EditorLOOK MUM NO COMPUTER to represent UK at Eurovision 2026 as five countries boycott contest over Israel’s inclusion
The announcement was made on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, confirming that Kent‑based performer Sam Battle will fly the flag for the UK at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May.
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER is known for his eccentric electronic inventions, viral music machines and high‑energy live shows, and has built a huge online following with more than 85 million views across his channels.
‘Completely bonkers… but an honour’
Battle, who performs as LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, said joining Eurovision felt surreal.
He said:
“I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey… getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour.”
He promised to bring “every ounce” of his creativity to the stage, teasing a performance packed with his trademark synthesizer chaos. The UK entry song will be revealed on Radio 2 in the coming weeks.
From Glastonbury to flame‑throwing keyboards
Battle first broke through as frontman of indie band ZIBRA, who played Glastonbury for BBC Introducing in 2015. Since going solo, he’s toured Europe, released multiple albums and EPs, and built a cult following for his outlandish electronic inventions — including a Furby organ, a Game Boy orchestra and a flame‑throwing keyboard.
He has also delivered a TEDx Talk, launched a video game, opened a museum of his creations and earned a Guinness World Record for building the world’s largest drone synthesizer.
BBC executives said his originality and “distinctly British wit” made him stand out during the selection process.
Five countries boycott Eurovision over Israel’s participation
This year’s contest is taking place against a backdrop of escalating political tension.
Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have all withdrawn, saying they will not compete after Israel’s participation was confirmed last week.
Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV said there was “no peace or joy connected to this contest as things stand now”, adding that Israel’s inclusion had “created disunity” among EBU members and the public.
The broadcaster said it had pushed for Israel to be excluded and raised concerns that the situation had “already damaged the contest’s reputation”.
The boycott follows months of pressure from artists, campaign groups and several broadcasters over Israel’s involvement amid the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about voting integrity.
The European Broadcasting Union has approved new measures to protect the public vote and says the contest will proceed as planned.
Vienna prepares for the 70th contest
Eurovision returns to Austria after JJ’s win for Switzerland in 2025 with Wasted Love. The Grand Final will be held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle on Saturday 16 May, with semi‑finals on 12 and 14 May.
The BBC will broadcast the contest live on BBC One, iPlayer, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
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