Organisers usually forbid the use of live instruments onstage, in an aim to ensure technical efficiency during the fast-paced act changes.Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius during a recent ESC dress rehearsal. Image: Corinne Cumming 2026Yle News7.5. 10:46The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, has made an exception to the rules so that Finnish violinist Linda Lampenius can play her instrument live during the contest.The classically trained violinist is representing Finland at ESC in Vienna this year, alongside singer Pete Parkkonen, with their entry "Liekinheitin" ("Flamethrower").While ESC is known for campy pop fun, its rules are strict. Normally, competitors are only allowed to sing, while instrumental parts are actually recordings played as a backing track.If they do end up onstage, guitarists, drummers and other instrumentalists usually end up miming their performances, while not actually playing anything. The reason for the rule is the show's fast production schedule, as it would be difficult to change the many acts' setups and ensure their instruments are all tuned and ready to go.Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen during a dress rehearsal. Image: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU However, during a test run, the veteran violinist showed that she could handle the situation, and the EBU approved the plan.The pair has also performed their Eurovision entry accompanied by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, but their stage act version of the song (at the Finnish national qualifier) was a bit more explosive.Lampenius and Parkkonen took part in their first dress rehearsal in Vienna over the weekend.According to international betting houses, Lampenius and Parkkonen's song has the best odds to win the contest.Yle will broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 on TV1 and on Yle Areena. Finland will compete in the first semi-final on 12 May, while the second semi-final will be held on 14 May. The final will be held on Saturday 16 May.