Graham Norton has once again been hailed as the highlight of the Eurovision Song Contest, with viewers praising his brutally honest commentary during the 2026 final in Vienna, Austria. The 63-year-old Irish comedian, who has been the BBC's commentator since 2009, did not hold back as he delivered a series of sharp remarks about the hosts, contestants, and even the audience reaction.
Viewers Praise Norton's 'Lethal' Remarks
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate Norton's performance, with many declaring that his sarcastic comments make Eurovision 'worth watching'. User @Sunf10wer8_ wrote, 'It's not Eurovision without Graham Norton and his sarcastic comments.' @BCtwtCarmen laughed, 'GRAHAM NORTON YOU ARE SAVAGE.' @OorRoy mocked, 'I wonder [if] the Eurovision organisers know Graham Norton spends all night slagging the contest off.' Others noted he was 'on top form from the start' (@PlatinumAl) and 'on fire' (@go_rossi46). @spitfire_bill tweeted, 'Graham Norton can't ever leave Eurovision. He is the main reason we watch it right?!'
Ruthless Digs at Hosts and Contestants
Norton began his commentary as Denmark opened the show with Soren Torpegaard Lund performing 'For Vi Gar Hjem', immediately referencing the team's 'ill-advised mesh tops'. He then turned his attention to the presenters, Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. 'Presenting Eurovision may not seem like rocket science, but wait 'til you see these two. You will see more of them tonight than you may want to,' he quipped. He mocked their outfits, saying Swarovski looked like 'the heir to a jewellery fortune' while Ostrowski 'looks like he's ready to make balloon animals'. Noting Swarovski's jewels worth £4.5million, he added, 'It may not look like it, but that's what I heard…' Later, during a break, he said, 'Now, unfortunately, we return to the hosts,' and slammed their lack of chemistry, describing Ostrowski as an 'experienced comedian' but admitting, 'It's him and her. They just do not click. Whatever the opposite of chemistry is, that's what it is – woodwork.'
Reaction to Israel's Performance
Viewers also noticed Norton's hesitation when introducing Israel's entry, given the controversy surrounding its participation. Several countries boycotted the contest after Israel was allowed to compete, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia, and Spain (part of the Big Five). Introducing Israeli singer Noam Bettan with his track 'Michelle', Norton praised the 'clever staging' and said he 'performs very well'. As the crowd appeared to cheer, Norton stuttered, 'Slightly mixed response in the hall. I'm not quite sure what we're hearing.' Protests in solidarity with Palestine were held outside the venue.
UK's Act and Norton's Travel Plans
The United Kingdom is represented by Sam Battle, performing as Look Mum No Computer, with the song 'Eins, Zwei, Drei'. His performance featured a pink boiler suit, fluffy headwear, a synthesiser, and a cardboard box, but fans back home have not been impressed. Regardless of the result, Norton has no plans to share a flight with the UK act. Speaking to The Guardian, he said, 'The big thing I have learned is to find out what plane the UK act is getting home – and to be on a different one. It's a long time to spend with someone who's probably not very happy. There's only so many positives you can think up to say – and you've probably said them all before you've even checked in.'
