Developmentally retarded musicians to represent Finland in Eurovision 2015

A punk music band of four men who have been retarded in development and faced learning problems when young will represent Finland in the Eurovision Song contest in Vienna in May.

In the final vote by Finnish television viewers and selected panels, the group "Pertti Kurikan Nimipaivat" gained a 37 percent backing on Sunday.

Analysing the result, Kjell Ekholm, a music journalist from Finnish national broadcaster Yle, said the victory of the group reflected that people are tired of "normal Eurovision songs".

Ekholm acknowledged that appearance in front of huge audience will be stressful for anyone and particularly for a group of men who have been challenged with developmental problems when growing up.

"It is important that background assistance will work," Ekholm said.

Band members said they have experience of performing and traveling internationally.

The Eurovision Song contest is a major international television event. In this year 40 countries are participating, among them for the first time Australia, upon invitation by the organizers.

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the contest. The Finnish entry is believed to be the first punk style performance in the history of the Eurovision contest. Endit