Changes Required for Sauna Setup Ahead of Eurovision

The Finland-Swedish comedy group KAJ is facing modifications to their performance ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest due to competition regulations. According to reports from Finnish broadcasting service Svenska Yle, the group must adapt their stage presentation to comply with the event's rules.

During their initial performance in the Melodifestivalen, KAJ featured four dancers and a background vocalist. However, with Eurovision's stipulation that only six individuals can be present on stage, the group will have to make adjustments. One dancer and the background singer will not participate in the televised event.

Jakob Norrgård, a member of KAJ, explained that they have three dancers who are also capable singers. To maintain the energy of their performance, these dancers will take on vocal responsibilities during the chorus while performing their dance routines.

In addition to the changes in personnel, the sauna prop that is integral to their act will also undergo significant alterations. The construction must be simplified, as no stage technicians are permitted to assist during the performance. As a result, the dancers themselves will be responsible for setting up the sauna on stage.

There are also concerns regarding the use of fresh fir trees, which were a part of the original design. Norrgård noted that the trees tend to shed needles excessively and expressed uncertainty about sourcing fresh firs in Switzerland, where the contest will take place in May.

KAJ is set to compete in the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 13, where they have been assigned the sixth performance slot.