The UK is shaking things up for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2026, with boundary-pushing electronic artist Look Mum No Computer officially announced as the British entry.
Revealed by the BBC, the Kent-based creator, real name Sam Battle, is no stranger to going viral thanks to his wild, self-built instruments and genre-blending sound.
Battle first emerged on the scene in 2014 as frontman of indie rock band Zibra, even performing at Glastonbury Festival in 2015 via BBC Introducing.
Since then, he has carved out a unique solo career under the name Look Mum No Computer – building a global following of 1.4 million across social platforms.
Described as ‘an inventor of unique musical machines’, he’s created everything from organs made of Furby toys and Game Boys to synthesiser bicycles and even flame-throwing keyboards.
‘I find it completely bonkers to be jumping on this wonderful and wild journey,’ he said of landing the Eurovision gig.
‘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.’
The BBC selects the UK’s Eurovision act internally, working alongside music industry experts. Kalpna Patel-Knight, the broadcaster’s Head of Entertainment, said the choice signals a clear shift in approach.
‘His bold vision, unique sound and electric performance style make him a truly unforgettable artist,’ she said.
‘Look Mum No Computer embodies everything the UK wants to celebrate on the Eurovision stage – creativity, ambition, and a distinctly British wit.’
The song itself is still under wraps, but Scott Mills has already teased what fans can expect. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, he hinted that the track blends the energy of Basshunter’s ‘Now You’re Gone’, the swagger of Blur’s ‘Parklife’, the synth stylings of Pet Shop Boys and The Human League, with a dash of Verka Serduchka and even a touch of Sex Pistols.
In other words? Expect chaos – in the best possible way.
‘We’re going to try something different this year. Why not?’ Mills said, referencing criticism that the UK has played it too safe in recent contests.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna on 16 May, following Austria’s victory last year.
Ireland, along with Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland, has withdrawn from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in protest after the EBU confirmed Israel’s participation despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and accusations of rule violations.
RTÉ said participation was ‘unconscionable’ due to the humanitarian crisis, echoing concerns about neutrality and a perceived double standard compared to Russia’s expulsion in 2022. Taoiseach Micheál Martin supported the decision.
The withdrawals from the contest were announced late last year after an EBU meeting where it was decided that a vote on Israel’s participation wasn’t needed. Spanish broadcaster RTVE, which had led calls for a secret ballot on Israel’s inclusion, said the decision had increased its ‘distrust of the festival’s organisation’.
