UK Selects YouTuber and Electronic Artist Look Mum No Computer for Eurovision 2026
The United Kingdom has announced its entrant for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest: YouTuber and electronic artist Look Mum No Computer. Real name Sam Battle, the self-described "massive Eurovision fan" is a performer and composer who launched his YouTube channel in 2016. He is renowned for constructing and playing distinctive electronic instruments, such as an organ crafted from Furbies and Game Boys, flame-throwing keyboards, and a Star Wars droid orchestra.
Artist's Enthusiasm and Creative Vision
"I hope Eurovision is ready to get synthesised!" Battle exclaimed upon the revelation of his entry. "I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey. I have always been a massive Eurovision fan, and I love the magical joy it brings to millions of people every year, so getting to join that legacy and fly the flag for the UK is an absolute honour that I am taking very seriously."
He added, "I've been working a long-time creating, writing, and producing my own visions from scratch, and documenting my process. I will be bringing every ounce of my creativity to my performances, and I can't wait for everyone to hear and see what we've created." The BBC, which broadcasts Eurovision in the UK, stated that details of the UK song will be unveiled in the coming weeks, with this year's ceremony scheduled for May in Vienna, Austria.
BBC's Endorsement and Broader Context
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, praised Look Mum No Computer, saying he embodies "everything the UK wants to celebrate on the Eurovision stage - creativity, ambition, and a distinctly British wit." This announcement occurs against a backdrop of controversy surrounding the 2026 contest. Last year, several countries, including Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, withdrew from Eurovision 2026 over Israel's participation, following a vote on new rules introduced in November after claims of Israeli government "interference" in the previous year's event.
Israeli national broadcaster KAN labeled attempts to exclude them as a "cultural boycott," and President Isaac Herzog affirmed on social media, "Israel deserves to be represented on every stage around the world, a cause to which I am fully and actively committed." Additionally, this year marks Eurovision's 70th anniversary, but a planned live tour featuring acts from past decades was cancelled last week due to "unforeseen challenges," with contest director Martin Green promising a relaunch when a world-class experience can be ensured.
