campaign.
The semifinals in Latvia’s selection will be held on 31 January and 7 February. Five artists from each semifinal will advance to the final on 14 February.
In Finland, Novia student Heidi Paalanen is in the spotlight as the songwriter of Antti Paalanen’s entry “Takatukka” in the Finnish selection Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK). Heidi is already an established and experienced songwriter with an extensive track record. She has written songs for artists such as Jannika B, Robin, Jesse Kaikuranta, Diandra, Antti Tuisku, and Suvi Teräsniska.
UMK will be decided on 28 February.
That students from Novia’s master’s programme are now participating as songwriters in Eurovision selections in two countries demonstrates both the programme’s international reach and the professional level at which Novia’s students operate during their studies.
“It is fantastic to see our students working at this international level. It shows how closely connected education, the industry, and real‑world practice are within our master’s programme,” says Head of Degree Programme Mats Granfors.
For more information, contact:
Novia University of Applied Sciences, Senior Lecturer in Music Mats Granfors, mats.granfors@novia.fi, +358 50 472 5929
Also read:
Article in Malta Daily about Gilbert Gauci.
Yle’s presentation of this year’s UMK participants.