A New Crown for the New Miss Finland Elected by Televoting

As the Miss Finland Season of 2009 approaches, Miss Suomi blog opens an English section, containing information on main events.

A press conference regarding Miss Finland 2009 Contest was held on Tuesday, February 3rd at Grand Casino Helsinki, where the new Miss Finland will be crowned on March 1st. Two substantial departures from the last year's contest were announced.

Although the historic Miss Finland crown that was stolen late last year was found just in time for the 2009 pageant, the next titleholder will carry a new crown. The new, custom made crown was donated by Aseman Kello and introduced by Miss Finland 2007 Noora Hautakangas and the current Miss Finland Satu Tuomisto. The crown's design is by Erkki Kallioniemi and Master Goldsmith Raimo Nieminen, who executed the design in silver, gold and various gemstones, including three diamonds. The crown also has a removable central pendent the winner will get to keep as a token of her victory.

It was also announced that the Miss Finland winner will be, for the first time, chosen by the popular televote rather than by a jury. Televoting has influenced the scores given to contestants for several editions, but now the power to choose the new queen has been given entirely to the public. Jury will, however, be used to determine the runners-up.

The 10 finalists running for the Miss Finland title will be chosen and introduced to the public on Friday, February 13th. Stay online for photos, interviews and commentary provided by Miss Finland Bloggers !