Katri Helena: From saint to cougar?

Katri Helena has been the most beloved Finnish female singer for decades, the voice of "blue and white". Polished image, ladylike manner, mother and sweet, the opposite of Paula Koivuniemi, dark lady with husky voice, sexy look and adventurous lovelife. But now something's changed: in 2010 she changed her record label for the first time since 1960's joining Hype Records, a label full of young rock artists run by Tommi Liimatainen, big brother of Negative's lead singer Jonne. By the end of the year the rumours started they're having an affair, he's 32 years her junior!

Now this week she gave out a press release Liimatainen is also her new manager, a fact she apparently forgot to tell Lilja Kainulainen, her manager and friend for over 20 years.Scandal!

A few facts about Katri Helena: She has been singing for 48 years professionally, sold over 1,5 million albums in Finland; awarded 14 gold discs, 3 platinum and one multiplatinum. In 2007 she was granted Pro Finlandia medal. She has represanted Finland twice in Eurovision; in 1979 with Katson sineen taivaan and in 1993 with Tule luo. She also did Rostock in 1965 and Sopot 1969.

She married young but that ended soon in a divorce. Then she married with Timo Kalaoja, had three children and was widowed suddenly in 1988. She married writer Panu Rajala in 1997 and divorced 2004. Her son Juha died in 2009 at the age of 33. Finns are a bit confused about the sudden change of things, and press is fast to note Liimatainen is younger than any of her children.

Her latest album Tulet aina olemaan was released in November 2009 and dedicated to her late son. It sold gold in no time and included this Carola cover. She is to release a new album in late 2011. Is she going rock?

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Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

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